Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Few traffic accidents are as frustrating and frightening as a hit-and-run collision. Instead of stopping to exchange information, check for injuries, and comply with Nevada law, the at-fault driver leaves the scene, leaving victims to deal with medical bills, vehicle damage, insurance claims, and uncertainty about who will pay for their losses.
Hit-and-run accidents occur throughout Las Vegas every year, from busy intersections on the Strip to neighborhood streets, parking lots, and freeways. Victims often assume they have no options if the driver cannot immediately be identified, but that is not always the case. Police investigations, surveillance cameras, witness statements, and certain insurance coverages may still provide a path toward financial recovery.
Understanding what to do immediately after a hit-and-run accident can protect both your health and your legal rights.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations.
Depending on the circumstances, those obligations generally include:
- Stopping immediately after the accident
- Remaining at the scene
- Providing identifying information
- Rendering reasonable assistance to injured individuals
- Reporting the accident when required
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or significant property damage can result in serious criminal penalties in addition to civil liability.
Unfortunately, many drivers flee because they are:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving without insurance
- Driving with a suspended license
- Operating a stolen vehicle
- Afraid of outstanding warrants
- Attempting to avoid responsibility
Regardless of the reason, leaving an injured victim behind often makes an already traumatic situation much worse.
Where Hit-and-Run Accidents Commonly Occur in Las Vegas
Hit-and-run crashes can happen almost anywhere, but certain locations experience them more frequently.
Busy Intersections
Congested intersections increase the likelihood of:
- Red-light violations
- Left-turn collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Side-impact accidents
Heavy traffic sometimes allows fleeing drivers to disappear quickly.
Casino and Hotel Areas
Tourist traffic creates unique challenges because drivers may be unfamiliar with local roads.
Common contributing factors include:
- Rideshare congestion
- Heavy pedestrian activity
- Parking garage entrances
- Taxi loading zones
Parking Lots
Many drivers mistakenly believe minor parking lot collisions do not require reporting.
Common incidents include:
- Backing accidents
- Parked vehicle damage
- Shopping center collisions
- Garage impacts
Leaving after striking an unattended vehicle can still create legal consequences.
Residential Neighborhoods
Neighborhood hit-and-runs frequently involve:
- Parked cars
- Mailboxes
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
- Children playing nearby
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Because victims often receive delayed medical attention while the driver flees, injuries can become more serious.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Emotional trauma
Even low-speed collisions can produce injuries that worsen over several days.
What You Should Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
The moments following a hit-and-run accident are extremely important.
Call 911
Always report the accident immediately.
Police can:
- Begin searching for the fleeing vehicle
- Document the scene
- Interview witnesses
- Prepare an official accident report
Prompt reporting may increase the chances of identifying the driver.
Seek Medical Care
Do not delay treatment simply because the other driver fled.
Many serious injuries—including brain injuries and internal bleeding—may not produce immediate symptoms.
Medical records also become important evidence linking your injuries to the collision.
Gather Information About the Fleeing Vehicle
If it is safe to do so, try to remember:
- License plate numbers (even partial)
- Vehicle color
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
- Unique damage
- Stickers or decals
- Direction of travel
Even small details may help investigators identify the driver.
Look for Witnesses
Nearby witnesses may have seen:
- The collision
- The driver
- The license plate
- The vehicle leaving
- Traffic violations before impact
Collect names and contact information whenever possible.
Photograph Everything
Take photographs of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Injuries
- Nearby businesses
Wide-angle and close-up photographs can both become valuable evidence.
Surveillance Cameras Often Solve Hit-and-Run Cases
Las Vegas has thousands of cameras throughout the city.
Potential video sources include:
- Casino surveillance systems
- Hotel cameras
- Business security cameras
- Residential doorbell cameras
- Traffic cameras
- Parking garage cameras
Many systems automatically overwrite recordings after a short period.
Prompt investigation helps preserve important footage.
Insurance Coverage After a Hit-and-Run
Many victims worry that recovery is impossible if the driver cannot be identified.
That is not necessarily true.
Depending on your policy, compensation may come from:
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Collision coverage
- Health insurance
Insurance policies differ significantly, making careful policy review important.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Hit-and-run accidents are often treated similarly to accidents involving uninsured drivers.
If your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, it may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future treatment
Coverage depends on the specific language of the policy.
What If Police Find the Driver?
If law enforcement identifies the fleeing driver, you may have additional options.
Potential claims may involve:
- The driver’s liability insurance
- Personal assets
- Employer insurance (if applicable)
- Commercial insurance policies
Criminal charges against the driver are separate from your civil injury claim.
Even if a driver is convicted of leaving the scene, you may still need to pursue compensation through the appropriate insurance claim or civil lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence
Insurance companies sometimes argue that the injured driver contributed to the collision.
Examples include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
Nevada follows modified comparative negligence rules.
Evidence becomes essential when insurers attempt to shift blame.
Evidence That Strengthens a Hit-and-Run Claim
Important evidence includes:
- Police reports
- Surveillance footage
- Dashcam video
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage
- Accident reconstruction
- Cell phone photographs
The earlier evidence is collected, the stronger the claim may become.
Compensation Available
Depending on the circumstances, victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Severe injuries often require compensation for future care as well as current expenses.
Mistakes to Avoid
After a hit-and-run accident, avoid:
- Delaying medical treatment
- Leaving the scene
- Repairing your vehicle before documentation
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Giving recorded statements without understanding your rights
- Accepting a quick settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries
These mistakes can make proving your claim more difficult.
How The Firm Helps Hit-and-Run Victims
Preston Rezaee, Esq., and The Firm assist clients by:
- Investigating the collision
- Obtaining surveillance footage
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Identifying additional sources of compensation
- Filing lawsuits when appropriate
The Firm understands the unique challenges involved when the at-fault driver leaves the scene and works aggressively to protect victims throughout the claims process.
Why Immediate Legal Action Matters
Hit-and-run evidence disappears quickly.
Early legal action may help:
- Preserve surveillance footage
- Locate witnesses
- Identify the fleeing vehicle
- Protect insurance claims
- Meet important legal deadlines
The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the opportunity to uncover critical evidence.
Conclusion
Being injured by a driver who flees the scene can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. Fortunately, a hit-and-run does not necessarily mean you are without legal options.
Prompt medical care, careful documentation, a thorough police investigation, and experienced legal representation can significantly improve your ability to pursue compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Las Vegas hit-and-run accident, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
Nothing in this article should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship or as a substitute for seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney. Legal matters can be complex and vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. Therefore, we strongly encourage readers to consult with qualified legal counsel for advice regarding their individual circumstances.
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For specific legal advice, readers are urged to contact a licensed attorney in their jurisdiction.