You need to pull over if you’re involved in a car accident – even a minor fender–bender. In Nevada, this is not just common courtesy but also the law.
Nevada Hit-and-Run Accident Laws
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 484E sets the state’s hit-and-run accident laws. All parties involved in a car accident have a duty to:
- Stop at the scene or the closest safe location
- Render aid to any injured parties, which includes calling 911
- Stay on the scene to exchange information with the other drivers
- Name, address, vehicle registration, insurance information, and driver’s license
- Speak with a police officer and cooperate with filing an accident report
Leaving the scene of an accident before all of these activities are taken care of is a crime. And if the accident involved bodily injury or a fatality, the driver who leaves the scene could be charged with a felony. For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accident lawyer in North Las Vegas, call now.
Common Reasons for Hit-and-Run Accidents in North Las Vegas
Some drivers don’t stop at the scene of an accident simply because they panic. Their “flight or fight” instincts kick in, and they flee. And other people who hit and run are engaged in illegal activity. In some cases, the driver:
- is drunk or has an open container of alcohol in their vehicle.
- or one of the occupants is under the influence of illegal drugs or drugs in the vehicle.
- doesn’t have a valid driver’s license.
- or an occupant has an arrest warrant.
- is operating a stolen vehicle.
You should speak with a hit-and-run attorney in North Las Vegas about your case if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Why Do You Need a North Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer?
First and foremost, an attorney has only one concern: your best interest. Insurance companies don’t like open claims. They will want to settle quickly, which could mean an unfair settlement for you.
A driver who knowingly leaves the scene of an accident has already shown that they don’t care about anyone but themselves. Their insurance company—if they are in fact insured—is left scrambling and will try to place the blame on you.
Your case hinges on proving that the driver who fled was negligent and caused the accident. A personal injury attorney has the resources to reconstruct the accident and gather evidence.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance, that is another reason to hire a North Las Vegas hit-and-run accident attorney. You shouldn’t assume that your uninsured/underinsured coverage will be adequate or even fair, especially if you sustained severe injuries. And, the negligent driver may still be held financially responsible.
How Much Is a Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement?
You should speak with an attorney before accepting an insurance company’s offers. There is a good chance they will give you a lowball offer.
They may even try to contact you while you’re still in the hospital recovering. You may not be thinking straight and are in pain. A hit-and-run accident lawyer will fight for adequate compensation for your injuries and any damages incurred.
- Current medical bills
- Hospitalization, diagnostic tests, surgery
- Future medical care for your accident-related injury
- Doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care
- Lost wages
- While you recover from your injuries
- If you are unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering
After an accident, you can accrue a lot of medical bills in a short amount of time. Once you hire an attorney, they can speak with your creditors. Your attorney will let them know you have a legal case pending, so you can focus on getting better.
What if You Lost a Loved One in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
You may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back. However, grieving family members deserve to be compensated for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Any lost wages that your loved one would have earned in their lifetime
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
According to NRS §11.190, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the person’s death.
What if You Are Found to Be Negligent, Too?
It’s not unheard of for both parties to share some responsibility for an accident. In Nevada, you will receive a reduced settlement if you are partly responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. This is called “comparative negligence” and is covered under NRS §41.141.
But if you are found to be more than 51% responsible, you are not entitled to any compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are.
How Much Does a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Pacific West Injury Law, we believe that everyone deserves legal representation after a hit-and-run accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. We only accept payment if we win a settlement for you.
Our fee structure allows you to have legal representation without incurring more bills, no matter how long it takes to settle your case.
Will Your Case Settle Out of Court?
Possibly. At the outset, it can be difficult to predict if a case will go to trial or not. Sometimes, a trial is what is needed to maximize your compensation.
Not all personal injury firms are equipped to go to court if needed, but we are. We won’t outsource you to another firm if you do have a trial. We’ll be with you until your case concludes, whether that is in or out of court.
Speak with Us Today
Our phone is answered 24/7, so contact us today. At your free case evaluation, we’ll learn about the specifics of your case, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions.
