The moments after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Your heart races, adrenaline surges through your body, and you might feel an urge to drive away from the scene. However, leaving the scene of an accident can result in severe legal consequences that could affect you for years to come. Whether you caused the accident or not, staying at the scene is crucial for everyone’s safety and well-being.
Numerous drivers flee from accident scenes in Nevada every year. This decision often stems from panic, fear of consequences, or other factors that cloud judgment in the heat of the moment. However, the ramifications of leaving far outweigh any perceived benefits of fleeing.
Hit and Run Laws in Nevada
Nevada law takes hit-and-run incidents extremely seriously. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484E.020 and 484E.030, all drivers involved in an accident must stop their vehicles at the scene. The law requires you to exchange information with other parties and provide reasonable assistance to anyone needing medical attention.
This assistance could include calling emergency services, helping injured persons from their vehicles, or arranging transportation to medical facilities. The law mandates that drivers share their names, addresses, vehicle registration information, and driver’s license details with other involved parties and responding law enforcement officers.
NRS 484E.040 specifically addresses accidents involving unoccupied vehicles or unattended property. In these cases, drivers must make every reasonable effort to locate the property owner. If unable to find the owner, drivers must leave a written notice in a conspicuous place at the scene and (as per NRS 484E.050) immediately notify local law enforcement or the Nevada Highway Patrol.
The severity of hit-and-run charges in Nevada depends on the circumstances of the accident. Leaving the scene typically constitutes a misdemeanor when an accident results in only property damage. However, if the accident causes injury or death, fleeing the scene becomes a felony offense with much harsher penalties. These laws exist not just as punitive measures but to ensure that all parties receive necessary medical attention and that property damage can be properly addressed through appropriate channels.
The Consequences of Leaving the Scene of An Accident
The punishment for leaving the scene of an accident in Nevada can be severe. A misdemeanor hit-and-run conviction (such as for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage alone) can result in up to six months in jail and fines reaching $1,000. You will incur six demerit points on your driver’s license. When the accident causes injury or death, the offense becomes a category B felony, carrying potential prison sentences of two to 15 years and fines up to $5,000. The court may also suspend or permanently revoke your driver’s license.
Beyond the legal ramifications, leaving an accident scene can create long-lasting personal and professional challenges. A hit-and-run conviction on your record can limit employment opportunities, raise your insurance rates significantly, and even affect housing applications. Many insurance companies may deny coverage for accidents where a driver fled the scene, leaving you personally responsible for all costs and expenses.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help You
If you face charges for leaving an accident scene, a skilled criminal defense attorney can provide essential assistance in several ways. Your attorney will carefully examine all aspects of your case, including any evidence that might support your defense. They can review surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to identify potential inconsistencies or procedural errors that could benefit your case.
A Nevada hit-and-run lawyer understands the complexities of Nevada traffic laws and can develop strategies to help minimize the potential consequences you face. They can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or explore alternative sentencing options. In some cases, they might be able to arrange for programs that could help you avoid the most severe penalties.
Your attorney can also protect your rights throughout the legal process, ensuring that law enforcement and prosecutors follow proper procedures. They can guide you through court appearances, explain your options, and advise you on the most effective course of action based on your specific circumstances.
What to Do If You Are in a Motor Vehicle Accident in Nevada
After an accident, your actions in the first few minutes have an outsized significance in determining the consequences of your case. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If it’s safe, move your vehicle to a secure location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention or if there’s significant property damage.
While waiting for law enforcement, exchange information with the other driver. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles and gather contact information from any witnesses. If the accident damaged unattended property or a parked vehicle, make reasonable efforts to locate the owner. If you cannot find them, leave a note with your contact information and report the incident to local law enforcement.
Never discuss fault at the scene. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid providing statements about the accident to anyone except law enforcement. Remember that even minor accidents require you to remain at the scene until you’ve fulfilled all legal obligations under Nevada law.
Contact Our Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help
If you face charges related to leaving an accident scene, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and future. At Adras & Altig, we understand that good people sometimes make mistakes in moments of panic or confusion. Our hit-and-run lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case and work diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
We believe everyone deserves a strong defense and a second chance. Our team will give your case the individual attention it needs while treating you with respect and courtesy throughout the legal process. We’ll move quickly to protect your rights and craft effective defense strategies tailored to your unique situation.
Don’t let one mistake define your future. Contact Adras & Altig today for a free consultation. Our experienced hit-and-run lawyers in Las Vegas are ready to explain your options and fight for your rights.
This post was originally published in June 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in January 2025.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.