A hit and run investigation can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the available evidence. Police typically review surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle records to identify the driver. Complex cases may take longer, especially if the suspect flees the area or conceals their vehicle, but prompt reporting helps speed up the process.
Being involved in a hit and run accident can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed, especially when the driver leaves the scene. The uncertainty about when—or if—the responsible party will be found adds to the stress and complicates your path to recovery.
Investigations vary widely in length, influenced by factors like evidence quality, witness cooperation, and injury severity. Understanding the investigation process and what affects its timeline can help you prepare and protect your rights.
This article explains what determines investigation timelines, what police actually do during a hit and run investigation, and your options for recovering compensation even if the driver is never found.
Timeline: How Long Does a Hit and Run Investigation Take?
A hit an run is when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without providing their contact information or helping injured people. This is a serious crime in Nevada that can result in felony charges.
The investigation timeline usually follows this pattern:
First Few Hours
Police respond quickly to document the scene, collect physical evidence, and take witness statements. Immediate actions preserve crucial details like skid marks, debris, and damage patterns that help identify the fleeing vehicle and driver.
1-7 Days Days
Investigators review surveillance footage, canvass the area for witnesses, and analyze collected evidence. They cross-check vehicle descriptions and partial license plates with DMV records to narrow down potential suspects.
1-2 Weeks
Detectives follow up on leads, interview additional witnesses, and request more security footage. They may issue public appeals for information and coordinate with local auto shops to find matching vehicle repairs.
2-4 Weeks
Authorities intensify efforts on promising leads, often identifying a suspect during this period. They gather strong evidence to build a case and may begin locating and contacting the hit and run driver.
1-3 Months
Investigations continue with detailed forensic analysis and witness re-interviews. If no new evidence emerges, the case may transition to a lower priority but remains open for future developments.
Beyond Three Months
Cases with limited evidence may become cold but are kept open within the statute of limitations. Police may reopen investigations if new information or technology surfaces, maintaining the possibility of solving the case.
What Determines the Timeline of a Hit-and-Run Investigation?
The period of time of a hit and run investigation can vary greatly, but the most important factors are the strength of the evidence and the leads that police have. A case with a clear eyewitness account, a partial license plate number, or high-quality surveillance footage will usually be solved faster than one with no leads.
Cases with Strong Leads:
Police can often identify a suspect within two to four weeks. This is because they can quickly cross-reference vehicle descriptions with DMV records and review footage from nearby cameras.
Cases with Minimal Evidence
Without viable leads, an investigation can take three to six months or, in some cases, remain unsolved. Detectives will still investigate, but the lack of initial clues can make the process significantly longer.
What Factors Affect How Long a Hit and Run Accident Investigation Takes?
Four main factors determine how quickly authorities can solve your case. The presence or absence of these elements makes the difference between a quick resolution and a lengthy investigation.
Evidence And Surveillance Footage
Clear video evidence can solve your case in just days, while lack of footage can extend the investigation for months. Las Vegas has extensive camera coverage from casinos, traffic cameras, and businesses that often helps investigators identify fleeing drivers.
The most valuable types of evidence include:
- Traffic and casino cameras: Major intersections and resort properties have high-quality cameras that frequently capture accidents
- Private security cameras: Nearby businesses and residential doorbell cameras provide crucial angles of the incident
- Dashboard cameras: Your own dash cam or witness footage can show the fleeing vehicle and driver
- Physical evidence: Paint chips, vehicle parts, and tire marks help police identify the make and model of the car
Witness Cooperation And Leads
A reliable witness who saw the accident can be just as valuable as video footage. If someone provides a detailed description of the car or driver, it gives investigators a strong lead to follow.
Even a partial license plate number is often enough for police to track down the exact vehicle.
Police Resources And Case Severity
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department must prioritize cases based on available resources. Hit and run accidents that cause serious injuries or death receive much more investigative attention than those resulting in minor property damage.
While all hit and runs are investigated, the severity directly impacts how much manpower gets assigned to your case.
Vehicle And Plate Information
Providing any portion of the license plate number you or a witness can recall dramatically reduces investigation time.
Police use this information to search Nevada’s vehicle registration database and can also check with local auto body shops for vehicles matching the description and damage pattern.
Related: What to Do If Someone Hits Your Car and Drives Off
What Do Police Do In A Hit and Run Investigation?
When a hit and run accident occurs, police follow a systematic process to identify the fleeing driver and gather evidence to support potential legal action. Their goal is to reconstruct the accident, find the at fault party, and build a strong case to hold the hit and run driver accountable under state laws.
Here is a brief overview of the key steps police take during a hit and run investigation:
- Secure the Scene of an Accident: Officers first ensure the safety of everyone involved and preserve the accident scene to prevent loss of physical evidence such as skid marks, debris, or paint transfers.
- Collect Physical Evidence: Police document vehicle damage, collect paint chips, tire marks, and any other physical evidence left behind that can help identify the fleeing vehicle.
- Interview Witnesses: Officers take detailed witness statements to gather descriptions of the hit and run driver, vehicle make and model, and license plate information.
- Review Surveillance Cameras: Investigators obtain and analyze video footage from nearby traffic cameras, businesses, or residences to capture the fleeing vehicle and driver.
- Cross-Reference Vehicle Records: Using partial license plate numbers or vehicle descriptions, police search DMV records and local auto repair shops for matches.
- Coordinate with Other Agencies: Police may work with regional law enforcement, insurance companies, and forensic experts to pool resources and information.
- Follow Leads and Tips: Investigators pursue all credible leads, including public tips, to locate and identify the hit and run driver.
- Prepare Case for Prosecution: Once the suspect is identified, police compile evidence and collaborate with prosecutors to file charges and pursue legal action.
This thorough investigation process can be complex and time-consuming, especially when the hit and run driver attempts to conceal their identity or vehicle. However, the police department’s use of various resources and cooperation with the public increases the chances of a successful resolution.
How Long Do Police Keep Hit and Run Cases Open?
Police don’t simply close cases after a few months without results. Your case remains officially open for the entire duration of the criminal statute of limitations, which is the legal time limit for filing criminal charges.
For misdemeanor hit and runs involving only property damage, the statute of limitations is typically two years. Felony hit and runs involving injury or death have longer time limits, meaning your case stays open for several years.
The case status changes over time:
- Active investigation: Detectives actively work the case daily, typically for the first 30 to 90 days
- Open but inactive: The case is no longer actively worked but can be reopened instantly if new leads emerge
- Closed: The case is either solved or the statute of limitations has expired
What Are The Chances Of Solving A Hit And Run?
Nationally, a relatively small percentage of cases are solved, which can be discouraging. However, Las Vegas often has better odds due to the high concentration of surveillance cameras throughout the city. Your specific chances depend entirely on the quality of evidence available.
Several factors significantly improve your odds of finding the driver:
- Daylight accidents: Crashes in broad daylight are much more likely to be solved than nighttime incidents
- Commercial areas: Accidents near businesses, casinos, or shopping centers have higher solve rates due to camera availability
- Witness availability: Even one reliable witness can dramatically increase the chances of identifying the driver
- Injury severity: Fatal hit and run accidents have much higher solve rates because specialized units with more resources handle them
Related: Penalties for Leaving an Accident Scene with Injuries in Las Vegas
What Should You Do After A Hit And Run Car Accident
If you are involved in a hit and run accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, preserve vital evidence, and improve your chances of a fair settlement.
Acting quickly helps police and insurance companies gather evidence and strengthens your personal injury claim.
Here is a brief overview of what to do after an auto accident involving a driver who flees the scene:
Six Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
- Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries: Immediately move to a safe location if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if medical attention is needed.
- Call the Police: Report the hit and run accident to the police right away. Provide them with all the details you can remember about the other driver and the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible, including photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plate numbers (partial plates are better than nothing), the make and model of the fleeing vehicle, driver description, and witness contact information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation to document any injuries, as some symptoms may appear later.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer promptly to start the claim process and understand your coverage options.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation.
Related: 11 Things to Do Before Leaving the Scene of the Accident [Checklist]
What If The Hit and Run Driver Is Not Found?
Even if police never identify the hit and run driver, you still have options for recovering compensation through your own auto insurance policy under Nevada car accident laws.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Nevada
If you have Uninsured Motorist coverage, you can file a claim for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver is unknown. This coverage is specifically designed for hit and run situations where you can’t pursue the responsible party.
We help you navigate this process and fight for full compensation under your policy.
Collision And MedPay Options
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident. Medical Payments coverage helps with immediate medical bills from your injuries. Reviewing your policy with an experienced attorney ensures you use every available option for recovery.
Filing Deadlines And Next Steps
Nevada gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. You must start your insurance claim process immediately, even while the police investigation continues, to avoid missing critical deadlines that could cost you compensation.
Injured In A Hit And Run In Las Vegas Get Free Help Now
Injured in a hit and run? Don’t face it alone. At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we fight to hold reckless drivers accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how insurance companies delay and deny claims.
Our legal team works tirelessly to preserve vital evidence, coordinate with LVMPD investigators, and handle all insurance communications—so you can focus on recovery.
Contact us for a free consultation with no upfront fees. Let us protect your rights and get you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Las Vegas police contact me about my hit and run case?
After you file your police report, a detective will be assigned to your case and should reach out to you as part of the investigation process. If your case involves serious injuries, this contact usually happens sooner as these cases receive higher priority.
Do police investigate hit and runs with only minor property damage?
Police investigate all reported hit and run accidents, but cases with only minor property damage receive fewer resources and lower priority than accidents causing injuries or death.
Can I obtain traffic camera footage for my hit and run case?
Getting traffic camera footage usually requires an official request or subpoena from an attorney since most agencies don’t release footage to the public. You must act quickly because this footage gets deleted within days or weeks.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a hit and run in Nevada?
The statute of limitations for car accident claims gives you exactly two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada courts. Missing this deadline means you permanently lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system.
Should I give a recorded statement to my insurance company after a hit and run?
Always consult with a car accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to insurance companies, including your own insurer. Your words can be used to reduce or deny your claim later.
The Clock is Ticking: Protect Your Hit-and-Run Claim
Hit and run investigations vary in length depending on several factors such as available evidence, severity of injuries, and police resources. While some cases may be resolved within a few weeks, others can take months or remain unsolved. It is crucial to act quickly after an accident by gathering key evidence and seeking medical attention to support your personal injury claim.
Consulting a personal injury attorney can provide valuable legal assistance and help you pursue fair compensation, even if the hit and run driver is never found.
If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident in Las Vegas, you don’t have to navigate this complex process alone. Contact us to speak with our award-winning attorneys at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas for a free consultation – no fee until we win!
