When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Las Vegas

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, or property and leaves the scene without providing their contact or insurance information. It’s a serious offense in Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada. In these accidents, the at-fault driver is often trying to avoid responsibility, but the consequences for them can be severe.

Common Scenarios Involving Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can happen in many ways. Here are a few common scenarios:

• Driver hitting a parked car: The at-fault driver may accidentally hit a parked vehicle and drive off.
• Pedestrian accidents: A driver hits a pedestrian and flees the scene to avoid legal consequences.
• Collisions at intersections: A car runs a red light or fails to yield, causing a crash, and then drives away.
• Bicyclist accidents: A motorist strikes a bicyclist and leaves without stopping to offer help or exchange information.

In any of these cases, the victim is left to deal with the aftermath, and it can feel overwhelming when the responsible party isn’t around to hold accountable.

Legal Implications of a Hit-and-Run Accident

Criminal Consequences for the At-Fault Driver

In Nevada, hit-and-run accidents are considered criminal offenses. If the driver is caught, they can face severe criminal penalties, including:

• Fines
• License suspension
• Jail time

The severity of the punishment often depends on the extent of the damage caused by the accident, such as injuries or fatalities. If the driver’s actions lead to someone getting hurt, they could face felony charges, which carry much harsher consequences.

Civil Liabilities and the Victim’s Rights

Even though the at-fault driver might not be immediately found, victims of hit-and-run accidents still have the right to seek compensation. This is where civil liability comes into play. As a victim, you can pursue damages for:

• Medical bills: This includes immediate treatment and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages: If you can’t work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional distress or physical pain resulting from the accident can also be compensated.

If the responsible driver is found, they can be held financially accountable. If not, your own insurance or uninsured motorist coverage might step in to help.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, collecting evidence is crucial. Even though the driver fled, there are still ways to strengthen your case. Here’s what you can do:

• Take photos: Capture images of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. This can help later when dealing with insurance companies.
• Look for witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact details. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
• Note the vehicle’s details: Try to remember key details about the car that hit you—like the make, model, color, or any part of the license plate you might have seen.

If you’re able to do so safely, collecting as much information as possible will be beneficial in the long run.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Contacting law enforcement is essential. Here’s why:

• Filing a police report: The police will create an official record of the accident, which will be important for insurance claims and potential legal action.
• Investigation: Officers will look for evidence of the fleeing driver and work to track them down.
• Legal requirements: In Nevada, you are legally required to report a hit-and-run accident to the police. Failure to do so could hurt your case.

Make sure to provide the police with all the details you can remember, including descriptions of the accident and the vehicle involved.

Seek Medical Attention, Even if Injuries Are Not Immediately Apparent

Sometimes, injuries from a hit-and-run accident aren’t obvious right away. For example:

• Whiplash: This common injury might not show symptoms immediately but can cause lasting pain.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs or muscles may take time to manifest.
• Emotional distress: The trauma of a hit-and-run can also affect your mental health, causing anxiety or PTSD.

Even if you feel fine, it’s always wise to get checked by a healthcare professional. A doctor can spot injuries that might worsen over time, and medical records will also help support your insurance and legal claims.

Insurance Considerations for Hit-and-Run Accidents

How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works

If the hit-and-run driver isn’t caught, your own insurance may help cover the costs. This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes vital.

• Uninsured motorist coverage: This type of insurance helps pay for your medical expenses, car repairs, and other damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.
• Underinsured motorist coverage: If the driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover the damages, your underinsured coverage can make up the difference.

If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, it can be harder to get compensated for your losses after a hit-and-run.

The Importance of Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Provider

Even if the at-fault driver is unknown, you must file a claim with your insurance company. Here’s why:

• Start the process early: The sooner you file, the sooner your insurance can investigate and start working on your claim.
• Documentation: Filing a claim helps establish a timeline of events and ensures that your medical bills and car repairs are covered.
• Cooperate with your insurer: Be prepared to provide all evidence you’ve gathered, like photos, witness statements, and the police report.

It’s important to be proactive with your insurance provider to avoid delays in getting the compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Expertise in Handling Hit-and-Run Cases

Dealing with a hit-and-run accident can be complicated. It’s not just about finding the responsible driver—it’s about navigating the legal and insurance systems to get the compensation you deserve. Here’s how a personal injury attorney can help:

• Experience with similar cases: Attorneys have handled many hit-and-run accidents. They understand the laws and the procedures that are involved.
• Understanding insurance tactics: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer knows how to push back and negotiate for a fair settlement.
• Legal advice and guidance: They can explain your rights and options, ensuring you make informed decisions at every step.

A personal injury attorney’s expertise can help ensure you don’t make costly mistakes during the process.

Helping to Gather Evidence and Identify the Responsible Party

Even if the hit-and-run driver hasn’t been caught yet, an attorney can help identify them. Here’s how:

• Investigation: A lawyer has resources to conduct a thorough investigation. They can work with private investigators or law enforcement to track down the responsible driver.
• Collecting evidence: Attorneys know what evidence will be helpful for your case, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, or expert testimonies.
• Strengthening your claim: With the right evidence, your chances of getting compensation increase dramatically.

If the responsible driver isn’t found, your attorney can also help you pursue a claim through your insurance.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation

Insurance companies don’t always act in the best interest of their policyholders. They are focused on paying out as little as possible. A personal injury attorney can help by:

• Handling communication: You won’t have to worry about dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters.
• Ensuring fair compensation: Your attorney will make sure that your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages are fully covered.
• Dealing with delays: Insurance companies often delay claims to wear you down. A lawyer can speed up the process and ensure you’re treated fairly.

Having an attorney on your side helps protect your financial and legal interests during this stressful time.

When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

If You Can’t Identify the At-Fault Driver

In some hit-and-run accidents, the at-fault driver may not be identified right away, or at all. If the driver fled the scene and you don’t have their license plate or any other identifying information, it can be a challenge to seek justice. Here’s when an attorney becomes essential:

• Investigative support: A lawyer can help gather evidence that might be missed, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements.
• Filing an insurance claim: Even without identifying the driver, your attorney can help you file an uninsured motorist claim.
• Legal assistance: If the case goes to court, an attorney will be able to present a compelling case based on the evidence available.

An attorney’s ability to investigate and uncover important details can make a difference in these difficult cases.

If You Suffer Severe Injuries or Long-Term Consequences

In some hit-and-run accidents, victims suffer severe injuries that have long-lasting effects. If you’re dealing with any of the following, you should consider hiring an attorney:

• Severe physical injuries: Broken bones, brain injuries, or spinal cord damage that require long-term care.
• Long-term rehabilitation: If your injury leads to ongoing therapy or loss of mobility, you may need compensation for future medical bills.
• Chronic pain or disability: Injuries that don’t heal properly and affect your quality of life.

In cases like these, it’s critical to ensure that you receive compensation for both immediate and future needs, and an attorney can help secure the financial support you deserve.

If You Face Challenges with Your Insurance Claim

If your insurance company is dragging their feet or trying to deny your claim, it might be time to seek legal help. An attorney can assist if:

• Your claim is denied: Insurance companies often deny valid claims, especially in hit-and-run accidents.
• You receive an unfair settlement offer: If the offer is much lower than your actual medical expenses and damages, a lawyer can negotiate for a better payout.
• You don’t have uninsured motorist coverage: If your insurance doesn’t cover the hit-and-run, an attorney can help you explore other options, including legal action.

Having an attorney will ensure your insurance company does not take advantage of your situation.

What to Expect from Your Personal Injury Attorney

How an Attorney Investigates Your Case

When you hire a personal injury attorney, their first job is to investigate your case thoroughly. Here’s what they’ll do:

• Gathering evidence: Your attorney will collect photos, police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence that can help your case.
• Working with experts: They may consult with accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to strengthen your case.
• Tracking down the responsible party: If the hit-and-run driver hasn’t been found, the attorney will try to uncover details that could lead to their identification.
• Reviewing insurance policies: Your attorney will look into your insurance and the at-fault driver’s insurance to ensure everything is covered.

This process may take some time, but it’s essential to build a strong case that ensures you get the compensation you deserve.

The Legal Process: From Filing a Claim to Settling

Once your attorney has gathered the necessary information, they’ll file a claim on your behalf. Here’s what you can expect in the legal process:

1. Filing the claim: The attorney will submit your claim to the responsible party’s insurance or, if the driver is unknown, your own insurer.
2. Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. They’ll ensure that you’re not lowballed and that your needs are fully covered.
3. Settlement offer: The insurance company may offer a settlement. If it’s reasonable, your attorney will advise you to accept it.
4. Filing a lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit to get a better outcome.
5. Trial (if necessary): If the case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in court and argue your case to a judge or jury.

Most hit-and-run cases settle before going to trial, but your attorney will be prepared for every step of the process.

Understanding Potential Compensation: Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Pain & Suffering

When you work with a personal injury attorney, they will help you understand what types of compensation you might be entitled to. Here’s a breakdown of the possible damages:

• Medical bills: You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehab, and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages: If the accident prevents you from working, you may be able to recover the income you’ve lost during your recovery. This includes wages, commissions, or bonuses.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life that the accident caused you.
• Property damage: If your car or other personal property was damaged in the accident, your attorney will help you recover those costs as well.

Your attorney will work to ensure that all aspects of your damages are taken into account and fairly compensated.