Getting hurt in a hit and run accident is unsettling. One driver speeds away, and you are left at the accident scene with damage to your vehicle and serious injuries. Emotions run high in these moments. You may wonder how to protect your health and your right to seek compensation.
Below is a detailed guide on what you can do after a run-hit incident. This discussion covers the steps to follow when the at-fault driver flees, how to gather evidence, and ways to handle insurance matters. It also explains potential legal action and when to reach out to a car accident lawyer for help.
The Nature of a Hit and Run Accident
A hit-and-run crash occurs when one party leaves an accident scene without offering identification or helping those who are injured. This pattern makes it difficult for the victim to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
In a hit-and-run accident, the victim may have immediate injuries and vehicle damage. Meanwhile, the hit-and-run driver avoids facing legal consequences by fleeing. That decision can lead to a suspended license, criminal charges, and civil liability in a personal injury lawsuit.
Reporting the Accident
When the police arrive, cooperate fully with them. Answer their questions and provide each detail you recall. Hand over your driver’s license and insurance details to the officer. If you saw a license plate number or partial digits, share it immediately. This might help the authorities find the hit-and-run driver.
Later, request a copy of the police report to verify that your side of the story is accurate. This official document can help if you file a personal injury or property damage claim. It also allows insurance companies to confirm that a collision took place.
Gathering Evidence at the Accident Scene
Physical proof is necessary to recover compensation. You can gather evidence when safe by taking photos or videos of the crash site. Include the following:
- Pictures of your car
- Tire marks
- Traffic signs
- Any damage to your vehicle
- Note the time, weather, and road conditions
If any part of the other driver’s vehicle is left behind, such as a broken headlight or bumper, snap photos of that, too. These items can help investigators trace a specific make or model. Also, write down what you recall about the other driver or car, including color, body style, and stickers. When you speak to witnesses, get their statements right away. Their accounts may strengthen your personal injury claim.
Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Injuries
After you leave the scene, it is wise to schedule a medical exam. Some injuries take several hours or days to surface. A doctor’s visit can confirm hidden injuries like whiplash, soft tissue strains, or concussions. Keep all paperwork related to your treatment. Your medical records show the level of harm you suffered.
Hold on to bills for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and mental health sessions. These medical expenses factor into a personal injury protection claim. You can also track any lost wages. That information helps in seeking a fair settlement offer later.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
A hit-and-run presents extra challenges in the claims process. You do not have a direct route to the other driver’s auto insurance. Instead, you often rely on your own coverage. This is why many people carry uninsured motorist coverage. It can help when the driver flees or if you face an uninsured driver. Personal injury protection coverage can also assist with immediate medical bills.
When you speak with your insurance company, be honest and clear. Stick to the facts of the incident. If they ask for recorded statements, proceed carefully. You can request that a car accident lawyer handle these discussions on your behalf. Adjusters may offer a quick settlement before your injuries fully heal. Consider the cost of your future medical care before agreeing to any settlement offer.
Potential Legal Consequences for the Hit and Run Driver
A hit-and-run driver in Nevada can face serious legal consequences, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Criminal Penalties
- Misdemeanor: If the accident only results in property damage, the driver can face a misdemeanor charge, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
- Category B Felony: If the hit-and-run results in injury or death, the driver can be charged with a Category B felony, which carries:
- Mandatory prison time of 2 to 20 years in state prison.
- Fines of $2,000 to $5,000.
- Driver’s license revocation for a specified period.
Civil Consequences
- The victim or their family can sue the driver for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- If the driver is found liable, they may have to pay compensatory and punitive damages.
Administrative Penalties
- The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend or revoke the driver’s license.
- Accumulation of demerit points on the driver’s record, potentially leading to higher insurance rates or loss of driving privileges.
Additional Factors
- Aggravating circumstances: If the driver was intoxicated or had prior offenses, penalties can be more severe.
- Restitution: Courts may order the driver to pay for the victim’s damages as part of the sentence.
Failing to stop after an accident in Nevada is taken very seriously, and drivers should seek legal representation if charged.
Role of Witnesses and Nearby Businesses
Witnesses help confirm what happened before, during, and after the collision. If one driver saw the hit and run, that person’s statement can be very powerful. Sometimes, the driver flees in full view of onlookers. A detailed account from a neutral party can support your insurance claim or personal injury claim.
Nearby businesses may have security cameras that record the hit. It is smart to ask them to save the footage before it is erased. Camera evidence can reveal the license plate number or confirm that the other driver left at a high speed. Police and lawyers often use such footage to support the victim’s case.
How to File a Claim and Seek Compensation
Filing a claim after a hit-and-run accident starts with your own insurer. You will fill out forms and provide the police report, photos, and medical records. Show any evidence that indicates you were injured and that the other driver was at fault. However, insurers resist paying the full amount requested. They may try to reduce or deny an insurance claim. That is when legal guidance is needed. A lawyer can fight for a fair outcome, so you do not shoulder the costs alone.
Talk to a Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
If you need more guidance, THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys are available to help. Our hit-and-run accident lawyer in Las Vegas can assess your case and suggest a path forward. You do not have to handle the claims process on your own. A dedicated legal team can stand until you reach the possible outcome. Schedule a consultation to explore your options for seeking fair compensation.
