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What Happens If You Leave the Scene of a Single-Car Accident
Leaving the scene of a single-vehicle accident is still considered illegal and can result in several legal and financial consequences.
Understanding what may happen if you leave the scene of a single-vehicle crash is vital to deterring yourself from ever doing so.
Criminal Charges
Under Nevada law NRS 484E.020, leaving the scene of a car accident that results in property damage is illegal and can result in a:
- Misdemeanor: If you leave the scene of a single-vehicle accident without reporting it, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, which may result in penalties such as fines, community service, and jail time.
- Felony: If the single-car accident results in substantial damages or injuries, fleeing the scene could result in a felony charge, which may carry penalties such as significant jail time and large fines.
License Suspension
Under Nevada law, if you leave the scene of a one-vehicle crash, you may have your driver's license suspended or revoked.
The duration of the license suspension will depend on the severity of the car accident.
Civil Liability
Following NRS 41.130, if in the one-vehicle car accident, you caused property damage, you may face a civil lawsuit and be legally obligated to pay compensation to the property owner for the damages caused by the car accident.
What Is Considered Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Leaving the scene of a car accident can mean many things; however, the most common forms of leaving the accident scene are:
- Driving Away Without Stopping: If you are involved in a car accident and drive away without stopping, you'll be leaving the accident scene and could be charged with a hit-and-run.
- Failing to Provide Contact Information: If you fail to provide contact information to the other party in an accident by talking or leaving a note, you could be considered leaving the scene of the accident.
- Not Reporting the Accident: If you fail to report that you were in an auto accident, you may be considered leaving the scene under car accident law.
If you were in a car accident in Las Vegas and feel unsure whether you fled to the scene, contact experienced car accident Attorney Rodney Okano at (702) 566-3600 to better understand your situation.
What Is a Single-Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle accident is an automobile accident that only involves one vehicle.
Common examples of a single-vehicle accident are:
- Run-Off-Road Accidents: Occur when a vehicle swerves off the roadway into a ditch, embankment, or tree.
- Collision with Animals:Hitting an animal such as a deer, cow, or dog is considered a single-vehicle animal collision.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents occur when the vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. These types of accidents are common with narrower vehicles like SUVs or trucks.
- Vehicle Defect:If there is a vehicle defect that results in a car accident, it is considered a single-vehicle defect accident.
- Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions such as potholes, uneven pavement, or debris may cause single-vehicle accidents.
If you were involved in a single-vehicle accident in Nevada, contact Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Rodney Okano, who will protect your rights from insurance companies and obtain maximum compensation.
Who Could Be at Fault for a Single-Car Accident
Determining fault in a single-vehicle accident can actually be more complex than it seems, as multiple parties could be at fault for the accident.
Common parties involved in single-vehicle car accidents that could be at fault are:
- The Diver: The driver of the vehicle is typically considered at fault in a single-car accident as they may have expressed negligence by distracted driving, reckless driving, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Another Driver: While not being directly involved in the accident, another driver could share fault for the accident if they, for example, cut you off, forcing you to swerve, resulting in you crashing into an object. However, proving another driver's negligence in a single-vehicle accident will require help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
- Animal Owners:If an animal under the control of an individual or agency runs in front of your vehicle, causing you to crash, the animal owner may be at fault for the accident.
If you were involved in a single-vehicle accident in Las Vegas and believe someone else is at fault for the auto crash, contact experienced car accident lawyer Rodney Okano today.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Single-Vehicle Accident
Being involved in a single-vehicle accident can be a stressful and confusing experience as most people are taught what to do in a car accident with another vehicle, not just one vehicle.
However, by following the steps below, you can ensure that your rights and insurance claim will be protected.
Ensure Safety First
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anybody sustained injuries in the accident, call 911 immediately and require emergency medical services.
In addition to checking for injuries, you should move yourself and your passengers to a safe location to avoid any further accidents.
Contact the Authorities
If the accident results in property damages over $700, you are legally required to contact the authorities.
By doing so, you avoid legal consequences and obtain a police report that can potentially help your car accident attorney file an insurance claim.
Exchange Information
If you damage another person's property, such as their fence, mailbox, or parked car, you are required to provide them with your contact information.
If the property owner is not present, leave a note with your name, address, phone number, and insurance company information.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Even in a single-vehicle accident, you should immediately contact your insurance company and inform them that you were involved in a car accident.
Prioritize asking your insurance company if you have coverage that can help with single-vehicle collisions.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer
It's highly recommended that you consult with a car accident attorney in your area to protect your rights. Speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that liability and insurance companies are handled properly.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
