How to Protect Yourself Legally After a Hit-and-Run in Nevada

Understanding Hit-and-Run Crash Legal Help

After a hit-and-run crash, you may feel shellshocked. The trauma of being struck by a motorist who does not stop to take responsibility, combined with the injuries and property loss you may have suffered, can feel devastating. Understanding your legal rights after such an accident is important, because being proactive in the aftermath can make a significant impact on the outcome of your situation. As an accident victim, you may not understand the ins and outs of dealing with a hit-and-run driver, which is why it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced attorney, who can help you navigate this unfamiliar territory and get the compensation you deserve.

Nevada Hit-and-Run Accident Steps

Under Nevada law, a hit-and-run accident is taken very seriously. Any driver in an accident that leads to injury, property damage, or death is legally obligated to remain at the scene, provide identification, and offer assistance if it is needed. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you must report the accident, so that the offending driver can face the penalties of this crime, and you can be fairly compensated. The penalties vary, depending on the severity of the accident, and while an accident that causes only property damage may be a misdemeanor, a hit-and-run accident that causes injury or death could be considered a felony. Here are the steps you should take, as a hit-and-run accident victim, once you have moved to a secure place where you will be safe:

• Call 911: As noted, reporting this accident is required under the law. Give the dispatcher as much information as you can, including a description of the car and driver, the direction the car was traveling, and make and model if you know it. The more details you can provide, the more likely it is that the police will be able to catch the driver who fled the scene.
• Gather Evidence: Take pictures of everything, including the scene, your car, any damages, and so on. Make a note of the time, exact location, and weather conditions, as well as any other information you think may be relevant. Gather statements and contact information from eye witnesses, because their statements can be helpful when filing the police report and pursuing a settlement.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if you do not think you have been injured, see a doctor. Car accident injuries are not always immediately obvious, and having a professional medical evaluation gives you important documentation to support future claims.
• File s Police Report: When the police arrive on the scene, give them a detailed account of the incident, with all the information you have gathered. Make sure the police give you a copy of the report, and keep this for your records. The police report will be necessary for insurance claims and any subsequent legal actions. If, for some reason, the police do not come to the scene, file a report at the nearest police station.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and thorough, giving them all of the documentation you have gathered, including the police report. In many cases, insurance will cover the damages under Uninsured Motorist coverage.

Gathering Witness Evidence for Hit-and-Run Crashes

Do not underestimate the importance of eyewitness evidence in a hit-and-run accident. While you, as the person involved in the accident, may miss some crucial details because of shock and trauma, eyewitnesses will have a more objective view of the crash. Witnesses may be able to provide the license plate number, details about the vehicle, and a better description of the driver than you were able to observe during the accident. Be careful to get detailed contact information from the witnesses, so that your legal team can contact them later.

Obtain Video Evidence

Video evidence can be crucial to any accident but even more so for hit-and-run accidents. Video footage could be obtained from dashcam of other drivers or from nearby businesses. Securing these recordings immediately or as soon as possible is important, as most recording devices will overwrite old recordings if not saved. Private parties, however, are not required to give you those video recordings. Thus, it is important to seek help from an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney. Sometimes, the attorney will have to obtain a subpoena to secure video footage; at the least, the attorney will notify the owners of the video to save all applicable footages. There are also traffic cameras in some locations in Las Vegas, and the footages may be available from a third-party company for a fee.

Locating the Hit-and-Run Driver

Obtaining the license plate of the hit and run driver is important, as this may be the only means to locate that driver. A partial plate could help, along with information as to the make, model, and color of the hit and run driver’s car. Once these information have been obtained, an experienced car accident attorney will hire an investigator or contact the Nevada DMV to identify and locate the driver.

What if the Hit-and-Run Driver Can’t Be Located?

Sadly, sometimes the hit-and-run driver can’t be located or there is not enough information to locate that driver. In that event, an injured victim may be able to look to their own insurance company for compensation for their injuries if they have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Other times, the hit and run driver is located but did not have insurance coverage at the time of the accident. In that case, UM coverage will also apply.

Seeking Hit-and-Run Compensation

If you have been the victim in a hit-and-run accident, you have the right to seek justice. Partnering with an experienced attorney can help you get the best possible outcome from your case. What kind of compensation can you claim?

• Medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages, including not only the work you have missed because of the accident and future lost income from long-term injuries. To claim lost wages, you will need to provide statements from your employer.
• Property damage, which will require repair estimates and receipts. You can also be compensated for expenses like rental car costs during car repairs.
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.
• Future expenses, including ongoing medical treatments, therapy, and modifications to your home or vehicle.

Filing Claims for Hit-and-Run in Nevada

Some victims of hit-and-run accidents are concerned that filing an insurance claim will result in increased insurance premiums. In most cases, however, an accident that is not your fault should not cause you to be penalized. Talk to your insurance company, providing evidence and information, to learn the details of your policy. One of the benefits of hiring an accident attorney is that your lawyer will be able to handle interactions with the insurance company, and help you get the best possible settlement.

Carvalho & Associates Can Help with Filing Claims for Hit-and-Run in Nevada

If you have been injured in a hit and run accident and are ready to file a claim, Carvalho & Associates Attorneys at Law can help. We are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes when someone else is at fault for their accident or injury. Offering world-class excellence in legal representation, we provide expert legal support so that you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is representing your best interests. Our attorneys work tirelessly to develop a compelling case that secures your financial future, while also showing you compassion, courage, and the determination to hold the at-fault party legally responsible. When you need expert legal counsel, call or contact us through our website.