Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
Get the legal support you need when the driver responsible for the accident leaves the scene
When the driver responsible for a crash leaves without stopping, you’re often left facing confusion and frustration on top of any injuries. Instead of clear answers, you might find yourself dealing with complex procedures and calls from your own insurance company.
By working with our team, you get legal advice and a partner who will track down answers and explain every aspect of your case. We're by your side, every step of the way.
If you have any questions or want to get started, contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Quick Questions
- What is considered a hit-and-run accident under Nevada law?
- When and how to report a hit-and-run accident in Nevada
- Why work with Claggett & Sykes after a hit-and-run?
- Compensation options when the driver is unknown
- How police investigate hit-and-run accidents
- How a Nevada hit-and-run accident lawyer can help
- Local legal help right here when you need it
In Nevada, a hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver is involved in a crash and then leaves the scene without following the required steps. According to the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484E, every driver has a clear duty if they’re in any kind of accident. They must stop, render reasonable aid, and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number, and show their driver’s license when required.
If a driver involved in an accident fails to do this, the penalties can be significant. If it’s only damage to vehicles or property and no one is injured, leaving the scene is a misdemeanor. That can mean facing up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. But if someone is hurt or loses their life in the collision, a hit-and-run can result in a felony charge, with possible prison time anywhere between 2 and 20 years.
Additionally, if the driver is found, the victims or their family members can file a civil lawsuit against them to try to recover damages.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run in Nevada, the first step is to call 911 immediately, especially if anyone is hurt, there’s a fatality, or the property damage is likely over $750. This connects you to law enforcement, who can begin investigating, document your side of the story, and send emergency help if needed. Nevada law requires reports to be made to the police immediately and to the DMV within 10 days.
Why your report matters for insurance and legal protection
Your insurance company will often deny or reduce claims involving a hit-and-run if there is no police report supporting your side of the story. While police reports may not be required as part of your insurance claim or a lawsuit, it's a good way to have an objective account of what happened to you and your property.
What happens if you don’t report the accident?
Failing to contact the police or to notify the DMV (when property damage exceeds $750) can cause significant problems. Delays or missing reports might result in a suspended driver’s license or trouble with your own insurer.
In cases involving injury, if you leave the scene and don’t report the accident, it can lead to felony charges of leaving the scene. Taking action quickly protects you and your access to the support you need.
Getting hit by a driver who flees the scene is stressful and unfair, but you don’t have to figure this out alone. At Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers, our team is here to support clients 24/7. We have the experience and focus your case deserves, and here’s why so many people choose us in these moments:
- We routinely serve clients all hours of the day, every day of the week, which means you can reach us whenever you need support.
- Attorney Sean Claggett has a top 10.0 Avvo rating and is recognized across Nevada for his skill, including being honored as Trial Lawyer of the Year.
- More than one attorney works on every lawsuit to make sure your case gets the attention and strategy it deserves
If we take your case, we’ll work to pursue the best available outcome based on the facts and the law.
Not knowing who caused a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating, but an unidentified driver does not necessarily mean you are without compensation options.
Using uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is a part of many Nevada auto insurance policies that can protect you if a hit-and-run driver can’t be located. When a driver leaves the scene and remains unknown, your own insurance company may treat the situation like any other accident with an uninsured driver. UM insurance can help with:
- Medical bills you’ve accrued for accident-related injuries
- Ongoing treatment costs for rehabilitation or recovery
- Reimbursement for lost wages if you’re out of work because of the accident
Every insurance policy is different, so make sure you understand your coverage so you know what to expect.
Other potential coverage sources
Ask your insurance company and your lawyer about other possible benefits. Besides UM, you may also use:
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay): Pays medical expenses for you and any passengers, no matter who caused the accident.
- Collision coverage: Repairs or replaces your own vehicle, even if the at-fault driver can’t be found.
- Health insurance: Can be used for immediate medical care not handled by your auto policy.
A skilled personal injury law firm can also coordinate with the police to try to locate the driver. If the police do eventually find the hit-and-run driver, you might be able to pursue an insurance claim or file a civil lawsuit against them.
When law enforcement starts looking for a hit-and-run driver, they move quickly to collect the right information. This might include:
Gathering footage and talking to witnesses
One of the first steps the police will take is to look for video footage of the accident. This might come from traffic cameras, dash cam footage, surveillance cameras from nearby stores, doorbell cameras from houses, or even cell phone footage. They also try to locate and speak with witnesses who may have seen the accident so they can ask about the vehicle and the driver.
Examining vehicle debris and paint evidence
Officers trained in crash investigation inspect pieces left at the scene, such as broken taillights, broken side mirrors, or other vehicle parts. Sometimes, paint scrapes from the vehicle can indicate the car's color or type, helping narrow their search.
Checking for license plates and running database searches
If anyone caught even a part of a license plate, or if area cameras recorded the scene, police can sometimes use partial numbers to search license plate databases. They may also run plate readers on parked or passing vehicles over the next few days to try to find a match and locate the vehicle.
Ultimately, the sooner police examine the scene and secure potential leads, the better the chances are of catching the responsible driver.
If you’re dealing with a hit-and-run accident, it can be overwhelming - it’s more complicated than just a typical insurance claim. Fortunately, experienced lawyers are available to help. Here’s how:
Finding all possible sources of compensation
Lawyers are trained to research every option at your disposal to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. They review every avenue to ensure none of your potential compensation is overlooked.
Handling difficult insurance communications
Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with and may try to deny your claim. Your legal team will do all the talking for you so that you aren’t pressured into taking less compensation than you truly deserve, or so you don’t end up with nothing at all.
Securing evidence before it’s gone
Evidence is sometimes cleaned up, and video footage may be deleted soon after a car accident. An experienced lawyer can arrange for the preservation of security footage and ensure photographs are taken of the scene before it's cleaned up.
Working with the right attorney means having someone by your side who supports you and fights for your rights. This can reduce confusion and pressure, allowing you to focus on recovery.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are local attorneys who are available and willing to help you. At Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers, we offer direct support to victims and make it easy to visit one of our nearby offices.
Las Vegas Location: 4101 Meadows Lane, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89107
Reno Location: 100 N Sierra St., Suite 220, Reno, NV 89501
Book your free consultation with our hit-and-run accident lawyers
The losses you experience after a hit-and-run accident go far beyond the immediate scene of the crash. Medical bills pile up, and it may feel like there’s no one to hold accountable. With our team guiding you, you won't have to figure this out alone. We handle the investigation and manage your case so that you can stop worrying about every detail and start giving yourself time to recover. If you need help, our team is always available. You can call us or use the contact form on our website to schedule your free consultation.