What Are the Charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Nevada?

A driver who causes an accident and leaves the scene — commonly referred to as a hit-and-run accident — may face serious criminal charges under Nevada laws, particularly if the crash causes bodily injury or death. In addition to the duty to stop, the laws impose other specific duties on drivers involved in any type of accident. One incident may lead to multiple felony and misdemeanor charges and have significant consequences.

Duty to Stop at a Crash Causing Injury or Death

Under NRS 484E.010, when a driver on a highway or other premises with public access is involved in a crash that causes bodily injury or death of a person, the driver has a duty to stop immediately at or as close to the scene as possible. The stop must be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

A violation of this section is a category B felony, which carries penalties of at least two (2) years and up to 20 years in state prison, plus a fine between $2,000 and $5,000. A driver faces separate charges for each person who is injured in or dies from the crash. The law specifically provides that a sentence imposed for violation of this section may not be suspended, nor may probation be granted. 

Administrative penalties affecting driving privileges also apply in the case of violations of Nevada laws concerning driver duties.

Additional Driver Duties at the Scene of an Accident

In addition to the duty to stop at the scene, a driver who causes any accident (whether or not anyone is injured) must remain at the scene until fulfilling the requirements of NRS 484.030, which include:

• Rendering reasonable assistance to any injured person, including carrying or making arrangements for getting the person to medical treatment if it is apparent treatment is necessary or the victim requests such assistance
• Providing their name address, and vehicle registration number and, on request, show their driver’s license to any injured person or to the driver, occupant, or person attending a vehicle or other property damaged in the crash
• Giving the same information and on request surrender their driver’s license to a police officer at the scene or investigating the crash
• Reporting the crash to the nearest law enforcement authority and provide the same information noted above, if no police officer is present at the scene

Failure to perform any of the duties in NRS 84.030 is a misdemeanor, which carries criminal penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Duty to Stop After Crash Causing Property Damage

Under NRS 484.020, it is a misdemeanor to leave the scene of an accident that causes only damage to another vehicle or other property. The law requires the driver to stop at the scene, and also to move the vehicle safely to avoid creating a hazard or obstructing traffic. The driver is also required to comply with the provisions of NRS 84.030 explained above, as applicable.

If the other vehicle or property damaged is unattended, NRS 484.040 applies. That section requires the driver to stop (and safely move their vehicle, as described above), then locate and notify the operator or owner of the vehicle or property or, if the owner or operator cannot be found, attach a written note in a conspicuous place providing the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle that caused the accident. Violation of this section is also a misdemeanor.

Consequences of Charges for a Hit-and-Run Accident

A driver who leaves the scene of an accident that causes injury or death or damages property may face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges based on the Nevada laws explained in the preceding sections. An accident that causes injury or death is particularly serious, since a separate felony charge can be filed for each person who is injured or dies as a result of the crash. In addition, since the law does not permit sentence suspension or probation for a conviction of hit and run causing injury or death, the penalties can be especially severe.

An aggressive defense is essential for anyone facing hit-and-run charges. The potential penalties are significant, and a conviction on your public record can have far-reaching adverse consequences that affect employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer builds a defense strategy in a specific case based on the circumstances of the case. In some situations, there may be an opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor. If you face hit-and-run charges, you should contact a criminal defense attorney at the earliest opportunity.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you need assistance relating to hit-and-run criminal charges, or any other serious traffic offense in Las Vegas, Henderson, or elsewhere in Clark County, criminal defense attorney Joseph Gersten applies his investigative background, trial experience, and in-depth criminal law experience and knowledge to aggressively defend you against the charges. There is no charge for your initial consultation and case evaluation. Call 702.857.8777 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment.