An open road is unreliable and risky in Las Vegas, Nevada, making you prone to car accidents. If you ever find yourself in a car accident in Nevada, only flee the scene after giving the other persons involved your accurate information.
You must stay at the scene of a car accident until a police officer lets you go or until you have shared information with the other motorist. Even if you were not at fault, you risk the grave implications of a hit-and-run accident if you decide to flee the scene.
In this article, we will go over the main reasons—including the legal implications—for not leaving the scene of an accident in Nevada.
It Is Considered As a Hit-And-Run If You Flee the Scene of an Accident
The obligations drivers involved in an automobile accident must follow are listed in Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 484E. The consequences of a hit-and-run accident are also listed. Your obligations following an automobile accident include the following:
- Leave your car where it is.
- Regardless of whether injuries result from it, call the police to report the accident.
- If the damages are minimal and safe, push your car out of the traffic.
- If the persons concerned request it, provide them with your name, personal details, insurance details, and license.
- If there is the presence of police at the scene after the accident, you must provide them with the same information.
- If someone needs medical assistance, dial 911 right away. Ask a witness to call if you don’t have access to a phone.
A “hit-and-run” is when a driver leaves the accident scene, and the least severe punishment is typically a traffic ticket. A driver faces jail time and hefty penalties if the accident leads to injuries or someone’s death and they flee the scene.
There are Serious Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Nevada
Misdemeanors are typically assigned to hit-and-run accidents, though this might change based on the incident’s nature and the damage’s extent. The event is a misdemeanor if there is minor property damage and no injuries. But, leaving a misdemeanor accident can have severe consequences, such as jail time.
Depending on the specifics of the accident, penalties may vary. However, the following are some punishments for leaving the scene of an accident:
NRS 484E.020: Misdemeanor Hit and Run
When there is property damage, and you leave the accident scene, you can be charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run. It can lead to penalties such as six demerit points on your driver’s license, a $1000 penalty, and up to six months in jail.
NRS 484E.010: Felony Hit and Run
When you leave the scene of a death or serious injury, the consequences are far more severe for this infraction. They may result in two to fifteen years in prison, a penalty of up to $5,000, and the cancellation or irreversible revocation of your license.
Other common punishments for hit-and-run offenses in Nevada include:
- License suspension for drivers
- Getting your driver’s license revoked
- Compensation for the victim’s losses
- Probation versus parole
- Maximum twenty years in jail with a minimum of two years
It can be challenging to resolve a car accident lawsuit, especially a hit-and-run one. The judicial system is already complex enough without all the complications and stress that come with it. Our car accident attorneys can help you better navigate such situations.
If a hit-and-run accident has impacted you or a loved one, get in touch with the Bourassa Law Group in Nevada. Our car accident lawyers can help you decide what to do next in your specific situation while ensuring that your legal rights are upheld. Call (800)870-8910 for a free consultation today!
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