Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
A hit-and-run accident is not necessarily a felony in Nevada. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in Nevada. However, whether a driver is charged with a felony or misdemeanor depends on the circumstances of the accident.
A hit-and-run accident is when a motor vehicle strikes another vehicle, person, or object and leaves the scene without giving any information. By Nevada State Law, every driver has the following obligations:
If a driver hits a parked and unattended car, they still have a duty to provide their information via a note or similar. In addition, they must report the accident to the local authorities. Otherwise, it may be considered a hit-and-run.
Hit-and-run accidents are very common in Nevada. According to a study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Nevada has the fourth-highest rate of fatal hit-and-runs in the country.
The problem continues to increase nationwide. Research shows that hit-and-run accidents have increased an average of 7.2% every year since 2006. In addition:
When a motorist is involved in any type of car accident, they have specific legal obligations to satisfy.
After a traffic accident, motorists have several legal duties. It is important that all Nevada drivers are familiar with the required steps after a car accident:
The above steps are expected to be followed in minor collisions where the injuries are not debilitating. In cases where accident victims are seriously hurt, or a vehicle occupant has died, waiting for medical attention will not result in any penalties.
A hit-and-run accident is considered a felony when a person has been injured or died. Nevada law takes into account the damage a hit-and-run accident causes before subjecting drivers to a felony charge or misdemeanor.
Hit-and-run penalties are as follows:
Most car accidents involve more than the driver. In many cases, one or both vehicles have occupants. A hit-and-run driver can be charged with a separate felony for each person hurt or killed in the accident.
In the last few months, Nevada’s news stations have been overwhelmed by the number of reported hit-and-run accidents:
Not every hit-and-run accident is reported by Nevada news stations. Generally, only the most severe collisions receive attention. Even then, the majority of hit-and-run cases remain unsolved.
According to multiple news sources all over the country:
In Las Vegas, Lt. Greg Munson took to Twitter to express his concerns over the mounting unsolved hit-and-run cases. Munson called the trend “alarming. 13 deadly hit-and-run crashes in our jurisdiction this year, 5 of them are currently unsolved.”
Typically, hit-and-run drivers flee the scene of a car accident if they are engaging in other illegal activities. In other cases, they may have a criminal past.
Efforts across the country are being made to reduce hit-and-run collisions. Driver behavior is being studied to find similar motivators in the hopes of finding better ways to prevent hit-and-run accidents.
According to various studies put together by AAA:
Hit-and-run drivers have a diverse range of motivations for leaving the scene of an accident. While not every hit-and-run accident is considered a felony, the consequences can still be severe.
In the aftermath of such incidents, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. For instance, if you’re a worker involved in an accident during your job, familiarizing yourself with Nevada’s work injury laws can be beneficial. Moreover, the distinction between ordinary and gross negligence can play a significant role in determining the liability and compensation. Additionally, if your case progresses, knowing what to expect during a deposition can prepare you for the legal journey ahead.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident and need to know the best course of action to take, turn to the exceptional car accident attorneys of Gina Corena & Associates. Schedule a consultation to discuss the details of the accident and learn about the possible remedies our law offices can offer.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.