Exploring the Legal Ramifications: Is Hit and Run Always a Felony?
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience. Without thinking it through, you might even take off from the scene of an accident without waiting for first responders to show up. Later, you may start to wonder about the legal repercussions of leaving. Is hit and run a felony in Nevada?
Nevada Hit and Run Laws
In Nevada, leaving the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as “hit and run” is governed by Nevada Revised Statutes 484E.010 through 484E.040. Section 484E.010 states, in pertinent part, that:
“The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash on a highway or on-premises to which the public has access resulting in bodily injury to or the death of a person shall immediately stop his or her vehicle at the scene of the crash or as close thereto as possible, and shall forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the crash until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of NRS 484E.030.”
Section 484E.020 requires the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting only in damage to a vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person to immediately stop his or her vehicle at the scene of the crash and safely fulfill the requirements of NRS 484E.030.
In short, Nevada law makes it clear that the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash is legally required to stop at the scene of the accident and that failing to do so is a criminal offense.
Understanding NRS 484E.030: What Else Am I Required to Do at the Scene of an Accident?
Not only are you legally obligated to stop and remain at the scene of an accident in Nevada, but you have additional legal duties as well. NRS 484E.30 requires the driver of any vehicle 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 to do all the following:
- Give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving and shall upon request and if available exhibit his or her license to operate a motor vehicle to any person injured in such crash or to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in such crash.
- Give such information and upon request manually surrender such license to any police officer at the scene of the crash or who is investigating the crash.
- Render to any person injured in such crash reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary, or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.
If no police officer is present at the scene of the accident, a driver is required to report the crash to the nearest office of a police authority or the Nevada Highway Patrol.
What Am I Required to Do If I Hit an Unattended Vehicle?
If you are involved in a crash with an unattended vehicle, Nevada Revised Statute 484E.40 requires you to:
- Immediately stop and attempt to locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle or other property.
- Provide your name and address.
- Securely attach a note to the vehicle or property with your name and address if you cannot locate the owner.
Is Hit and Run a Felony in Nevada?
Violation of Nevada’s hit-and-run law can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Leaving the scene of a property-only accident is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If a person suffered personal injury or death in the collision, leaving the scene of an accident is charged as a class B felony in Nevada. The penalty for a felony hit-and-run conviction in Nevada is a minimum of two years, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a fine of between $2,000 and $5,000. Moreover, you risk being charged with a separate count for each person who is injured or killed if you leave the scene of an injury accident in Nevada.
What Should I Do If I Was Arrested for Hit and Run in Las Vegas?
If you were arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) in Las Vegas, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.