The Alarming Rise of Hit-and-Run Crashes

Hit-and-run accidents have become an increasingly serious problem across the United States, with a noticeable spike in recent years—particularly since 2020 and the pandemic era. Factors like reduced traffic enforcement, heightened stress, aggressive driving, and substance involvement have fueled this dangerous trend.

Nationally, hit-and-runs now account for about 25% of all pedestrian fatalities in recent years (up from around 20% pre-2020), according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter riders—bear the brunt of these cowardly acts, often with devastating or fatal consequences.

In Nevada, and especially the Las Vegas valley, the problem hits close to home. Clark County has consistently ranked high in per-capita fatal hit-and-runs, and while overall traffic deaths dipped in 2025 (to around 239 in Clark County, down from higher peaks in 2024), hit-and-run incidents remain a persistent threat amid other risks like failure-to-yield crashes. Local reports highlight hundreds of hit-and-run cases annually, leaving victims without immediate justice or recourse.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate recovery alone. As experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys, Sam & Ash Injury Law helps victims secure the compensation they deserve.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Nevada

Your health and future claim come first. Follow these critical steps:

• Seek medical attention right away — Even if injuries feel minor, adrenaline can hide serious issues like concussions or internal bleeding. Prompt medical records are vital for your claim.
• Call 911 — Report the incident immediately. A police investigation creates an official record essential for insurance claims and any criminal prosecution.
• Gather as much evidence as safely possible — Note or photograph:
  • Partial or full license plate
  • Vehicle make, model, color, and direction of travel
  • Exact time, location, and road conditions
  • Witness names and contact info
  • Photos of the scene, your vehicle, and visible injuries
• File (or follow up on) the police report — This document strengthens your case significantly.
• Notify your insurance company — Do this promptly, but avoid giving detailed statements without advice.
• Contact a personal injury attorney — Time is critical. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, investigate the crash, and maximize your recovery.

Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term impacts can overwhelm anyone. Don’t let a fleeing driver leave you with the full burden.

Nevada’s Strict Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers

Nevada law (under NRS Chapter 484E) treats leaving the scene seriously:

• Property damage only — Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, license demerits/suspension.
• Bodily injury or death — Category B felony: Mandatory prison time (2–20 years minimum), fines $2,000–$5,000, license revocation. No probation or suspension allowed. Additional charges apply per victim or if DUI involved.

While these penalties hold drivers accountable, they don’t automatically pay your bills. That’s where skilled legal help makes the difference.

Can You Get Compensation if A Hit-and-Run Driver Was Not Found?

Nevada is an at-fault state, but hit-and-runs complicate claims when the driver flees and may never be identified. Here’s how compensation typically works:

If the driver is identified and caught:

• File against their liability insurance (Nevada minimum: 25/50/20—$25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury).
• If limits are insufficient, pursue them personally through a lawsuit (Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 2 years from when you discover—or should have discovered—the injury).

If the driver is never identified:

• Nevada treats unidentified hit-and-runs as uninsured motorists.
• Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is often the primary path to compensation. This optional-but-crucial coverage pays for your injuries (and sometimes property damage). File a claim with your own insurer—they handle it like a standard injury case.
• Without UM/UIM: Options narrow. Collision coverage may repair your vehicle, but not injuries. Explore:
  • Nevada’s Victims of Crime Compensation Program (for medical costs, lost wages, etc., if eligible).
  • Personal health insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, or other resources for initial bills.

A knowledgeable attorney can review your policy, investigate leads (e.g., surveillance footage, witnesses), negotiate with insurers, and pursue every available avenue.

Don’t Face This Alone—Contact Us Today

Hit-and-run accidents leave victims feeling violated, injured, and uncertain about the future. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we fight aggressively for Las Vegas and Nevada victims to recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run, reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us 24/7, and we’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.

Call the hit-and-run accident personal injury lawyers at Sam & Ash Injury Law today or fill out our contact form. You deserve what’s right—and we’re here to help get it.