Hit-and-Run Accidents in Nevada: What Personal Injury Victims Should Know

Car accidents are stressful under any circumstance, but when a negligent driver flees the scene, victims face added uncertainty and frustration. Knowing the immediate process after a hit-and-run can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover financial compensation. Many clients ask about hit and run accidents, what to do, and the answer is straightforward: act quickly to safeguard your recovery. At Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawyer Reno, we help victims pursue justice after drivers break the law and leave injured parties behind.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Nevada

Nevada law makes it clear that drivers must stop at the scene of a crash involving injury, death, or property damage and provide identifying information. Failing to do so can lead to severe criminal penalties under NRS 484E.010. Quick action is important for victims to protect their health, preserve evidence, and lay the groundwork for a strong claim. The following steps can make a critical difference after a Nevada hit-and-run:

1. Seek prompt medical care and keep detailed records of any injuries, even if symptoms appear minor.
2. Call 911 to alert law enforcement and request medical assistance if needed.
3. Record as many details as possible, such as the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, or partial license plate.
4. Take photographs of the accident scene, skid marks, and damage to your car.
5. Collect witness information, including names and contact details.
6. File a crash report with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles if required.
7. Notify your insurance company and review whether uninsured motorist coverage applies.
8. Contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and explore compensation options.

Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Your Injuries

Getting medical attention immediately is necessary, even when you think your injuries are only minor. Hidden trauma, such as concussions, soft-tissue strains, or internal bleeding, may take hours or days to surface, and early treatment prevents complications. Protecting your health and strengthening your claim often involves steps like:

• Schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible, preferably within the first 24 hours.
• Following through on all treatment plans and diagnostic testing.
• Saving records of bills, test results, and prescriptions.
• Keeping a journal that tracks pain levels, symptoms, and how your daily activities are affected.

The urgency is evident when looking at Nevada Traffic Safety crash data, which recorded over 380 fatal crashes and 419 fatalities statewide in the latest period. These records serve as strong proof of the harm caused by the collision, directly linking the injuries to the event and limiting opportunities for insurers to argue your losses are less serious.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Nevada law recognizes that victims should not be left without recourse because a negligent driver fled the scene. Victims may still pursue financial compensation through several legal avenues, and many want clarity on hit and run accidents what to do once legal action becomes necessary:

• Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: Many Nevada drivers carry this insurance, which can cover medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Policy terms vary, and some require evidence of physical contact with the fleeing vehicle.
• Civil lawsuits: Once the at-fault driver is identified, you can file a claim for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Insurance companies often attempt to deny or minimize claims, especially in hit-and-run scenarios where liability can seem unclear. Having legal guidance ensures your claim is filed properly and pursued confidently.

Gathering Key Evidence to Strengthen Your Personal Injury Claim

Evidence is the foundation of any successful personal injury case. Documentation is even more important in hit-and-run accidents where the negligent driver may not be immediately identified. That’s why victims should:

• Obtain the official police report and keep all DMV documentation.
• Secure statements from eyewitnesses while memories are fresh.
• Review nearby businesses or residential surveillance footage.
• Preserve all damaged property, including your vehicle, before repairs.
• Keep organized records of medical treatment, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Under NRS 484E.030, drivers are legally required to exchange information and render reasonable aid to injured persons. This obligation underscores why fleeing the scene is both unlawful and dangerous. When victims diligently collect evidence, they strengthen their position against insurers and in court proceedings.

Get Experienced Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Nevada — Contact Kidwell Gallagher Today

Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawyer Reno provides dedicated support for those injured in hit-and-run accidents. Our team focuses on protecting your health, securing compensation, and guiding every step with clear communication. Call (775) 323-2667 today to schedule your free consultation and move forward with confidence.

Craig Kidwell

Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.

• With more than 21 years of experience in complex litigation cases in Nevada.
• In 2018, the State Bar of Nevada selected Mr. Kidwell as one of the five co-founding board members.
• Mr. Kidwell has lobbied and testified before the Nevada Legislature on behalf of the Nevada Justice.