Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Getting hit by a drunk driver changes your life in an instant. One moment you are driving safely, and the next, you are dealing with pain, confused emotions, and a wrecked vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver, you have the right to seek justice. You do not have to face the insurance companies alone.
At The Super Lawyer, we fight for victims of drunk driving accidents in Las Vegas. We understand that these are not just “accidents”—they are the result of someone else’s reckless choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Our goal is to help you get the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and suffering.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city known for tourism, nightlife, and 24-hour entertainment. Unfortunately, this environment also increases the risk of drunk driving crashes. Visitors and locals alike may make the dangerous decision to drive after consuming alcohol. When a driver is impaired, their reaction times slow down, their vision blurs, and their judgment fails.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) crash is different from a standard car accident. In these cases, the at-fault driver broke the law. This negligence can make your case for compensation even stronger. We know the local roads and the specific risks associated with Las Vegas traffic, and we know how to hold irresponsible drivers accountable.
Nevada DUI Laws and Statistics
Nevada takes drunk driving very seriously. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 484C, it is illegal to drive with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% or higher. However, a driver can still be considered impaired even if they are under that limit if alcohol affects their ability to drive safely.
When a driver breaks these laws and causes a crash, they face criminal charges. However, the criminal case only punishes the driver; it does not pay you for your injuries. That is why you need to file a personal injury claim. We use the evidence from the police investigation to support your civil claim for damages.
Common Injuries from DUI Crashes
Drunk drivers often speed, drive the wrong way, or fail to brake before impact. Because of this, the injuries in DUI accidents are often severe and life-changing. We help clients who are suffering from a wide range of physical trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and More
The force of a collision can cause devastating injuries. Common injuries we see in Las Vegas drunk driving cases include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Concussions or severe brain damage that affects memory and cognitive function.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Injuries to the back and neck that can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs that requires immediate surgery.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Painful damage to muscles and ligaments.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
The moments after a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take can impact your future claim. Your health is the most important priority.
Immediate Steps and Evidence Collection
If you are able to move safely, follow these steps:
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Tell the dispatcher if you suspect the other driver is drunk.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, go to the doctor. Adrenaline can hide pain, and you need a medical record of your injuries.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Be honest with the police, but do not apologize or say you were to blame.
- File a Crash Report: Ensure a police report is filed. In some cases, you may need to complete a Nevada DMV Form SR-1.
Proving Fault Against a Drunk Driver
To win your case, we must prove that the other driver was negligent. In a drunk driving case, this means showing that their intoxication caused the accident. We gather strong evidence to build your case, including:
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- Police reports and arrest records.
- Breathalyzer or blood test results showing BAC levels.
- Video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams.
- Witness statements describing the driver’s erratic behavior.
In Nevada, we follow the rule of Comparative Negligence. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, in most DUI cases, the drunk driver bears the majority of the blame.
Compensation You May Recover
A drunk driving accident can be expensive. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake. We fight to recover different types of compensation for you.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your financial losses. This includes:
- Current and future medical bills.
- Lost wages if you cannot work.
- Property damage to your vehicle.
Non-economic damages cover the human cost of the accident. This includes:
- Pain and suffering compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Mental anguish and PTSD.
In drunk driving cases, we may also seek Punitive Damages. These are special damages awarded by the court specifically to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and to warn others against driving under the influence.
Why Choose a Las Vegas DUI Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. They may try to downplay your injuries or argue that their driver wasn’t fully responsible. A specialized lawyer protects your rights.
At The Super Lawyer, we handle the legal heavy lifting. We investigate the accident, negotiate with the insurance adjusters, and prepare to go to court if necessary. We know how to leverage Nevada laws to maximize your settlement so you can focus on healing.
Statute of Limitations in Nevada
You do not have unlimited time to take legal action. The Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims in Nevada is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue for compensation.
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Because evidence can disappear and memories fade, it is crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
FAQs
Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical help. Tell the police if you suspect the other driver is intoxicated. Take photos of the scene and exchange information, but do not discuss fault. Seek medical attention right away to document your injuries.
Your lawyer will use the police report, which often includes the officer’s observations and field sobriety test results. We can also obtain breathalyzer or blood test results showing the driver’s BAC. Witness testimony and traffic camera footage can also serve as evidence.
In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is best to start the process early to preserve evidence.
You can recover money for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and pain and suffering. In DUI cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are designed to punish the drunk driver.
No, Nevada is not a no-fault state. It is an “at-fault” state. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying the damages. No-Fault Insurance rules do not apply here for personal injury claims.
Most personal injury lawyers, including The Super Lawyer, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Every case is different. Some settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial. We work efficiently to resolve your case, but we never rush if it means accepting a low settlement.
Yes. Nevada law allows for punitive damages in cases where the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice. Drunk driving is often viewed as a conscious disregard for the safety of others, which can justify these extra damages.
Strong evidence includes the police report, arrest records of the driver, photos of the scene, medical records linking your injuries to the crash, and witness statements. Your lawyer will help gather all necessary documentation.
Get Help From The Super Lawyer Today
If a drunk driver has turned your life upside down, you deserve a legal team that will fight for you. Do not let an insurance company dictate what your recovery is worth. Contact The Super Lawyer today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on getting better.
