Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Las Vegas
When you’re involved in a car accident, especially with a hit-and-run driver, the situation can quickly become overwhelming. Imagine you’re at a car accident scene in Las Vegas, feeling confused and unsure of what to do next. This is why a Las Vegas hit-and-run accident attorney can help you.
These specialized lawyers are experienced in handling the unique challenges of hit-and-run cases. A hit-and-run lawyer isn’t just any attorney. They are your ally in resolving your case and putting your best interest first.
Temple Injury Law is a Las Vegas law firm that advocates for car accident victims and offers assistance with personal injury cases. From the initial investigation to negotiating with insurance companies, a Las Vegas hit-and-run accident lawyer like Temple Injury Law is your ally in seeking justice and support through this difficult time.
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
It’s natural to feel adrenaline and panic after a hit-and-run incident. But remember, staying calm and following these crucial steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Call 911: Report the accident and seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Injuries can worsen over time or be more severe than they initially appear.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and keep a record of your medical treatment.
- File a police report: Provide as much information as possible, including the make, model, color, and license plate number of the other vehicle.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company but avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney.
- Contact an attorney: Seeking legal counsel from a skilled hit-and-run accident attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How Can a Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Lawyer Help?
A skilled hit-and-run accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance by:
- Investigating the accident: Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver.
- Evaluating damages: Assessing the full extent of your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
- Filing a lawsuit: If negotiations fail, your attorney will file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
- Navigating the legal process: A hit-and-run accident attorney will guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options at every stage.
Nevada Laws on Hit and Run Accidents
Nevada’s laws on hit-and-run accidents are specific and primarily based on the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Understanding these laws is essential for drivers within the state, as they outline the legal obligations and consequences when involved in an accident.
1. Duty to Stop at the Scene of the Accident (NRS 484E.010)
For Accidents Involving Bodily Injury or Death: The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person must immediately stop the car at the scene or as close as possible. They must then return to and remain at the accident scene until they have fulfilled the requirements of NRS 484E.030.
2. Duty to Provide Information and Render Aid (NRS 484E.030)
Based on NRS 484E.030, after stopping, the driver must provide the name, address, and registration number of the vehicle they are driving and, upon request, exhibit their driver’s license to the person struck, or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with.
The driver must also render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, including making arrangements for or transporting them to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or the injured person requests it.
3. Duty upon Striking Unattended Vehicle or Property (NRS 484E.040)
According to NRS 484E.040, if a driver collides with and causes damage to an unattended vehicle or other property, they must immediately stop and locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the vehicle or property of their name and address and the registration number of the vehicle they are driving. If the owner cannot be found, the driver should leave a note in a noticeable place at the accident scene with their name, address, and a statement of the circumstances of the accident.
4. Penalties for Hit and Run
- For Accidents Involving Injury or Death: Failing to stop and comply with the requirements under NRS 484E.010 and 484E.030 is a felony and may result in imprisonment, a fine, or both, in addition to administrative penalties such as driver’s license suspension or revocation.
- For Accidents Involving Property Damage Only: It is generally treated as a misdemeanor. However, penalties can still include fines, imprisonment in county jail, and driver’s license suspension.
How Long Do I Have To File a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit in Nevada?
Figuring out the legal steps after a hit-and-run accident in Nevada can be confusing. According to the statute of limitations in Nevada, the clock starts ticking from the accident date, and you usually have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, certain circumstances may extend or shorten this window. This emphasizes the importance of consulting a seasoned hit-and-run accident attorney as soon as possible.
Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Happen?
Understanding why drivers leave the scene after an accident can help us determine their thoughts. Some of the reasons may include:
- Fear of consequences: The at-fault driver may fear legal or financial results.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorists: Drivers lacking adequate insurance may flee to avoid liability.
- Intoxicated or impaired drivers: Those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may flee to avoid arrest.
- No valid driver’s license: Unlicensed drivers often leave the scene to avoid penalties.
- Criminal activity: Drivers involved in illegal activities may flee to avoid detection.
Remember, no reason justifies fleeing an accident scene. In Nevada, it’s a severe crime met with strict penalties.
Most Common Types of Hit and Run Accidents in Las Vegas
The hustle and bustle of Las Vegas also increases the risk of hit-and-run accidents. The following are some of the most common scenarios:
- Rear-end collisions: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle hits another from behind. In a hit-and-run, the offender typically speeds off, leaving the victim behind. Whiplash, back injuries, and even concussions can result from the sudden impact.
- Side-swipe accidents: Accidents usually occur on multi-lane roads or in crowded parking lots. An inattentive or reckless driver may clip the side of your car and then disappear into the traffic, leaving you to deal with vehicle damage and potential injuries.
- Pedestrian accidents: Hit-and-run accidents involving walkers are common in pedestrian-heavy areas of Las Vegas. It’s not uncommon for the guilty driver to flee the scene of an accident due to panic. Pedestrians can suffer severe injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.
- Bicycle accidents: Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. A negligent driver might collide with a cyclist and then take off to evade responsibility. Such accidents often lead to severe physical harm for cyclists, ranging from road rash and fractures to spinal injuries.
- Parking lot accidents: A quiet parking lot can become a crime scene when a driver hits a parked car or a pedestrian and leaves without providing contact information. The consequences can vary from vehicle damage to serious pedestrian injuries.
Any hit-and-run accident has the potential to result in serious injuries, significant property damage, and lasting emotional trauma for the victims. If you are in such a situation, remember you have legal rights and options.
Understanding Your Compensation Options in a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you might be concerned about how to obtain compensation for your injuries. A skilled hit-and-run lawyer from Temple Injury Law in Las Vegas can clarify the process for seeking compensation and assist you in optimizing your potential financial recovery. Here are some of the claims that hit-and-run accident victims may receive:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Should the driver at fault remain unidentified or be uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage could step in to cover your medical bills, lost income, and even the distress you’ve endured. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys can interpret the fine print of your policy and guide you through the claims process.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): There may be situations where the driver responsible doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to handle your losses. This is where your underinsured motorist coverage comes in – it helps bridge that gap. Our team can help ascertain whether UIM benefits apply to your case, and we will fight to make sure you receive every penny you’re entitled to.
- Crime Victim Compensation Fund: There’s also the Crime Victim Compensation Fund of Nevada, designed to offer financial support to victims of hit-and-run accidents. This fund doesn’t just cover medical expenses and lost wages, but also counseling services and other crime-related costs. Our experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you navigate this option, ensuring you make the most of every available avenue to recovery.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Las Vegas
At Temple Injury Law, our dedicated team of Las Vegas hit-and-run accident attorneys understands the emotional and financial burden that victims face. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Las Vegas, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today. Our experienced hit-and-run lawyers are ready to help you with the legal process and obtain the justice you deserve.