Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
Las Vegas, Nevada
What is a hit-and-run accident?
In the state of Nevada, if a driver is involved in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, it is required by law that all parties must stop, exchange insurance information, and provide aid when necessary.
If the person fails to stop after the collision, it is called a "hit and run" accident. Failing to stop and leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Nevada.
Why do some drivers leave the scene of an accident?
There are many reasons why drivers flee the scene of an accident.
Maybe they don't have insurance for their vehicle or are afraid their insurance payments will go up after the collision. Or perhaps they were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you the hope that by fleeing the scene of an accident, nobody will find out.
How do the police find a hit-and-run driver?
The detective will research to find the vehicle owner and then issue an arrest warrant for the vehicle owner. When the owner is apprehended, they will then have to explain to the detective who was driving.
Hit-and-run accidents with no witnesses
The big challenge of hit-and-run cases is that these accidents often happen at night, and no witnesses are present. Even if the police investigators connected the driver of a particular vehicle to the victim by DMV records, DNA analysis, hair and fiber comparisons, fingerprints, or voice identification, the prosecutor still has to prove that the driver was in the car or truck during the accident and fled the scene.
Hit-and-run accident: What to do
First, you should call the police and document the accident. Then, ask witnesses to stay and get their information. Sometimes, a witness will get the at-fault driver's license plate number, which you could hand to the policy, and the claim still can be filed under the at-fault driver insurance - if the driver had the coverage.
Second, if you got injured, document your injuries, your visits to the emergency room, and contact a personal injury attorney. We invite you to call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
Third, if your vehicle is damaged, take many photos from different angles of your damaged car to serve as evidence.
When the at-fault driver information is not available
The question becomes - what to do if the at-fault driver left the scene of an accident without providing you with insurance information? A good example would be a parking lot accident.
There are still some options available to you.
No-fault insurance claim
In Nevada, the hit-and-run accident victims with Uninsured Motorist Coverage can file a claim against their insurance. The Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM), also known as Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI), will cover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering for you and your passengers up to the policy limit.
When the company vehicle is involved in a hit-and-run
You can file an accident claim against the employer or the owner of a motor vehicle as well. Suppose the hit-and-run driver was driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident or was on a work assignment. In that case, an accident victim could seek compensation for injuries by filing a lawsuit against the employer or owner of the vehicle.
A civil lawsuit against the driver
The victim or the family members of those killed in a hit-and-run accident may bring civil charges against the driver - if the police can locate the person.
How do attorneys get paid?
We take all hit-and-run liability claims on a contingency basis, which means - you don't have to pay unless the case gets settled and the insurance company pays the claim.
We can help
Insurance companies are known for denying coverage, which is why it is crucial to work with an experienced personal injury attorney whether you are filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or you are filling out the uninsured motorist claim.
You may be eligible to get compensated for the injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, plus get reimbursed for your car repairs or replacement.
The attorneys at Heshmati & Associates represent many clients injured in a hit-and-run accident in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas of Nevada.
We also represent many tourists who got injured while vacationing in Nevada.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with our attorney, who handles hit-and-run accidents.
The initial consultation is always free.
