| How much is a hit-and-run settlement worth in Las Vegas? The value of a Las Vegas hit-and-run case depends on your medical costs, lost income, and the insurance available, including uninsured motorist coverage when the driver is never found. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can weigh these under Nevada’s comparative negligence rule, NRS 41.141, and pursue a full car accident claim in Clark County. |
After a hit-and-run in Las Vegas, you are left with injuries, a wrecked car, and no one at the scene to hold responsible. The driver is gone, but the insurance calls start anyway. A Las Vegas hit-and-run accident lawyer can carry that weight for you.
For over 40 years, the hit-and-run accident attorneys at Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers have represented injured people across Clark County, recovering more than $1 billion in combined settlements and verdicts with a 95% success rate on resolved cases. Our case results reflect the range of motor vehicle claims we handle, from disputed-liability crashes to catastrophic injuries.
Legacy. Founder Ed Bernstein has represented injured clients in Las Vegas for nearly 50 years, and our firm has grown alongside the city, from the expansion of the Strip corridor to the buildout of Clark County’s freeway system.
Integrity. Our Las Vegas hit and run accident attorneys prepare every claim as if it is headed to trial, coordinating with accident reconstructionists and medical experts before a demand ever reaches the insurance carrier. Ed Bernstein has been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list by the American Trial Lawyers Association.
Community. The firm keeps an active presence in Las Vegas beyond the courtroom, including recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for its advocacy work, achievements that clients often mention in our client testimonials.
What is a hit-and-run accident under Nevada law?
A hit-and-run is a crash in which a driver leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance. Nevada Revised Statute 484E.020 requires a driver in a crash that damages a vehicle or property to stop right away and stay at the scene. A companion law, NRS 484E.030, adds the duty to give information and render aid, which means sharing your name, address, and registration and helping anyone who is hurt. When a driver ignores these duties and takes off, the crash becomes a hit-and-run.
How common are hit-and-run crashes in Las Vegas?
Hit-and-run crashes are a large and growing share of Las Vegas traffic, and most fleeing drivers are never caught. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s 2025 Traffic Year-End Report, recent numbers for the Las Vegas area include:
- 4,634 hit-and-run cases in 2025, up 9.6% from 4,228 in 2024. That is roughly one in four of the 18,109 crashes LVMPD investigated that year.
- About 23% of hit-and-run cases were cleared by an arrest or citation, down from 25% in 2024. In other words, most hit-and-run drivers are never identified.
- 33 fatal hit-and-run cases in 2025, up from 30 the year before, with 10 still unsolved at the end of the year.
- 163 people died in Las Vegas-area traffic crashes in 2025, across 158 fatal collisions, a reminder of how serious these crashes can be.
What should you do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Las Vegas?
Immediately after a hit-and-run in Las Vegas, get to safety, call 911, write down whatever you can about the fleeing vehicle, document the scene, and seek prompt medical care. These steps protect both your health and your claim.
- Call 911 and stay at the scene. Report the crash so the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) can respond and create a record. Do not chase the other driver.
- Note the vehicle details. Write down the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate. Even a few plate characters can help police find the driver.
- Photograph everything. Capture the damage, the road, nearby signs, and any debris or skid marks.
- Look for witnesses and cameras. Get names and numbers from anyone who saw the crash, and note nearby homes or businesses that may have video.
- Get a medical evaluation. See a doctor even if you feel fine, since some injuries appear days later.
- File an SR-1 if police do not investigate. Nevada law (NRS 484E.070) requires you to submit a Nevada DMV Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1 form) within 10 days if police do not investigate at the scene and the crash caused injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more.
- Notify your insurer. Report the crash and ask about your uninsured motorist coverage, but avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
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What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Las Vegas
After you report a hit-and-run, LVMPD investigates, and for serious or fatal crashes, that work goes to its Collision Investigation Section. Officers review scene evidence, gather witness statements, and pull surveillance and traffic video to identify the vehicle and driver. When a vehicle is not found right away, police often release a description of its make, model, year, and damage and ask the public for tips. Because this process depends on video and witnesses, it can take time, and obtaining the LVMPD report afterward can take 10 business days or longer if the case is still open.
What are the criminal penalties for a hit-and-run in Nevada?
Leaving the scene is a crime in Nevada, and the charge depends on what the crash caused. This also answers what the charge of hit and run in Las Vegas looks like and what a driver faces, since a hit and run is a criminal matter, not a simple ticket.
| Property damage only | Leaving the scene under NRS § 484E.020 is a misdemeanor, generally punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. |
| Injury or death | Leaving the scene under NRS § 484E.010 is a category B felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. The statute does not allow a suspended sentence or probation. |
| Multiple victims | A driver may face a separate charge for each person hurt or killed. |
| No fixed “ticket” cost | Because a hit and run is charged as a misdemeanor or felony rather than written as a standard traffic ticket, there is no set ticket price; the driver faces the fines and jail time above instead. |
| Separate from your claim | These penalties fall on the fleeing driver in criminal court and are independent of your civil injury claim, which is how you seek money for your losses. |
What are the most common causes of hit-and-runs in Las Vegas?
Most hit-and-runs happen when a driver has a reason to avoid the police, and that reason often points to fault. The leading causes across the Las Vegas Valley include:
- Driving under the influence — impaired drivers often flee to avoid a DUI arrest, and impairment is a factor in many serious Nevada crashes
- Distracted driving — texting or using GPS behind the wheel leads to rear-end and intersection crashes, and some drivers then panic and leave
- Driving without a license or insurance — unlicensed or uninsured drivers flee to avoid citations or liability
- Driving a stolen vehicle — a driver in a stolen car has a strong reason not to stop
- Panic or fear — some drivers leave simply because they are scared of the consequences
Time and place matter too. Many hit-and-runs in the Las Vegas Valley happen at night and along busy corridors such as Boulder Highway, Flamingo Road, and the streets near the Strip, where heavy foot traffic and fast-moving cars meet. Knowing the likely cause helps your lawyer build the case, since an impaired or uninsured driver changes how the claim moves forward.
What injuries are common in hit-and-run crashes?
Hit-and-run injuries range from minor strains to catastrophic, life-changing trauma, and they are often severe because a fleeing driver rarely brakes. The most serious injuries in Las Vegas are frequently routed to UMC Trauma Center, Nevada’s only Level I trauma center. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft-tissue neck injuries, common in rear-end impacts
- Broken bones, including arms, ribs, and hips
- Traumatic brain injuries, from mild concussion to lasting cognitive harm
- Spinal cord injuries, which can cause partial or total loss of mobility
- Internal injuries, which may not be obvious right away and need prompt evaluation
Pedestrians and cyclists tend to be hurt the worst because they have no protection. Prompt medical care helps your recovery and ties your injuries to the crash.
Is Nevada a no-fault or at-fault state for car accidents?
Nevada is not a no-fault state; it is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the resulting harm, and you generally seek payment from that driver or their liability insurance.
A hit-and-run creates an obvious problem, because the at-fault driver is gone. That shifts the focus to your own auto insurance, and in particular to uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is built for this situation. Nevada also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible, with your recovery reduced by your share.
Who may be liable for a hit-and-run in Las Vegas?
The driver who fled is the person most directly responsible. If police identify and locate that driver, you may pursue their liability insurance, which pays for the harm a driver causes to others. In some cases, responsibility extends further, such as an employer if the driver was working, or a property owner where poor lighting or design contributed to the crash. When the driver is never found, your own UM/UIM coverage often steps in and treats the missing driver as uninsured, and comprehensive coverage may help repair your vehicle.
Legal Tip: Can I Seek Compensation If the Driver Isn’t Found?
Yes, you often can, even if the police never find the driver. Your own car insurance may include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is made for hit-and-run crashes. It treats the missing driver as if they had no insurance, and it can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain. If your car was damaged, comprehensive coverage may help pay to fix it.
The driver who fled broke Nevada’s duty to stop under NRS § 484E.020, but your UM claim does not depend on catching them. Nevada drivers can turn down UM coverage, but only in writing, so it is worth checking your own policy. A Las Vegas hit and run accident lawyer can review your policy, deal with your insurer, and file the claim for you.
What compensation can you recover?
You may be able to recover both your financial losses and the personal impact of the crash. Nevada law splits these into economic and non-economic damages, based on the evidence you gather.
Economic damages (your financial losses)
- Past and future medical bills, including hospital care, surgery, and physical therapy
- Lost wages for time missed at work
- Lost earning ability if your injury limits your future work
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket costs, like medical travel and equipment
Non-economic damages (the personal impact)
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment, scarring, or disfigurement
In cases involving a death, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. Case value generally reflects the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the insurance available, including the at-fault driver’s liability limits and any UM/UIM coverage on your own policy, which matters since many Nevada drivers carry only minimum limits.
How long do you have to file a hit-and-run claim in Las Vegas?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada, under NRS § 11.190. Missing this deadline usually bars recovery entirely, no matter how strong the claim.
Pitfall Alert
Many people assume that ongoing settlement talks with an insurance adjuster pause the two-year clock. They do not. Negotiations can and often do run past the deadline, leaving a valid claim time-barred if a lawsuit is not filed on time. Waiting also weakens a case, because video is erased and witnesses move on.
Should I get a lawyer for a hit-and-run in Las Vegas?
Whether you need a lawyer depends on your injuries and how clearly liability can be shown, but most people benefit from representation once an insurer is involved, since adjusters serve the insurance company’s interests, not yours. A hit-and-run adds a layer that a standard crash does not, because much of the claim shifts to your own insurer.
The Opponent Playbook
Even your own insurance company is a business. Adjusters may question whether a phantom vehicle really existed, argue that your injuries are minor, or push a fast, low settlement before your treatment is complete. A hit and run accident attorney Las Vegas victims trust can respond to these tactics, lock down evidence early, and advocate for a fair result. Common tactics include:
- Disputing whether an unidentified vehicle caused the crash
- Blaming pre-existing conditions rather than the crash for your injuries
- Offering a quick, low payment before the full cost of your care is known
Our team also prepares each case for trial from the start, preserving evidence, coordinating experts, and building a clear record so we can negotiate from strength or, if needed, take the case to a Clark County courtroom.
What does a hit-and-run claim look like?
A hit-and-run claim moves through a few clear stages, and our team handles each one so you can focus on healing. Here is what to expect:
- Free consultation and case review. We look at the crash, your injuries, and the insurance coverage available to you, including the uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy.
- Investigation and evidence. We gather the LVMPD report, the Nevada DMV SR-1 form, your medical records, scene photos, witness statements, and any surveillance or dashcam video. We move fast, before video is erased.
- Policy review. We read your auto insurance policy closely to find every source of coverage, since a hit-and-run often depends on your own UM/UIM benefits.
- Demand and negotiation. We send a formal demand to the insurer and negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Lawsuit, if needed. If the insurer will not offer a fair amount, we can file in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County and prepare for trial.
Most cases settle, but preparing for court keeps your options open. How long a claim takes depends on how serious your injuries are and whether fault is disputed.
How to Choose the Right Las Vegas Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Look for a lawyer with real experience in Nevada crash and uninsured motorist claims, familiarity with Clark County courts and local insurers, clear communication, and genuine trial readiness, not just marketing slogans.
Does the firm have experience with cases like yours?
For over 40 years, our firm has represented injured clients throughout Clark County, recovering more than $1 billion in combined settlements and verdicts, including motor vehicle settlements ranging from $1M to $1.5M. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Do they understand Nevada’s 51 percent comparative negligence rule?
Under NRS § 41.141, a single percentage point of fault can end a claim, since a driver found 51 percent at fault recovers nothing. Adjusters build fault arguments around this threshold, especially when your own UM coverage is involved. A hit and run accident lawyer Las Vegas families rely on counters this by locking down the LVMPD report, scene photos, witness statements, and vehicle data before an adjuster’s fault narrative takes hold.
Are they ready for trial?
Our attorneys prepare every case as though it may go before a Clark County jury. Ed Bernstein holds a Distinguished peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list by the American Trial Lawyers Association. Seek out a lawyer with a real track record in the Las Vegas Valley, not one chosen on advertising alone.
What do past clients say about working with Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers?
Past clients describe a team that communicates and delivers a result that reflects what they went through. Here is what a few have said.
“Ed Bernstein & Associates will fight for you! I will definitely be coming back here! It’s a lot that I would love to say, but I’m going to keep it short. Nina worked with me through everything. She called me to update me on everything that was happening. Nina talked me through everything that was happening. Nina is so wonderful to have.”
-Shauntel Madison
“I will recommend this firm to anyone who may need an injury lawyer. Nina Amico was my legal assistant who was so diligent and worked very hard to get me the best health care recovery and settlement in a timely manner. Thank you, Nina. I will recommend this firm to anyone who may need an injury lawyer.”
-Dawne Williams
“Ed did a great job negotiating with the hospital, doctors, and insurance companies. The whole staff went out of their way to help me after my auto accident. Papers were brought to my house to sign as I was in no shape to get to their office. Ed did a great job negotiating with the hospital, doctors, and insurance companies. They kept in touch with me throughout the process. I was very pleased with my experience with Ed Bernstein & Associates and would highly recommend them.”
-Lisa Justice
You can read more verified reviews on our testimonials page.
Client reviews are individual experiences and are not a guarantee of any particular result.
Trust Edward Bernstein to Handle Your Case
Case Results That Reflect Real Experience
Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers has represented Las Vegas-area clients in serious and catastrophic motor vehicle cases, focusing on securing resources for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery.
- $1.5M settlement — a motor vehicle collision resulting in wrongful death
- $1.3M settlement — a motor vehicle accident that left the client with a traumatic brain injury
- $1M settlement — a trip-and-fall accident at a Las Vegas casino property
More outcomes are listed on our case results page.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case is decided on its own facts.
Areas We Serve
Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers represents hit-and-run victims throughout the Las Vegas Valley and the wider Clark County area, including:
Helpful Local Resources
We provide these resources for convenience only; we do not endorse them, and we earn nothing from listing them.
Hospitals & Trauma Care
- UMC Trauma Center — 1800 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
- Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center — 3186 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center — 4700 Las Vegas Blvd N, North Las Vegas, NV 89030
Crash Reports & Records
- LVMPD Records Bureau — request a Traffic Collision Report if Metro investigated your crash.
- Nevada DMV SR-1 form — submit within 10 days if a crash caused injury, death, or property damage over $750 and was not investigated at the scene.
- Nevada State Police crash records portal — for crashes on state highways or interstates such as I-15 handled by the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Courts & Statutes
- Eighth Judicial District Court —200 Lewis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89155
- Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 484E — the duty-to-stop (§ 484E.020) and duty-to-render-aid (§ 484E.030) laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the charge of hit-and-run in Las Vegas?
The charge depends on the harm. Leaving a crash that caused only property damage is usually a misdemeanor under NRS § 484E.020, while leaving a crash that caused injury or death is a category B felony in Nevada. In Las Vegas, LVMPD refers these cases to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Las Vegas?
There is no set average. Because Nevada is an at-fault state under NRS § 41.141, value depends on your medical costs, lost income, injury severity, and the insurance available, including UM/UIM coverage after a hit-and-run. A Las Vegas hit and run accident attorney can give a realistic range for your Clark County case.
How does Las Vegas police investigate a hit-and-run?
LVMPD investigates through scene evidence, witness statements, and surveillance or traffic video, with serious crashes going to its Collision Investigation Section. Officers may release the fleeing vehicle’s description and ask the public for tips through Crime Stoppers. Getting the report afterward can take 10 business days or longer in Clark County.
How much is a hit and run ticket in Las Vegas?
A hit and run is not a simple ticket; it is a criminal charge. Under NRS § 484E.020, a property-damage hit-and-run can bring a fine of up to $1,000, while an injury or death case carries fines of $2,000 to $5,000 plus prison time, prosecuted in Clark County.
Do I have to report a hit-and-run to the Nevada DMV, and by when?
Yes, if the police do not investigate at the scene. Under NRS § 484E.070, you must file a Nevada DMV Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1 form) within 10 days when a Las Vegas crash caused injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more. Missing that deadline can suspend your license.
Contact a Las Vegas Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a family member was injured by a driver who fled in Las Vegas, Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers is available 24/7 to review your claim at no cost. Contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve clients throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Clark County.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; every case is evaluated on its own facts.
Attorney Review & Office Information
This page has been reviewed by Ed Bernstein, Esq., founder of Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers and a Nevada-licensed attorney since 1977, to confirm it reflects current Nevada law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed in the State of Nevada.
Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers
- 10801 W. Charleston Blvd. Ste. 520, Las Vegas, NV 89135 — (702) 356-0694
- 400 S. 4th Street, 3rd Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101 — (702) 978-8318
- 1489 W Warm Springs Rd, Suite 110, Henderson, NV 89014 — (702) 623-9451
Phone: 702-996-4738 — free consultation, available 24/7.
Other Cases We Take On
Beyond hit-and-run claims, Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers helps injured Nevadans across a range of practice areas: