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Injured in a Hit-and-Run? Contact Our Nevada Attorneys Today
A regular car accident is already a stressful and confusing experince. However, when the other driver flees, the situation becomes even worse.
While you might feel that your chances of recovering compensation disappeared faster than the hit-and-run driver, opportunities for a settlement still exist when you schudle a free consultation with the experienced legal team at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm you can recover compensation for your injuries and damages as our attorneys will work police and investgiatoes to idenfity the driver and bring them to justice.
About Founding Attorney Rodney Okano
Attorney Rodney Okano is a skilled Nevada personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people injured in accidents obtain the financial settlement they're entitled to.
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Hit-and-Run Accident Laws in Las Vegas
Navigating a hit-and-run crash in Las Vegas requires a thorough understanding of local statutes and regulations.
Nevada's legal framework for hit-and-run incidents not only addresses the criminal aspects but also outlines the civil liabilities that victims may pursue in such car accidents.
Whether involving property damage or personal harm, these laws are what allow affected individuals to seek appropriate compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or other means.
Key Nevada Laws Regarding Hit and Runs
In Nevada, fleeing the scene of an auto accident, especially when injuries or fatalities occur, is a felony. Such incidents result in penalties like 2-20 years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. For accidents involving property damage only, offenders face misdemeanor charges with up to six months' jail time, fines, and a driving suspension.
To avoid being charged with a hit-and-run, drivers must stop at the accident scene to exchange information and work with the other driver to resolve the potential car accident lawsuit.
If a hit-and-run occurs, victims may turn to the Victims of Crime Compensation Program (VOCP) for monetary support after reporting to the police.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
While a hit-and-run presents one big difference when compared to other motor vehicle accident types, which is that the driver is gone, the immediate steps to take after such an incident are relatively the same, with them being to:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area away from traffic if possible.
- Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries; call 911 for medical help.
- Report the Incident: Contact the police and provide details like location, time, vehicle description, and witness information.
- Document Details: Take photos or videos of the scene, including damage and skid marks. Also, gather contact info from witnesses for future statements.
- Inform Insurance: Notify your insurance provider of all gathered information and the police report number. Also, check your policy for hit-and-run coverage.
- Consult a Lawyer: Seek advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm to help guide you through legal procedures and maximize potential compensation.
These steps help accident victims protect their rights and increase the chances of recovering damages following a hit-and-run incident.
How Our Attorneys Handle Las Vegas Hit and Run Accidents
Our Las Vegas lawyers provide expert guidance to navigate these complex hit-and-run situations and assist victims in gathering the necessary evidence and in pursuing financial compensation, often from multiple sources if the driver remains unidentified.
Through the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm's advocacy for those affected by hit-and-run accidents, we time and time again secure justice and fair settlements for our clients. Schedule a free consultation with our Nevada law firm today to start your claim.
Tasks for Our Hit and Run Attorney Will Take Care of for You
When it comes to client representation, our hit-and-run attorney will handle multiple legal tasks, starting with an investigation to gather evidence, including surveillance footage and witness accounts, which are crucial for building a strong case.
Additionally, our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies and use their legal experience to navigate clients' personal injury claims in order to secure fair compensation from the at-fault party or other sources.
Why Hiring a Specialized and Experienced Lawyer Is Crucial
When trying to secure compensation in a Las Vegas hit-and-run accident, it often requires legal expertise due to problems like identifying perpetrators without breaking Nevada's two-year deadline for car accident cases.
Having a personal injury lawyer with experience and an understanding of hit-and-run crashes greatly increases the chances of making a recovery from liable parties or insurers.
Going Through the Legal Process After a Hit-and-Run
When faced with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, knowing the legal steps to take is crucial to not jeopardizing your case. Victims must prioritize securing evidence and documentation, like health records and police reports, to strengthen their case before an attorney hops in.
Because of the complications brought by a hit-and-run accident, working with a hit-and-run accident lawyer early or at least consulting one ensures that your legal rights are protected and maximizes potential legal options for recovering restitution.
Having an Understanding of Nevada's Laws on Hit and Runs
Nevada requires drivers involved in a traffic accident to stop, provide information, render assistance, and report the incident to the police or DMV. Failing to perform these duties can lead to severe penalties such as license suspension, felony charges, a minimum prison sentence of two years, or fines up to $5,000.
Also, failing to work with the other driver during the claim process or ignoring civil penalties could also lead to criminal penalties similar to a hit-and-run.
Gathering Evidence Post-Crash
Our lawyers have seen that clients who take these steps immediately after an accident have stronger cases with better results.
These steps include:
- Call 911 immediately: Ensures an official record is made and emergency services are notified.
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Addresses injuries immediately to strengthen claims and avoid worsening conditions.
- Do Not Chase the Fleeing Driver: Maintains personal safety and preserves legal integrity for investigations.
- Take Photos of Damage and Skid Marks: Captures crucial, time-sensitive evidence before it is altered or erased.
- Collect Witness Contact Info: Gathers details from eyewitnesses who may have seen key factors like the fleeing vehicle.
- Write Down Vehicle Details: Records any information remembered about the suspect vehicle to aid the police investigation.
- File a Crash Report Within 24 Hours: Complies with Nevada law for official documentation and is necessary for claims processing.
By performing these steps, you can allow our attorneys to spend more time tracking the hit-and-run driver and working with the insurance company to secure you a settlement.
Potential Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
Even with our 20 years of legal experince our law firm has time and time again seen that hit-and-run cases present unique obstacles for both victims and legal professionals in Las Vegas, complicating financial recovery.
Hit-and-run incidents are characterized by the absence of immediate accountability and cowardice, as perpetrators often flee without exchanging information or providing aid to the other driver involved. Victims may face hurdles such as identifying the at-fault driver, particularly when evidence is scarce or when witnesses are unreliable, making it difficult to establish fault and recover reimbursement for sustained injuries and damages.
Additionally, there's a challenge in accurately documenting injuries and losses, which can impact an insurance claim, and the urgency to preserve fleeting evidence, like traffic camera footage, adds more stress to an already highly stressful situation.
How Uninsured/Underinsured Lessens the Pain of a Hit-and-Run
When involved in a hit-and-run accident where the responsible driver is unknown, you can rely on your auto insurance coverage to aid financially. In Nevada, your uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy provides protection for injuries caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers. Personal injury protection (PIP) can also cover medical treatment costs in such situations.
Keeping detailed documentation of economic losses like medical bills and lost income will be crucial even if a driver is not identified. Additionally, ensure the timely filing of police reports to support your claim. These measures help protect your rights and improve the chances of recovering rightful compensation for damages, even without the at-fault driver's insurance policy.
Filing a Claim and Seeking Compensation for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Las Vegas
Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face challenges in seeking reimbursement due to the lack of an at-fault driver, making understanding how claims work after such an incident crucial.
The process of filing involves multiple steps, each requiring careful navigation:
- Gathering Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, including witness statements and surveillance footage.
- Legal Support: Consult with an experienced attorney who can help you in seeking damages, guide you through complex legal pathways, and help build a strong case.
- Insurance Claims: Explore all insurance options available, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if applicable.
Successfully navigating these steps increases the chances of obtaining fair reimbursement for injuries and losses sustained in the accident.
Types of Damages Recoverable
Victims of a Las Vegas hit-and-run accident can pursue several types of damages. Financial losses include medical expenses and lost wages, while non-financial losses encompass pain and suffering and cover damages. Personal accounts from our attorneys show that non-financial losses, which many say are more difficult to secure than financial losses, are entirely possible with a smart legal strategy.
Punitive damages might also be sought if the evading motorist's conduct was particularly egregious, which is almost always the case in a Las Vegas hit-and-run, for obvious reasons.
Filing a Claim: What You Need to Know & Do
You have one shot at a civil lawsuit, so you must take the right steps:
- Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, immediately following an accident.
- Timely Reporting: Notify the police right away; this is essential for both legal proceedings and insurance claims.
- Insurance Notification: Contact your insurer promptly to start the claims process and provide detailed information about the incident.
- Claim Submission: Complete all required forms accurately, ensuring you include comprehensive evidence of damages or injuries sustained.
- Legal Advice: Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in car accidents (such as those at the Rodeny Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm!) for guidance on maximizing your compensation and navigating legal complexities.
Each step is crucial to effectively manage and expedite the claim settlement following a hit-and-run accident; missing a step or doing wrong could lead to significant complications for a situation already filled with problems.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case (P.S. It’s US)
Selecting the right Las Vegas attorney for your cases involves several steps:
- Identify Your Legal Issue: Understand what legal matter you need help with, as this determines the type of lawyer required.
- Research and List Potential Lawyers: Look into lawyers who specialize in your specific area of concern.
- Check Credentials and Experience: Verify their qualifications, years of practice, and track record in similar cases.
The process demands careful consideration to ensure the lawyer aligns with both your needs and expectations. Scheduling a free legal consultation with an attorney can provide you with key information about their experince and legal strategy.
Evaluating a Lawyer's Experience and Expertise
To perform a deep analysis of an attorney's legal skills, look at:
- Case History: Examine the lawyer's past cases similar to yours. Successful outcomes in relevant fields indicate valuable expertise.
- Specialization: Identify whether they specialize in your specific legal issue, such as criminal defense or personal injury.
- Client Testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials that highlight their professionalism and results achieved.
- Peer Recognition: Check if the lawyer has been recognized by peers or organizations, which can be a sign of respect within the legal community.
- Courtroom Presence: Consider any information about their performance in court; a confident and effective courtroom presence is critical for many cases.
- Communication Skills: Ensure they are clear communicators who keep you informed throughout your case's progression.
What to Expect During an Initial Consultation
When it comes to legal consultations, typically only the first one is free, so it's important to get as much information out of it as possible by ensuring PDAAF (Preparation, Discussion, Assessment, Advice, Fee Structure):
- Preparation: Gather all relevant documents (police reports, medical records) and details about the accident.
- Discussion: Explain your situation to understand potential legal strategies.
- Assessment: Evaluate the strength of your case based on evidence and circumstances.
- Advice: Receive expert guidance on pursuing compensation for damages incurred.
- Fee Structure: Learn about fee arrangements, ensuring clarity with no hidden costs.
Strategies in Hit-and-Run Litigation
Hit-and-run litigation requires a different approach than other accident cases, given its complexity. Lawyers must quickly gather evidence to identify the driver, and collaboration with the police departments is crucial to speed up tracking efforts, as they can utilize tools like ALPR (Automatic License Plate Readers) for license plate recognition.
Strategic legal maneuvers can also involve escalating the case to trial if necessary, signaling readiness to pursue full justice and seek uninsured motorist coverage through court proceedings. This comprehensive strategy aims at maximizing client compensation for damages while navigating the complex landscape of hit-and-run claims effectively.
Utilizing Surveillance Footage and Witness Statements
In hit-and-run cases, surveillance footage acts as objective evidence, making quick retrieval crucial since such evidence can be easily erased or overlooked by the public. Also, eyewitness statements can complement video data, providing context about the incident's details like the vehicle's speed, direction, and driver behavior.
These narratives, both human and electronic, are invaluable for reconstructing events and establishing what happened, aiding law enforcement in tracking the fleeing party.
Deciding on Accepting a Settlement or Going to Trial
When considering legal action after a hit-and-run accident, victims often face the choice between settlements and trials. Settlements offer quicker resolutions, potentially lower stress, and guaranteed outcomes, but may result in smaller compensation amounts for damages.
Trials can lead to higher awards as juries might sympathize with personal stories and have disdain towards the hit-and-run driver, yet they involve greater risk, longer timelines, and substantial legal fees.
Schedule a free initial consultation with our Las Vegas lawyers to determine whether or not you should accept a settlement from insurers or go to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents
Are Most Hit-and-Run Drivers Uninsured?
Yes, most hit-and-run drivers are underinsured or uninsured motorists, which is often why they are running in the first place.
Problems obviously arise from this, as injured parties must seek compensation from other means.
How Many Hit-and-Runs Get Solved in Las Vegas?
Around 10-15% of hit-and-runs get solved in Las Vegas, with hit-and-runs involving injuries often having a higher success rate than those without.
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