Hit and Run Lawyer in Las Vegas

Hit and Runs Are on The Rise in Las Vegas

In the United States, a hit and run car accident occurs every 43 seconds, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Metropolitan areas like Las Vegas are especially vulnerable to hit and run accidents.

With so many cars on the roads and pedestrians on the streets, hit-and-runs are all-too-common in Sin City. Though it may seem like a more populated city would mean more witnesses, the bystander effect can make it less likely for Las Vegas tourists and residents to intervene on behalf of a victim. They assume someone else will call the police, making it easier for the offender to escape unnoticed.

Why Do People Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Leaving the scene of an accident may seem confusing for the majority of upstanding citizens. However, there are many reasons why people hit and run. Most likely – but not always – the driver is attempting to avoid criminal charges.

Some reasons a person may flee the scene of an accident include:

• They are drunk or fear they might be: When someone knows that they have used drugs or alcohol before driving, they may leave in an inebriated attempt to avoid charges.
• They are in a stolen vehicle: Sometimes, a driver may be operating a stolen vehicle or already have a warrant out for their arrest. In this scenario, the offender is leaving to avoid apprehension or jail.
• They are young or unlicensed: The driver who hit you could have a revoked license or be underaged. If they are driving without a license, they also fear arrest.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run

Whether you were out for a walk, a passenger in a car, or operating a vehicle when you were struck by a driver who fled the scene, the steps you need to take after the collision remain the same.

As much as you might not want to deal with the aftermath, it is essential for you to capture as much information as you physical health allows following any accident, especially a hit and run.

Once you’re safe and the adrenaline has subsided, try to remember details about the car: make, model, color, year, any unique identifiers such as bumper stickers, and if you can, the license plate. If capable, record as many of these down and then call the police to make an official statement for insurance purposes.

Don’t Navigate a Hit and Run Alone

At Valiente Mott, our Las Vegas hit-and-run attorneys will help you pull the evidence together to receive a fair settlement following your Nevada car accident. Call us today for a consultation!