Experiencing any accident can be a terrifying ordeal. Matters become even worse in hit-and-run cases when the driver leaves the scene of the accident without notifying authorities or exchanging information. It can be extremely difficult to collect damages following a collision without knowing who the at-fault driver was. However, experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers have techniques and strategies for investigating these accidents that can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, please first seek medical attention. People involved in motor vehicle accidents often don’t realize they are severely injured because the adrenaline rush masks the pain of their injuries. You should always get checked by a doctor to get the treatment you need for any injuries, so you don’t suffer more severe, permanent damage. After you have gotten the medical attention you need, you should think about speaking to hit-and-run attorneys who can help you seek justice for your injuries.
Benjamin Durham Law Firm has helped many clients recover financially following a hit-and-run accident. Our talented legal team includes professionals who will investigate each detail of the accident to find the at-fault party and recover the maximum compensation. Please get in touch with us right away for a free consultation to see how we can help you at (702) 793-2326.
What Does Nevada Law Require of Motorists Involved in an Accident?
Drivers in Nevada owe a duty of care to others around them, including reporting the crash and providing reasonable assistance to car accident victims. If these actions are not performed, the person could be liable for damages and possibly even criminal charges for violating the law.
Drivers in an accident in Nevada must:
- Stop their vehicle at the scene of an accident.
- Move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic.
- Provide their name and contact information. They must also give their address and vehicle registration number.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Render aid to injured victims, including taking people to the hospital if necessary.
At other times, an accident could occur where a driver collides with an unoccupied vehicle. The obligations in these scenarios are equally important but differ from accidents with a person or an occupied car.
The following actions must be taken if the at-fault driver has a collision with an unoccupied vehicle:
- Stop at the scene of an accident
- Locate the vehicle’s owner if possible and provide their name and address
- If the owner cannot be located, leave a note with the at-fault driver’s contact information
- Notify police that the crash occurred
If the person did not stop when they collided with you or your car, they could be liable for damages and even suffer more severe punitive consequences such as a prison sentence of up to 2 years and up to $5000 in fines. Hit and run accidents are very serious in Nevada and require a skilled attorney to help resolve them. Contact us right away if you’ve been in a car accident where the other driver fled the scene.
What Are Some Examples of Common Las Vegas Hit and Run Accidents?
Unfortunately, in Las Vegas, hit-and-run accidents have been increasing in recent years. This troubling fact puts other motorists and pedestrians at risk each day. If the at-fault driver does not perform their duty of stopping at the scene of the accident, they could face criminal charges.
The following are some common types of hit and run accidents that take place in Las Vegas:
- A driver collides with a parked car and fails to notify the owner either by finding them or leaving a note.
- The person driving has a collision with another car on the road but flees the scene, failing to exchange information.
- A motorist hits a pedestrian while driving and leaves the scene without providing their name, information, or contacting the police.
All of these scenarios are violations of the law and should be rectified. Often, we find that hit-and-run drivers are attempting to avoid detection because they are uninsured motorists, are driving without a license, are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or are driving a stolen vehicle.
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run driver, contact Benjamin Durham Law Firm for the legal representation that you deserve. Our experience helping hit and run victims makes us an excellent choice when you need to take legal action for hit and run accidents.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been in a Hit and Run Accident?
While it can be tempting to follow the at-fault driver to establish their identity, this usually ends poorly and is not recommended. Your first job is to get yourself to safety and find medical treatment. However, if possible, there are some things you can do to help your hit-and-run case.
If possible, you should try to collect the following information about the hit-and-run driver:
- The car make, model, and color
- The license plate number
- A description of the driver, including whether they were male or female, their age, and their skin color
- The direction the car may have traveled
- Any other distinguishing marks on the car or the driver
Taking pictures of the scene of an accident is also an excellent resource for evidence in hit-and-run cases. You may also want to talk to any eyewitnesses who could have seen the accident or who can describe the car and the other driver.
Once you are safe and are able to do so, you should contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer like those at Benjamin Durham Law Firm. Our personal injury attorneys know Nevada laws and can help you take steps in the right direction as you seek compensation for your injuries.
How Do Hit and Run Attorneys Establish Liability?
An experienced hit-and-run lawyer can help prove liability in these cases when it is nearly impossible to do so on your own. You can help by providing evidence as listed above: the license plate number of the other car, its make, model, and color, and any distinguishing characteristics about the driver, such as their gender, age, and skin color.
Your attorney will help gather other evidence from surveillance cameras, police reports, and eyewitnesses. They can also contact a private investigator to help find details that will give clues about the at-fault driver.
Sometimes, it may be impossible to find the at-fault driver. In these instances, you may need to collect damages from your insurance coverage. Your personal injury attorney can counsel you on interacting with your insurance company to get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Hit and Run Accident?
Sustaining bodily injury and property damage from a driver who flees the scene of an accident can be an incredibly frustrating experience. A hit-and-run charge is a criminal offense in Nevada, resulting in jail time and hefty fines. The driver involved may also face driver’s license suspension and will have a criminal record. Additionally, they should pay for the damages they caused you and your property.
Some items that can require compensation in hit-and-run cases are:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of future income
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering, including future pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
While we recognize that no amount of money can reverse the damages done by a hit-and-run driver, you should still seek compensation with the help of knowledgeable hit-and-run attorneys. This can lighten your burden as it will help you pay for the expensive costs incurred because of your injuries. Contact us today to see how our legal team can help you start your hit-and-run accident claim.
Can Our Hit and Run Lawyers Help You?
Hit and run victims often wonder how they can possibly recover compensation when they don’t know who is responsible for their injuries. However, there is still hope. Our talented hit-and-run attorneys have helped many clients find the other driver using investigative techniques and attention to detail. You don’t need to spend any more time wondering whether pursuing legal action is the right thing to do. Contact us right away for help getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we believe that every victim of someone else’s negligence deserves justice. In hit-and-run accidents, there are criminal charges at stake because the person violated Nevada law by not stopping at the scene of the accident. They violated their duty to you and put your safety at risk. Please reach out to us to make sure justice is served. Call us today at (702) 793-2326 to schedule a free consultation where we can discuss the details of your case with you and see how our compassionate, capable legal team can get the results you need.
