What to Do If You’re Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Nevada

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, it’s completely understandable to feel disoriented and frustrated. In that moment, questions start flooding your mind: Who was that driver? Will they ever be caught? How will I cover my medical bills and car repairs?

Having handled countless hit-and-run cases in Las Vegas, we know just how chaotic the aftermath of such an incident can be. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate what comes next. By taking the right steps, you can protect your well-being, safeguard your legal rights, and improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The most important thing after any car accident—especially a hit-and-run—is making sure you’re okay. If you’re badly hurt, don’t hesitate—call 911 or ask someone nearby to do it for you.

Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s still smart to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but they can become serious if left untreated.

For example, you might not feel the effects of:

• Whiplash or soft tissue injuries—These can take hours or even days to cause pain and stiffness.
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries—Even a mild impact can lead to dizziness, headaches, or memory issues.
• Internal bleeding or organ damage—These injuries don’t always cause immediate pain but can be life-threatening.
• Spinal cord injuries—Symptoms might not appear right away, but any damage to the spine can have lasting effects.
• Emotional trauma or PTSD—A hit-and-run can be incredibly stressful, and the mental toll can linger long after the physical injuries heal.

Getting checked out by a medical professional does more than just ensure your safety—it also creates an official record of your injuries. This documentation can be crucial later if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action. Without medical proof linking your injuries to the accident, recovering compensation could be much more difficult.

Step 2: Report the Accident to Law Enforcement

Nevada law requires all drivers involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage over $750 to stop, exchange information, and stay at the scene. Leaving without doing so isn’t just reckless—it’s a serious criminal offense under Nevada’s hit-and-run laws.

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, report the accident to the police as soon as possible. The sooner law enforcement is notified, the better the chances of identifying and locating the driver. Try to provide as many details as you can remember, such as:

• The make, model, and color of the car
• Any part of the license plate number (even a few digits can help)
• Notable details like bumper stickers, dents, or other distinguishing marks
• The direction the driver was headed when they fled
• A physical description of the driver, if you saw them

Filing a police report doesn’t just help authorities track down the responsible driver—it also creates an official accident record. This report can be valuable evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. Without it, proving what happened could be much more difficult.

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, try to collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene before it disappears. Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, and the surrounding area. Ask any eyewitnesses for their names and contact information, as their statements can help corroborate your side of the story.

Other helpful evidence to gather includes:

• Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses
• Dashcam video from your vehicle or other cars
• Accident debris like broken glass or vehicle parts
• Your own written recollection of how the crash happened

Of course, if you’re too severely injured to play detective, your health should always come first. An experienced car accident attorney can help you track down evidence later on.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage through your own auto insurance policy. Nevada law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, which can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a hit-and-run.

To start this process, you’ll need to report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible – most require notification within a day or two of the crash. Stick to the basic facts of what happened, and avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to an attorney.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating the legal aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to juggle medical treatment and insurance claims at the same time. That’s where an experienced Las Vegas injury lawyer can make all the difference.

At Benjamin Durham Law Firm, we’ve been advocating for hit-and-run accident victims in Nevada for over two decades. We know the ins and outs of the legal process and can handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Investigating your accident to identify the hit-and-run driver
• Gathering evidence to build your claim
• Dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Calculating the full value of your damages
• Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to trial if the other side won’t pay what you deserve

We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and we only get paid if we recover money for you. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward after a serious hit-and-run accident.

What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Found?

In an ideal world, every hit-and-run driver would be swiftly caught and held accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Unfortunately, the reality is that many hit-and-run offenders are never identified, leaving victims wondering how they’ll pay for the damage.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company up to your policy limits. Your insurer essentially steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and compensates you for your losses. For catastrophic hit-and-run accidents resulting in permanent disability or death, you may also be able to pursue a claim with the Nevada Victims of Crime Program.

While we know it’s not the same as getting justice against the person who hit you, these avenues can at least provide some measure of financial relief during a difficult time. No matter what, know that you’re not alone. Our compassionate team is here to help hit-and-run victims put the pieces back together.

Get Help from a Trusted Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver, don’t wait to get legal help on your side. The experienced attorneys at Benjamin Durham Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights and guide you through the complex claims process.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and work tirelessly to get you the full compensation you need to heal. With us in your corner, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal heavy lifting. You deserve justice, and we’re here to help you achieve it.