Hit-and-run laws in Nevada are strict, and the penalties can be severe. If you’ve been involved in or affected by a hit-and-run car accident, it’s important to understand what the law requires, what happens when someone leaves the scene, and what options victims have for compensation.
This updated 2025 guide breaks down Nevada’s hit-and-run rules in simple terms, so you know how these cases work and what next steps to take.
Table of Contents
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in Nevada?
A hit-and-run car accident happens when a driver is involved in a collision and fails to stop and follow the legal duties outlined in Nevada Revised Statutes §484E. These duties apply to nearly every type of crash: vehicle-to-vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and collisions with property.
Under Nevada law, a driver must:
- Stop immediately at or near the scene.
- Provide identifying information, including name, address, and vehicle registration.
- Show a driver’s license when requested.
- Give reasonable aid to injured people, including calling for medical help.
- Report the crash to law enforcement when required.
Types of Hit-and-Run Situations
- Vehicle damage only
- Crashes involving injuries
- Crashes involving death
- Damage to unattended property, such as parked cars or fences
No matter the type of accident, the law requires drivers to remain at the scene and follow proper procedures.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Nevada
Nevada takes hit-and-run accidents seriously, and penalties depend on the severity of the crash. The consequences can range from fines to years in prison.
Leaving the Scene of Property Damage Only (Misdemeanor)
If a crash results in property damage only—such as hitting a parked car or damaging a fence—the offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Even though it’s the lowest level of hit-and-run charge, the consequences are still severe.
Drivers can face:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Points on their driving record
- Possible license suspension
- Higher insurance premiums
Drivers must make a reasonable effort to locate the property owner. If they cannot, they must leave contact information in a visible location and report the crash when required.
Leaving the Scene of Injury or Death (Felony)
Hit-and-run accidents involving injury or death are charged as felonies, and Nevada courts treat these cases very aggressively. A driver who leaves the scene of an injury or fatal crash may face:
- Up to 20 years in Nevada state prison
- Substantial fines
- Mandatory driver’s license revocation
- Additional penalties if DUI or reckless driving is involved
In many cases, these penalties are comparable to those for DUI causing injury or death. Nevada law imposes harsh consequences because leaving an injured person without help can dramatically worsen the outcome.
Below is a comparison table summarizing the general penalty structure:
| Type of Accident | Charge Type | Possible Penalties | License Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Only | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000 | Possible suspension |
| Injury Crash | Felony | 2–15 years in prison, large fines | Mandatory suspension |
| Fatal Crash | Felony | 2–20 years in prison, higher fines | Long-term suspension |
Penalties can increase for repeat offenders or cases involving reckless driving, DUI, or excessive speeding.
What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Hit-and-Run in Las Vegas
Hit-and-run accidents can feel especially disorienting. Taking the right steps protects your health, strengthens your claim, and helps law enforcement identify the driver.
If you’re unsure what to do next, contact an experienced Las Vegas hit-and-run attorney early to avoid mistakes and understand your options.
- Call 911 right away. Report injuries and request police and medical assistance.
- Stay at the scene. Leaving can complicate the investigation and your insurance claim.
- Document everything. Take photos of damage, skid marks, location details, and injuries.
- Write down details immediately. Even small observations can help, such as:
- Color, make, and model of the fleeing vehicle
- Partial license plate information
- Direction of travel
- Look for witnesses or video footage. Nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras may have recordings.
- Report the crash to the police. Nevada law requires reporting certain crashes, especially those involving injury or significant property damage.
- Seek medical evaluation. Some injuries take hours to appear.
- Contact a lawyer. A car accident attorney can investigate, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies for you.
Filing a timely police report protects your right to pursue compensation. Insurance companies often require documentation, and investigators rely on witness statements and camera footage.
Compensation After a Nevada Hit-and-Run Accident
Even if the driver who fled the scene is never found, you may still be able to recover compensation. Nevada law offers several options to help victims rebuild after a hit-and-run car accident.
Using Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important safety nets for injury victims in hit-and-run cases. It can help pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term medical needs
What If the Driver is Identified?
If law enforcement locates the hit-and-run driver, you may pursue compensation through:
- Their auto insurance policy
- A personal injury claim
- A civil lawsuit
Other Potential Sources of Compensation
Depending on the situation, other parties may be responsible, including:
- Employers (if the at-fault driver was working at the time)
- Vehicle owners (if someone else was driving their car)
- Manufacturers (if a defect contributed to the crash)
Hit-and-run accidents are complicated, especially when the driver is unidentified. Naqvi Injury Law understands how to locate evidence, work with investigators, and deal with insurance companies that may try to delay or deny valid claims. Our firm has handled many of these cases and knows how to protect your rights throughout the process.
Why You Need a Las Vegas Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Car accidents leave victims with medical bills, unanswered questions, and a complicated legal process. An experienced attorney who understands hit-and-run laws can guide you through every step.
- Investigates the crash and gathers evidence
- Works with police and third parties to locate the driver
- Reviews insurance policies for all possible coverage
- Communicates with insurers on your behalf
- Helps prove liability and damages
- Protects you from insurance company tactics
- Ensures deadlines and reporting requirements are met
Hit-and-run crashes often involve both criminal charges against the fleeing driver and a civil claim for compensation. A knowledgeable attorney understands how these two areas interact and how to protect your rights in both.
FAQs About Hit-and-Run Accidents
Is a hit-and-run a felony in Nevada?
It can be. Hit-and-run involving injury or death is charged as a felony, while property-damage-only crashes are typically misdemeanors.
How long will police investigate a minor hit-and-run?
Investigations vary, but minor cases may remain active only for a short period unless new evidence arises or injuries are involved.
Can I sue the hit-and-run driver if they aren’t found?
Yes. You can pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage and other potential sources, even if the driver is never identified.
What happens if you hit someone and they leave the scene?
You should still stop, call the authorities, and provide the required information. Nevada law requires drivers to remain at the scene regardless of the other driver’s actions.
How long do you have to report a hit-and-run in Nevada?
Crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the police right away.
What’s the difference between a hit-and-run and leaving the scene?
There is no difference. Both terms describe failing to stop and follow legal duties after a traffic accident under NRS 484E.
Injured in a Hit-and-Run in Las Vegas? Get a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was hurt in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to navigate the process on your own. A trusted attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and protect your claim from the start. Naqvi Injury Law has extensive experience with these cases and knows how to leverage hit-and-run laws to secure the compensation victims deserve.
If you need answers now, Naqvi Injury Law offers free consultations and is ready to help.