Charged with a Hit and Run?
Nevada State Law requires drivers who are “involved in a crash resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person shall” (NRS 484E.030)share the following information with the other driver, vehicle occupant, or other person attending the vehicle:
- Name
- Address
- Registration Number of Vehicle
- Upon request, driver’s license
Additionally, the driver shall give the same information and surrender his driver’s license upon request, to any police officer on the scene, or investigating the scene of the crash, and render “reasonable assistance” to any person injured by the crash. This may involve taking the injured person to a doctor or emergency room or arranging for transport for medical treatment. If a police officer is not on the scene, it is the duty of the driver to report the accident to the police.
In cases where a driver is involved in a crash resulting in death or personal injury or damage to a vehicle or property, the driver shall: “Immediately stop his or her vehicle at the scene of the crash,” (NRS 484E.010 and 484E.020) and remain at the scene long enough to fulfill the above-mentioned duties. Failure to stop at the scene in cases of death or injury is considered a Category B felony and could result in:
- Term in State Prison from two to 20 years
- Fine of $2,000 to $5,000
If a crash is with an unattended vehicle or other property, the driver shall immediately stop and attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle and exchange the above information, or if the owner cannot be located, leave written notice of the name and address and owner of the vehicle “in a conspicuous place” on the damaged vehicle of property, and report the accident to the police.
If involved in a crash that does not involve injury or death to another, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a misdemeanor and can result in:
- Imprisonment in county jail for not more than six months
- And/or a fine of not more than $1,000
Fleeing from the scene of an accident is a serious infraction of the criminal code and may subject you to harsh penalties. These penalties can apply even if you were not at fault in the accident.
Police will open an investigation when a driver has left the scene. This may involve interviewing witnesses to the accident to obtain license numbers or descriptions of vehicles that left the scene, or review of traffic camera footage (if available). Additionally, garages and body shops are required to record and maintain records for up to two years, of the registration number, Vehicle ID number (VIN), color of the vehicle before repairs, location on the vehicle of any repairs done, the amount of the damage, and the name and address of the person who requested the repairs (NRS 484E.100).
The Defenders can represent you if you’ve been charged with Hit and Run
If you’ve been charged with a Hit and Run, do not talk to police until you’ve obtained legal representation. Many times, innocent people are charged with this crime, and The Defenders will apply their experience and skills to minimize your penalties and protect your rights. If you have been charged with this crime, call the Defenders today to discuss your case at (702) 333-3333.
Learn More:
