If you’ve recently been involved in a collision and the other driver fled the scene, consulting a hit and run attorney should be your first step toward justice. Victims of these incidents often feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure about what to do next. Fortunately, there are clear legal pathways you can take to protect your rights, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation.
Immediate Actions After a Hit and Run
Ensure Your Safety and Check for Injuries
After any accident, your health is the top priority. If you’re able, move to a safe location away from traffic and assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, be aware that some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Call emergency responders right away if medical help is needed.
Call the Police and File a Report
Even if the damage appears minimal, contacting law enforcement is essential. The responding officers will document the scene, interview any witnesses, and file an official report. This document will be critical when pursuing legal action or an insurance claim. Do not leave the scene before the police arrive, unless you require emergency medical care.
Gather Any Information at the Scene (Witnesses, Vehicle Fragments)
Try to collect any details you can remember about the other vehicle—make, model, color, or even partial license plate numbers. Speak to witnesses and ask for their contact information. Look for any vehicle fragments or paint transfers that could help identify the driver. These details may later be used as key evidence.
Take Photos of Damage and the Scene
Use your phone to take multiple photos of your vehicle, visible damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and the general scene. These images could help recreate the event timeline and support your version of events. Clear and comprehensive visual documentation can significantly strengthen your case later in the process.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not be obvious right away. Additionally, medical records serve as evidence that your injuries were caused by the hit and run accident and not by a preexisting condition.
The Importance of Filing a Police Report
Official Record of the Incident
A police report serves as an official and time-stamped account of the accident. It includes key information such as the date, location, involved parties, and initial statements. This document is invaluable when seeking damages or insurance settlements, as it validates the occurrence of the crash.
Can Aid in Insurance Claims and Investigations
Insurers often require a police report before they will process claims related to hit and run cases. The report can include officer observations and witness statements that help confirm your account of the event. This information is useful when determining fault and negotiating compensation.
Provides Documentation for Legal Action
If you decide to file a civil lawsuit, your attorney will rely heavily on the police report. It offers a neutral third-party summary of the incident that can support your legal claims. This documentation can also pressure insurers or defendants into reaching a settlement before going to trial.
Understanding Your Legal Rights in Reno
Nevada Laws Regarding Hit and Run Accidents
In Nevada, leaving the scene of a crash is considered a criminal offense. Depending on the severity, offenders may face hit and run charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. These laws are designed to protect victims and ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable.
Your Right to Pursue Compensation for Injuries and Damages
If you were injured in a hit and run, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Nevada law allows victims to take legal action through civil claims, even if the responsible driver is unidentified at first.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
In most hit and run cases, Nevada gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering any damages. It’s crucial to speak with an attorney early to ensure your case is filed within the legal time limit.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Navigating the Complex Legal Process
The legal process following a hit and run is filled with deadlines, procedures, and documentation. An attorney will manage all legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovery. They’ll also ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and gather essential evidence early on.
Investigating the Hit and Run Incident
Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the driver and collect evidence. This might include reviewing surveillance footage, gathering expert reports, and collaborating with accident reconstruction specialists. The stronger the evidence, the better your chances of recovering compensation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance providers may offer a low settlement or delay your claim. Your attorney will handle all negotiations and correspondence, ensuring that the insurer treats you fairly. They’ll also identify whether the hit and run driver is considered an uninsured driver, which can affect your policy coverage and claims process.
Building a Strong Case for Compensation
With a comprehensive legal strategy, your attorney will gather medical records, property damage reports, and expert evaluations to present a strong case. Their goal is to demonstrate the full extent of your losses and push for a fair outcome—either through negotiation or trial.
Protecting Your Rights and Interests
Legal counsel ensures that you are not taken advantage of during the legal process. From protecting your rights in court to shielding you from aggressive insurance tactics, your lawyer is your advocate every step of the way.
Steps Your Attorney Will Take
Conducting an Independent Investigation
Attorneys often work with private investigators to gather additional evidence that law enforcement may have missed. This can include locating new witnesses or identifying traffic camera footage.
Identifying Potential Witnesses and Evidence
Your legal team will speak with witnesses, examine the crash site, and secure any documentation that could help prove negligence or identify the suspect.
Communicating with Law Enforcement and Insurance Companies
They’ll manage communications with law enforcement and your insurance provider so that all relevant parties remain informed and accountable.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Most cases are resolved outside of court. Your lawyer will aim to secure a settlement that covers all your losses, without unnecessary delays.
Representing You in Court if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will present your case in court with all the necessary evidence, testimony, and legal arguments.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Medical Expenses (Past and Future)
You can recover all medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, medications, and any future treatment plans related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If you miss work or become unable to continue your career, your attorney will seek compensation for both current and projected income losses.
Pain and Suffering
Accidents leave emotional scars as well as physical ones. Pain, trauma, anxiety, and reduced quality of life may all be factored into your compensation claim.
Property Damage
You may be eligible to receive reimbursement for your vehicle repairs, replacement of personal items, and other related property damage expenses.
Finding the Right Legal Representation in Reno
When selecting a firm to handle your case, look for attorneys with experience in hit and run cases who understand Nevada law and local court systems. Check reviews and testimonials to see how past clients felt about their representation. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your options. It’s also wise to ask about fees, communication style, and case strategy to ensure you’re comfortable moving forward with legal action.
Don’t Wait – Take Action to Seek Justice. If you’ve been affected by a hit and run, Matt Dion & Associates can help. Contact us today to protect your rights.
