Nevada law requires all drivers to stop, remain at the scene, and exchange information when they are involved in an accident. Yet every day, drivers flee collision scenes, leaving victims injured, confused, and unsure of where to turn. A hit and run collision violates state law and carries serious criminal penalties, including potential felony charges. If you were hit by a fleeing driver, here is what you need to do next.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Collision
After a hit and run accident, your safety comes first. Pull over to a secure location away from traffic if possible. Call 911 immediately to report the incident and request police response. While waiting for law enforcement, focus on gathering every detail about the fleeing vehicle and driver, such as:
- The make, model, and color of the car
- Full or partial license plate numbers
- Identifying features like damage or stickers
- The driver’s physical description
Do not attempt to chase or follow the vehicle—this can be very dangerous. Instead, look for witnesses who saw what happened and politely ask for their contact information and account of events. Use your phone to take extensive photos and videos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and relevant traffic signals or signs. Note any nearby businesses, homes, or traffic lights that may have captured the incident through surveillance cameras.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Seeking medical care is a very important step after a hit and run accident. Even if you feel fine initially, many serious injuries like whiplash, head trauma, and soft tissue damage may not show immediate symptoms. The shock and adrenaline from the collision can mask pain and other warning signs. Delaying treatment risks your condition worsening, so it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to protect your health.
This step also helps protect your legal rights. A thorough medical evaluation establishes an official record of your injuries, treatment needs, and their relationship to the crash. This documentation serves as critical evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action if the at-fault driver is identified.
Speak to an Attorney About Your Legal Options
Once you have received medical care, contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer to discuss your options for compensation and initiate an investigation into the crash. You have two main pathways available after a hit and run accident: pursuing an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance policy or launching an investigation to identify and hold the fleeing driver accountable. A hit and run accident attorney can simultaneously pursue both options to maximize your chances of recovery.
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional form of insurance in Nevada, but this policy can provide valuable protection in the event of a hit and run. Your attorney can help clarify your policy details and file the appropriate claim with your insurer. On the investigation front, they may work with private investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts to track down the at-fault driver.
Time is critical in Las Vegas hit and run accidents. After your collision, schedule a free legal consultation with an injury attorney in Vegas as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin your journey to recovery.