How to Report a Hit-and-Run in Nevada

Hit-and-run accidents can be extremely frustrating. When one driver crashes into you but flees the scene, you could be left with injuries and damage to your vehicle with no one to hold accountable. While it’s possible the hit-and-run driver can be found later and face criminal charges, you will need to still report the accident.

Depending on the severity of the accident and whether you were able to get information about the other driver’s vehicle before they took off, police may or may not arrive on scene to do a report. You may need to fill one out online yourself. You will still need to report the accident to your insurance company, as they will cover your expenses up to your coverage limit.

What Is a Hit-and-Run?

A hit-and-run accident is when a motor vehicle hits another car, person, or object and drives away without performing any of the duties that are imposed by law upon Nevada drivers. In and immediately following a car crash, Nevada law places a duty upon drivers to:

• Stop at the scene of a crash
• Exchange information
• Eender aid and/or arrange for medical care if needed
• Immediately report the accident to the police

If, however, a driver chooses to ignore these duties and drive away, they have participated in a hit-and-run.

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Nevada Hit-and-Run Laws

A hit-and-run can be a misdemeanor or a felony in Nevada, depending on the situation and the severity of the injuries and damages. If no one is injured in the hit-and-run, it is a misdemeanor. If there is an injury or death because of the hit-and-run, it is a felony.

The duties a person owes once they are involved in a crash with any vehicle or property varies depending on the circumstances and the damages caused, and Nevada’s hit-and-run laws are divided into three categories:

Hit-and-Run Causing Death or Bodily Injury

NRS § 484E.010: In a crash that results in death or bodily injury, the driver must stop, exchange information, render aid, and report the accident to the police. If one instead participates in a hit-and-run, it is a category B felony, which can hold a hefty fine and a prison term ranging from two years to 20 years.

Hit-and-Run Causing Vehicle or Property Damage

NRS § 484E.020: In a crash involving damage to vehicle or property, the driver must stop, move the vehicle to a safe location if possible, then exchange information and report the accident to the police. If a person instead participates in a hit-and-run, it is a misdemeanor, which may include a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in prison.

Unattended Vehicle or Property Hit-and-Run

NRS § 484E.040: In a crash involving damage to an unattended vehicle or property, the driver must stop, immediately locate and notify the owner of the vehicle or property of the driver’s contact information (e.g., attaching a written note under their windshield wipers), and report the accident to the police.

If a person instead participates in a hit-and-run, it is a misdemeanor, which may include a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in prison.

Reporting a Hit-and-Run

If the police arrive at the crash scene and file an accident report themselves, you do not have to file an additional report. However, if the police are not present at the crash, then you have 10 days from the date of the crash to file a Traffic Crash Report.

Although you might not be present when the hit-and-run occurs, it is important to let the police know as soon as possible. There might be context clues around the scene, such as witnesses, debris from the driver’s car, or a nearby surveillance camera that caught the act.

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Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Contacting a personal injury lawyer after the accident is crucial as well because Nevada car accident victims may file personal injury lawsuits against the hit-and-run driver. In fact, your injury and damages may increase because of the hit-and-run if, for example, your injuries were made worse because it took longer for you to acquire medical care.

The experienced accident attorneys at Van Law Firm want to get you the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run. Give us a call or contact us online for a free consultation today!