It is possible for drivers to flee the scene of a pedestrian accident out of fear. A drunk driver may not even know they struck a person. You still need to get paid for your injuries even if the vehicle fled the accident site. Getting compensated as a pedestrian injured in a hit-and-run is difficult.
Personal injury law in Nevada is fault-based, so you must track down the careless motorist who abandoned you. However, depending on your coverage, your car accident attorney in Las Vegas may be able to pursue compensation for your damages from your motor insurance policy, even if they cannot identify the party at fault.
Legal Outline of Nevada’s “Hit and Run” Statutes
Authorities look down upon people who flee the scene of an accident. In the event of an accident, Nevada law stipulates that drivers must pull over immediately (484E.020). This must be done to search for casualties. If someone is hurt, immediate medical attention must be requested. Without injuries, you must swap information like phone numbers and insurance policies with the other parties.
If no one was wounded, you could face misdemeanor charges for leaving the scene of an accident in a vehicle. If someone is injured, the crime becomes more severe under the law. No matter who was at fault for the collision, leaving the scene of an accident is still illegal.
Getting Paid When You Are a Pedestrian Victim of a Hit-and-Run
Lawyers specializing in Nevada personal injury cases can seek compensation for a wide range of losses, depending on the severity of their client’s injuries:
- Treatment Costs
- Revenue drop
- Damage to property
- Agony and distress
Punitive damages may also be available in the event of a hit-and-run. The most significant factor in determining the source of compensation is whether or not authorities successfully locate the hit-and-run driver.
It has Been Determined Who the Hit-and-run Driver Was.
Your Las Vegas accident attorney will investigate the other driver’s insurance policy if the police can identify him or her. Your Nevada personal injury attorney will help you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and inform you of how much compensation you are entitled to receive.
Gather evidence to support your negligence claim and the damages’ value. Your attorney will present your case to the insurance, documenting your losses and your right to compensation.
If the other party’s insurance does not cover all of your costs, you may be able to lodge a claim against your coverage.
The Driver Who Caused the Accident Has Yet to Be Identified
Unfortunately, not all people hit by a car and then fleeing the scene can identify the offender. You cannot pursue legal action against the party at fault if this occurs.
However, help may be on the way in the form of your car insurance. If you were harmed while walking, you may still be covered. You can get some or all of your medical expenses covered by an uninsured motorist (UM) or medical payments coverage (Medpay) insurance.
