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Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving is a major concern in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a city that’s notorious for its casinos and overconsumption, drunk drivers pose a serious threat. Over a 10-year time span, 1,025 people died in drunk driving accidents in Nevada. If you or a family member has been in a collision with a driver under the influence, contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. We know how catastrophic these accidents can be and our Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorneys can represent you in your efforts to hold the reckless driver accountable.

OUR LAW FIRM HAS A HISTORY OF SECURING RECORD-SETTING VERDICTS, A NATIONAL REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE, AND THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO CONDUCT THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS AND HIRE TRUSTED NATIONAL EXPERTS.

 

Nevada enforces laws against driving under the influence. According to Nevada Revised Statute Section 484C.110, it is illegal for an individual to be in control of a vehicle on a highway or public road while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Being under the influence of liquor, as per the law, is characterized by having a concentration of alcohol equal to or exceeding 0.08 in the driver’s blood or breath.

Civil Claims vs Criminal Proceedings Against a Drunk Driver

Criminal lawsuits and civil lawsuits are two entirely separate legal processes. The state of Nevada will press criminal charges against drunk drivers, but the accident victim must file a civil claim with the correct county courts. Without the victim coming forward and actively seeking damages, no one will remedy his or her losses. If you are the victim, know that it is up to you and you alone to act to recover financial compensation.

Time Limit to File a Drunk Driver Accident Injury Claim

Nevada’s statute of limitations gives DUI accident victims two years from the date of their accidents to file civil claims. Missing this deadline will almost certainly mean the courts refusing to hear your DUI accident case. To make absolutely sure you don’t lose your right to file, start the claims process as soon as possible after the collision. Contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and request a free consultation with our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer. We’ll meet with you in person or conduct your meeting over the phone – whichever you prefer. We’ll then help your family bring a claim within the state’s deadline.

The odds are high that you have grounds to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim if a drunk driver caused your car accident. Since the main element needed to bring a claim is evidence of the other driver’s fault, blood alcohol tests and police reports can serve as proof of negligence. A lawyer’s assistance, however, can ensure that you conduct the legal process to your best advantage. No missed deadlines, broken rules, or errors that will slow down your claim. Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP can make the claims process as simple and seamless as possible for your family.

What Damages Can I Recover After an Accident with a Drunk Driver?

Filing a personal injury claim against the drunk driver is important because it can result in much-needed financial compensation for an injured crash victim and his or her family members.

Drunk driving accidents are often catastrophic in nature, resulting in broken limbs, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and permanent disabilities – if the victim survives the collision. Fighting for compensation could give you financial security. You could recover damages such as:

  • Medical costs. Calculate the future price of all necessary doctors’ appointments, surgeries, therapies, treatments, and live-in care your DUI accident will cause, as well as the medical bills you’ve already acquired.
  • Pain and suffering. Seek recovery for your physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering the drunk driver put you through. This includes losses relating to the death of a loved one. A Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer can assist you with the loss of a loved one.
  • Lost income. Did you have to miss time at work to recover from your crash? Seek reparation for your lost wages during this time, as well as wages you lost from missed work opportunities.

Punitive damages are a special type of damages that often arise in drunk driver accident claims. Punitive damages are additional awards to punish the defendant for gross negligence.

With a Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney from Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP by your side, you can feel confident that the amount you secure is the best possible outcome for your specific case. Our lawyers have significant expertise in advocating for individuals affected by car accidents involving impaired driving. We have successfully managed cases that encompass both drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired drivers, extending our representation to include individuals influenced by prescription drugs.

Common Injuries in DUI Accidents in Las Vegas

When a drunk driver is behind the wheel, the resulting damages from an accident can be devastating. Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims involved in a drunk driving accident in Las Vegas include:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Scrapes and cuts
  • Internal bleeding
  • Whiplash

What Is Nevada’s Dram Shop Law?

In numerous states, licensed alcohol vendors may bear liability for drunk driving accidents if they over-serve a customer or provide alcohol to an underage individual. These regulations, commonly referred to as “dram shop laws,” establish circumstances under which bars and restaurants can be held responsible for such accidents. Nevada, however, is among the states that lack a dram shop law.

Following an alcohol-related incident in Las Vegas, establishments like restaurants, bars, or casinos are not susceptible to liability for serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual, even if that person later causes a drunk driving accident. Nevada Revised Statute Section 41.1305 expressly prohibits dram shop claims against licensed alcohol vendors and their staff.

Nevertheless, it is still feasible to hold a social host accountable for a drunk driving accident in Nevada. State legislation stipulates that if the host of a private gathering knowingly provides alcohol to a minor (someone under the age of 21), they can be held responsible for any harm resulting from the minor’s intoxication, including potential consequences of a drunk driving incident.

Drunk Driving Accidents FAQs

What steps can I take to ensure the negligent driver is held accountable for my injuries?

Experiencing a DUI accident has the potential to bring about immediate life changes. Pursuing the responsible individual independently, without assistance, may lead to a dead end when dealing with their insurance company.

By engaging the services of one of our Las Vegas DUI accident attorneys, you can expect the following:

  • Our attorneys will initiate communication with the negligent driver, their insurance company, and the legal representative on their behalf.
  • A comprehensive investigation of your accident will be conducted to assess the circumstances and establish accountability for the negligent party.
  • Your damages, encompassing lost wages, medical requirements, and recovery needs, will be meticulously analyzed. Our attorneys will then strive to secure the maximum compensation available for your case.

What steps should I take in the event of an accident with a drunk driver?

  • Call the police and file an accident report: Promptly report the incident to law enforcement to ensure an official record is created.
  • Seek medical care to address your injuries immediately: Prioritize your well-being by obtaining prompt medical attention to address any injuries sustained during the accident.
  • Contact a local DUI accident attorney once you are able: Reach out to a nearby DUI accident attorney to manage your case, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.

Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP can help you hold the parties responsible for your accident accountable, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process. If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident caused by a driver under the influence, contact our law firm for assistance. To find out the potential value of your claim, call us at (702) 560-5520 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.