contact us today (775) 789-4944 contact us today (775) 789-4944When someone hits you or causes a crash and leaves the accident scene without stopping, they are guilty of hitting and running. State laws strictly prohibit motorists from fleeing the scene after collisions and prosecute them harshly. Despite that, it is relatively common and can leave you frustrated and unsure where to begin.
While frustrating, you have options if you sustained harm in a crash and the other driver failed to stop at the scene. For help, schedule an appointment with a diligent car accident attorney skilled at handling cases related to hit-and-run car accidents in Reno.
People may fail to stop and fulfill their legal obligations after a car crash for reasons including fear of arrest or legal consequences. These may include open warrants, immigration status, driving without insurance, or driver intoxication.
Sometimes, they fail to stop because of trauma, fear, and impulse. Regardless of the reason, it is unlawful, and responding officers will attempt to locate them using the information the victim or eyewitnesses provide.
With a hit-and-run accident, the first thing to do is check yourself for any injuries and assess your safety. Once you’ve determined whether you are seriously harmed, check on the safety of your passengers.
Keep in mind sometimes shock can cause you to overlook an injury. To avoid overlooking an injury, perform a head-to-toe assessment, checking for any wounds or inhibited movement. For any serious injuries, it is best to call 911 immediately and before attempting to move an injured person so the dispatcher can guide you on what to do until the police and ambulance arrive.
Next, determine if you can safely drive your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If you cannot move your vehicle, check your surroundings and if you can get out of your vehicle safely, get out and move to a safe place away from oncoming cars.
After you have gotten yourself and your passengers to safety, check the site for any other individuals involved that remain at the scene for injuries.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to call 911 to report a hit and run.
Don’t wait hours to report the collision to law enforcement. Even if no one is injured, you still need to report it to law enforcement for insurance purposes. Ask the officer for a copy of the report, as your insurance will likely request this documentation.
Document everything you remember about the other driver and their car. Some things to make a note of:
If there were any witnesses, ask them if they have any photos or details of the collision. Please ask them to contribute to a police report, and be sure to collect their contact info should the police or your lawyer need to follow up later.
Next, contact your insurance provider to file a claim. Each insurer is different. Some require claims to be filed within 24 hours, whereas others might give you 30 days to do it. Either way, it’s best to get the process started as soon as possible so your memory is fresh.
At this point, you might be ready for a tow. Your insurer can also help you get in contact with roadside assistance.
Once you have filed the claim, your insurance provider will do the behind-the-scenes work to determine your coverage.
If you have been in a hit-and-run with another driver, do not drive away from the scene. Do not follow the other driver in anger, putting you in a dangerous situation. Even if you have been in a single-car accident, you should also stay put until law enforcement arrives.
It can be tempting to go home to cool down if you initially feel like you are not injured and your vehicle appears like it may be driven. However, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, so it’s important to remain at the scene until law enforcement says otherwise. Nevada Revised Statutes 484E.020 is Nevada’s hit and run law. The law requires drivers to stop their vehicles at the scene of the crash. A driver must remain at the scene of the accident until they exchange information and arrange for medical care for anyone injured. A violation of NRS 484E.020, Nevada’s hit and run law is a misdemeanor if no one is injured. When there is an injury or death because of the accident, a violation of NRS 484E.020 is a felony. Depending on the severity of injuries sustained, leaving the collision site can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
The one time it may be acceptable to leave the scene is if the accident occurred in a poor cell phone reception area. In most states, you can leave to call in the accident, but after, you must return to the site and wait for the police.
State regulations require that automobile insurance providers offer uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to all policyholders. Providers must offer UM/UIM coverage up to the policyholder’s liability coverage. That includes at least $25,000 for each person, $50,000 per accident for bodily harm, and $20,000 for property damage.
While the coverage is optional, individuals must opt out if they do not wish to include it in their policy. Uninsured motorist coverage safeguards policyholders from financial harm after crashes, and they can also file a claim if someone flees the crash scene. A lawyer knowledgeable about Reno hit-and-run vehicle collisions could contact the provider and communicate and negotiate on the policyholder’s behalf to fight for a fair settlement.
Hit-and-run car accidents in Reno can involve multiple vehicles or someone hitting an unoccupied car and leaving the scene. Either way, leaving without checking for injuries and damage and exchanging information is unlawful.
Unfortunately, the police cannot always locate the individual, but you may have other options. Your auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage to cover the damage in those cases. Contact an experienced lawyer to learn more.