A car crash is terrifying. But when the other driver speeds off into the night, that terror turns into panic. Whether you were the victim left injured on the side of the 15 Freeway, or you were the driver who panicked and drove away, a hit and run in Las Vegas changes everything.
If you were hit, you are lying in a hospital bed wondering how you will pay your medical bills when you do not even know who caused your pain. If you were the driver who left, you are checking your rearview mirror, terrified of a felony arrest.
My name is Michael I. Gowdey. For over 30 years, I have fought in Clark County courtrooms for everyday people. Because my firm handles both criminal defense and personal injury, I understand exactly how both sides of this battle work. Here is the honest truth about hit and run accidents in Nevada.
Key Takeaways
- Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries is a Category B felony carrying mandatory prison time.
- Victims can still get their medical bills paid through their own Uninsured Motorist (UM) insurance coverage.
- Hit and run drivers face massive civil lawsuits and can be forced to pay punitive damages.
- Never speak to the police or an insurance adjuster without an attorney protecting you first.
What are the criminal penalties for a hit and run in Nevada?
In Nevada, leaving a crash causing only property damage is a misdemeanor with up to six months in jail. If the crash causes injury or death, it is a Category B felony punishable by two to twenty years in state prison under NRS 484E.010.
Nevada law is incredibly strict. The moment you hit another car, a pedestrian, or even a parked vehicle, you have a legal duty to stop. You must check on the other person, exchange insurance information, and render aid. If you fail to do this, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police will hunt for you.
If nobody was hurt, you face a misdemeanor under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484E.020. [Insert link to NV .gov source on NRS 484E.020]. But if someone was injured or killed, you face a Category B felony. The judge cannot give you probation for this felony. If you are convicted, you are going to prison.
Can I sue a hit and run driver for my injuries?
Yes. If the police locate the hit and run driver, you can file a civil personal injury lawsuit against them. Because fleeing the scene is a crime, you can also demand punitive damages to punish their reckless and illegal behavior.
When someone hits you and runs, they are not just making a mistake. They are committing a crime to avoid taking responsibility for your pain. If the police find them, we will aggressively pursue their auto insurance policy.
But we do not stop there. Because leaving the scene is an intentional bad act, Clark County judges often allow victims to seek punitive damages. This means the driver may have to pay you extra money out of their own pocket just as a punishment.
Criminal Penalties vs. Civil Liability Breakdown
| Crash Type | Criminal Charge (NRS) | Potential Jail/Prison Time | Civil Liability (Victim Payout) |
| Property Damage Only | Misdemeanor (NRS 484E.020) | Up to 6 months in county jail | Vehicle repairs, rental car costs |
| Injury or Death | Category B Felony (NRS 484E.010) | 2 to 20 years in state prison | Medical bills, pain, punitive damages |
| Unattended Parked Car | Misdemeanor (NRS 484E.040) | Up to 6 months in county jail | Full cost of property damage |
Note: Hit and run cases make up a significant portion of local traffic crimes every year. [Insert accurate Clark County statistic here regarding annual hit and run crashes].
Who pays my medical bills if the hit and run driver is never found?
If the driver is never caught, your own auto insurance policy will pay for your injuries if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage acts exactly like the missing driver’s insurance, covering your hospital bills, lost wages, and pain.
This is the biggest fear every victim has. You are hurt, and the bad guy got away. Who pays?
If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto policy, you are safe. Your own insurance company steps in and pays you the money the fleeing driver should have paid. However, your insurance company will still fight you to pay as little as possible. I fight the insurance companies to make sure you get every penny you deserve. [Internal Link: Las Vegas Personal Injury page].
What should I do in the first 24 hours after a hit and run crash?
In the first twenty-four hours, call 911 immediately to get a police report, take photos of any vehicle debris left behind, seek emergency medical care, and contact a Las Vegas attorney before you speak to any aggressive insurance adjusters or police detectives.
What you do immediately after the crash will make or break your case. Whether you are the victim or the driver who fled in a panic, you need to protect yourself right now.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours (For Victims):
- Do not chase the driver. It is dangerous and can lead to a worse crash.
- Call 911. You must have an official police report to file a UM insurance claim.
- Talk to witnesses. Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the fleeing car.
- Save the debris. If their bumper or mirror fell off, point it out to the police.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (If You Left the Scene):
- Do not hide your car. Police body shops will eventually find it.
- Do not report the car stolen. Filing a false police report is another serious crime.
- Stay silent. If the police show up at your door, invoke your right to remain silent and call my firm immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Hit and Run Laws
How long do the police have to charge me with a hit and run?
For a misdemeanor property damage hit and run, prosecutors have one year to file charges. For a felony hit and run involving injuries, they have three years. If the crash resulted in a death, there is no statute of limitations in Nevada.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file an Uninsured Motorist claim?
No. Nevada law prevents your auto insurance company from raising your rates if you use your UM coverage for an accident that was not your fault.
Can I be charged with a hit and run if the accident was not my fault?
Yes. Nevada law requires you to stop and exchange information regardless of who caused the crash. Even if the other driver ran a red light and hit you, you commit a crime if you drive away.
Does it count as a hit and run if I left a note on a parked car?
If you hit an empty, unattended car, you must stop. If you cannot find the owner, NRS 484E.040 requires you to leave a clear note with your name and address in a visible spot. If you fail to do this, it is a hit and run.
What if I panicked, left, but came back to the scene later?
Coming back later is better than never returning, but you can still be charged because you did not stay at the scene. However, returning shows the judge you took responsibility, which I can use to negotiate a much lighter sentence.
Will I lose my driver’s license for a hit and run?
Yes. A hit and run conviction adds six demerit points to your Nevada driving record. If you accumulate twelve points in a year, or if you are convicted of a felony hit and run, the DMV will suspend or revoke your license.
Can I just settle with the victim to make the criminal charges go away?
No. While paying the victim for their damages (called restitution) is good, it does not stop the Clark County District Attorney from prosecuting you for the crime of leaving the scene.
Do I have to go to court if I am the victim?
Usually, no. My team handles the insurance companies and the civil lawsuit for you. Most personal injury cases settle out of court, meaning you can focus on healing at home.
Get Representation with Heart Today
A hit and run accident creates absolute chaos in your life. Whether you are an injured victim fighting for fair compensation or a driver facing terrifying criminal charges, you cannot afford to face the legal system alone.
My firm, The Law Offices of Michael I. Gowdey, LTD., is built on one simple promise: Justice with Integrity. Representation with Heart. I have the courtroom experience to guide you through this crisis and fight for your future.