A hit-and-run accident is a deeply unsettling experience, leaving you with questions, fears, and the burden of unexpected costs. In Las Vegas, where busy streets and heavy traffic can make these incidents all too common, knowing what to do next is critical.
At Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless victims like you navigate the challenges of these situations. With decades of experience and a direct, hands-on approach, we’re here to ensure your rights are protected and your path forward is clear.
Immediate Actions After a Hit and Run Accident
When a hit-and-run driver flees the scene, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. Acting quickly and methodically is essential to protect your safety, preserve crucial evidence, and set the foundation for recovering damages. Here’s what you need to prioritize in those critical moments.
Safety First: Protect Yourself and Others
- Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others for any visible injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
- Move to a safe location: If your vehicle is in a dangerous spot, like the middle of traffic, move to the side of the road or a safer area if possible.
- Stay calm: Remaining composed will help you make clearer decisions during this stressful time.
Notify the Authorities Immediately
Reporting the incident is not only crucial for legal reasons but also for beginning the investigation process.
- Contact the Police Department (LVMPD, or other): Dial 911 for emergencies or use the non-emergency line for minor damages.
- Provide key details: Share what you remember about the vehicle that fled—make, model, color, license plate (if possible), and direction of travel.
- Request an incident report: This report will be vital for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
Note: Never chase a fleeing driver. It’s unsafe and can escalate the situation.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Preserving evidence is one of the most critical actions you can take. Your documentation may be pivotal in locating the driver or ensuring you’re properly compensated.
- Take photos and videos: Capture your vehicle’s damage, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area.
- Note time and location: Record when and where the incident occurred.
- Collect witness information: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief description of what they observed.
Secure Evidence for Future Use
Use tools around you to gather as much evidence as possible. This can strengthen your case and provide leads to investigators.
| Evidence Type | How to Collect |
|---|---|
| Vehicle damage | Photos/videos of all angles |
| Witness statements | Names, phone numbers, and their recollection |
| Surveillance possibilities | Look for nearby cameras (traffic, business, etc.) |
How Insurance Covers Your Las Vegas Hit and Run Accident
Dealing with insurance after a hit-and-run can be frustrating, especially when the at-fault driver has fled. Thankfully, there are options to help cover your damages and medical costs. Understanding the types of coverage available and how they work is key to ensuring you’re not left bearing the financial burden alone.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: A Key Resource
In Nevada, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you in exactly this type of situation.
- What it covers:
- Medical expenses for injuries caused by the fleeing driver.
- Potential compensation for lost wages or pain and suffering.
- Why it matters: If the hit-and-run driver is never found, this coverage steps in as if they were uninsured.
Tip: Review your policy to confirm you have UM coverage. It’s optional in Nevada but highly recommended.
Other Potential Coverage Options
Even if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, there are still ways your policy might help:
- Collision coverage:
- Pays for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
- Requires paying your deductible upfront but ensures your car is fixed quickly.
- Medical payments (MedPay):
- Covers your medical bills up to the policy’s limit, regardless of who is at fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP):
- Similar to MedPay, but may also cover lost wages or other damages.
Does a Hit-and-Run Affect Your Insurance Rates?
One common concern is whether filing a claim after a hit-and-run will increase your premiums. In most cases:
- If you’re not at fault: Your rates typically shouldn’t increase, but it depends on your insurer’s policies.
- Deductibles: Be prepared to pay any deductibles associated with your coverage unless the driver is found and held accountable.
Understanding your insurance policy is crucial after a hit-and-run accident. Review your coverage options and consult your insurer if needed to maximize the benefits available to you.
Filing Your Hit and Run Insurance Claim
Filing a claim after a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, but following a clear process will help you avoid delays and secure the compensation you need. Proper documentation and prompt action are key.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim
- Contact your insurance company:
- Call your provider as soon as possible after the accident.
- Provide your policy number and initial details about the incident.
- Submit documentation:
- Police report: This is often a required document for processing your claim.
- Evidence from the scene: Photos, videos, and witness statements strengthen your case.
- Complete necessary forms:
- Your insurer may require additional paperwork specific to hit-and-run claims.
- Follow up:
- Stay in touch with your claims adjuster and provide any further information promptly.
How to Maximize Your Insurance Claim
- Be detailed: Include as much information as possible in your claim to support your case.
- Stay honest: Never exaggerate or misrepresent facts; this could jeopardize your claim.
- Leverage legal help: An experienced attorney can assist in negotiating with your insurer and ensuring fair treatment.
Filing an insurance claim after a hit-and-run can be stressful, but with the right steps and thorough preparation, you can ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. This is your opportunity to recover financially and focus on moving forward.
How to Find a Hit and Run Driver in Las Vegas
While hit-and-run drivers can be difficult to locate, it’s not impossible. There are several resources and strategies available in Las Vegas to help identify the responsible party. Taking proactive steps and involving the right professionals can make a difference in tracking down the fleeing driver.
Leverage Local Camera Resources
In a city like Las Vegas, where cameras are abundant, these devices often capture vital evidence:
- Traffic cameras: These are installed at intersections and highways and can record vehicle movements.
- Business surveillance: Nearby businesses, such as gas stations or convenience stores, often have security cameras that may have captured the accident.
- Residential footage: Doorbell cameras or home surveillance systems in the area can provide additional leads.
Tip: Act quickly to request footage as many systems automatically overwrite data within days.
Conduct a Thorough Investigation
A detailed investigation increases the likelihood of finding the driver:
- Work with police: Officers may locate the driver through witness accounts or vehicle registration databases if you have partial license plate information.
- Check for paint transfers or debris: Any materials left at the scene can be analyzed to narrow down vehicle make and model.
- Hire a private investigator: For complex cases, private investigators can use advanced tools and databases to uncover leads.
The Role of Witnesses
Witnesses play a pivotal role in identifying hit-and-run drivers:
- Collect contact information: Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the incident.
- Ask about details: Witnesses may recall specifics about the fleeing car, such as unique damage, bumper stickers, or driver characteristics.
Finding a hit-and-run driver requires persistence, resourcefulness, and sometimes professional help. Even if the driver isn’t located, the evidence you gather can still strengthen your case with insurance or legal claims.
The Role of an Attorney in Hit-and-Run Cases
Handling a hit-and-run case on your own can be daunting, especially when dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and navigating legal complexities. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable support and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
How Attorneys Assist in Investigations
An attorney’s resources and experience can uncover evidence that might otherwise be overlooked:
- Access to expert investigators: Lawyers often collaborate with skilled professionals who can analyze the scene, review footage, and locate witnesses.
- Legal access to records: Attorneys can obtain police reports, subpoena surveillance footage, and request driver information from vehicle databases.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, even when you’re not at fault. An attorney can ensure fair treatment by:
- Handling all communications: This prevents insurers from pressuring you into low settlements.
- Advocating for full compensation: Attorneys know how to value your claim accurately, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Addressing Legal Deadlines
In Nevada, hit-and-run claims are subject to specific legal deadlines:
- Statute of limitations: You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but it’s best to start the process sooner.
- Claim deadlines: Insurance companies may impose shorter deadlines for filing claims, making it critical to act quickly.
An experienced attorney is not just a legal advocate—they’re your ally in navigating the complexities of a hit-and-run case. Their expertise can bring clarity and peace of mind during a challenging time.
Reporting Your Hit and Run to Las Vegas Police
Filing a report with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is a critical step after a hit-and-run accident. A police report not only creates an official record of the incident but also helps initiate investigations that could lead to identifying the driver.
How to File a Report
- Contact LVMPD immediately:
- For emergencies or injuries, call 911.
- For non-emergencies, use the non-emergency number: 311.
- Provide detailed information:
- Date, time, and location of the accident.
- Description of the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate, if available).
- Any witness information or additional evidence you’ve gathered.
Why a Police Report is Essential
- Insurance requirements: Most insurance providers will not process hit-and-run claims without a formal police report.
- Evidence preservation: Police reports include key details that can support your claim, such as officer observations or witness statements.
- Investigation launch: The LVMPD can use the report to start an official investigation, which may involve checking local surveillance cameras or pursuing leads.
Important: Nevada law requires reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $750. Failure to report can result in fines or other penalties.
Filing a police report promptly ensures your rights are protected and lays the groundwork for resolving your hit-and-run case effectively.
Next Steps
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling lost and vulnerable, but taking the right steps can help you regain control. From ensuring safety and preserving evidence to navigating insurance claims and seeking legal assistance, each action you take is crucial in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
With decades of experience helping hit-and-run victims in Las Vegas, Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers is here to provide the guidance and support you need. Your next steps are critical—make them count.
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Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident, contact Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers for a free, no obligation consultation with experienced Las Vegas accident lawyers. You will gain an advocate for every stage in the claims process until you have the compensation you deserve.
Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers is available to help you handle your injury claim in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and beyond. Jack Bernstein and his team can offer you the personalized service and legal representation you deserve after an accident.
Call us at (702) 633-3333 or contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
