Vehicle accidents can happen—even if it’s only a minor collision in a parking lot. However, what happens if a motorist doesn’t wait around to exchange insurance information?
If another motorist involved in the accident drives away, it’s considered a hit-and-run. This is illegal in Nevada, and it can also make it a little more complicated to recover compensation for your losses.
Hit-and-run accidents also aren’t always minor fender benders, they can also be catastrophic. In 2020, the state reported 2,564 fatalities caused by hit-and-run accidents. So, what are your legal steps if you’re involved in a hit-and-run collision?
A hit-and-run collision occurs when the at-fault driver leaves the scene before the authorities arrive, which also means you haven’t had the chance to exchange information with the other motorist. Like most states, Nevada has strict laws requiring all drivers involved in an accident to stop and render aid. This also includes exchanging insurance information.
Failing to stop after being involved in an accident is considered a hit-and-run. According to Nevada law, this is a class B felony. The driver can face anything from fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and up to 20 years in jail. If injuries and fatalities aren’t present, the hit-and-run may only be a misdemeanor, but the at-fault driver is still facing potential penalties.
Nevada law is also clear on who’s responsible for compensating others involved in a vehicle accident. The at-fault driver Is responsible for all damages other involved motorists may experience.
If you have full coverage auto insurance, most of your damages are probably covered. Your full coverage policy should take care of your economic damages up to the policy’s cap.
If you’re not sure what your economic damages are, these are intangible losses like your medical expenses and property repair/replacement costs. You may also be able to claim lost income if your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from returning to work.
Your economic damages can also extend to long-term and even lifetime care. If you’re unable to return to work or resume your current position, this can be another economic damage.
So, your economic damages are typically covered by your insurance provider, but it’s a little different when it comes to non-economic damages. These are losses like your pain and suffering. To receive compensation for these damages, you usually need to turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy in a hit-and-run accident.
To help ensure you can receive compensation after a hit-and-run accident, there are a few steps you should take.
Even if you’re watching the other involved driver speed away, you still want to report the accident. Even though Nevada doesn’t require motorists to report accidents that don’t involve injuries or fatalities, you’re still going to need a copy of the report.
If you don’t have an accident report, you can’t prove the incident occurred. The insurance company, either yours or the other involved driver, may be able to state the incident never occurred.
Your accident report is also crucial since it usually includes relevant information. Your report may include information about the at-fault driver who decided to not stick around. The report can also help clarify fault, and this can help support your personal injury claim.
If you can’t show fault, it’s tough to file a claim against the at-fault driver, and this applies even if you’re not sure who you’re filing a claim against. You can usually pick up a copy of your accident report in around 7 to 10 business days.
Even if you don’t believe you have injuries, it’s still a good idea to seek medical treatment. Some injuries, like soft tissue ones, take a while to start displaying noticeable signs and symptoms. You don’t want to file an accident claim, only to learn you have injuries.
Your medical visit also helps to provide proof you experienced injuries. In a hit-and-run accident, it can take a while to locate the at-fault driver, but this isn’t a reason to put off taking care of your health.
If you have full coverage or uninsured motorist insurance, these policies may cover your medical costs while the authorities search for the at-fault driver. Once the driver is located, your insurance provider usually recovers their losses.
Okay, whether you’re a Nancy Drew fan or Veronica Mars this isn't time to step into your favorite fictional character’s shoes. In other words, you’re not turning into an amateur detective. Instead, you’re only documenting the accident scene. You’re not trying to solve a crime.
Documenting the accident scene can help prove your personal injury claim, but it’s also not something to worry about if your injuries demand immediate medical attention. However, if possible try to take a few pictures. What do you want to photograph? This typically includes the damage to your vehicle. You may also want to get pictures of your vehicle’s position. Where the vehicle ended up can help prove accident blame.
You should also take pictures of any visible injuries, including those of any passengers. If there are witnesses to the accident, go ahead and get their contact information. However, don’t discuss any accident details with the witnesses.
Once the hit-and-run driver is located, their insurance provider will probably want to talk to the same witnesses. Anything you say to witnesses can be used against you by the hit-and-run driver’s insurance provider to try to reduce the value of your claim.
Don’t forget to look for any surveillance cameras in the area, and this includes both business residential, and traffic cameras. Maybe one of these cameras can help identify the hit-and-run driver.
Receiving compensation after a hit-and-run accident isn’t always easy. The hardest part is usually tracking down the at-fault driver.
However, you can help protect the value of your personal injury claim by immediately reporting the accident to the authorities. From there, let your attorney handle ensuring you receive compensation for your damages.
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