Drunk driving accidents can be very serious and often result in serious injuries or death. You can recover monetary compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver. The decision to drive under the influence (DUI) is dangerous. Despite knowing everything we know about drunk driving, many people still make this decision. Legal options are available if you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a negligent driver.

The lawyers at our firm have years of experience dealing with these cases and know how to get results for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your drunk driving accident case.

What to Do If You’re in a Drunk Driving Accident

If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, it can be an emotionally and physically traumatic experience. Here are five steps after a drunk driving accident in Las Vegas.

  1. Seek medical attention right away. You must do this step first, whether your injuries are minor or severe. This helps ensure you receive the necessary care and provides documentation for insurance or legal purposes later. 
  2. Notify your own insurance company. Your auto insurance company should be notified of the accident following medical treatment. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage to your vehicle. Unless you have consulted with an experienced DUI accident lawyer, do not sign documents or make recorded statements. 
  3. Obtain a copy of the police report from the accident. The police report is an official record of the incident and can be used as evidence if you file a drunk driving accident lawsuit against the other driver. 
  4. Document everything. From police reports and witness statements to photos of injuries or property damage. 
  5. Get a free consultation from a Las Vegas drunk driving lawyer. Having an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries, property damage, or other losses you have sustained. A skilled attorney will know how to protect your interests, whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court.

Visit our drunk driving accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV.

DUI law or driving under the influence book stands next to the gavel.

What is the Average Compensation for a Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk driving accident injuries are serious and cause fatalities and property damage in the United States annually. Sadly, the victims of these DUI accidents often face a long road to recovery. Many families have to deal with the financial burden of medical bills and other costs. Most DUI accidents are preventable, and the negligent driver responsible for the accident should be held accountable.

The truth is that every accident is going to be different. Some are more severe than others, and there are many various factors to consider when calculating damages. One of the first things to consider is the severity of your injuries. The more serious your injuries, the higher your settlement will likely be.

Nevada Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the Influence (DUI) is a severe offense in Nevada. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, and those who are caught could face severe consequences. In addition, driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol can lead to accidents that cause serious injuries or even death to innocent victims.

Types of DUI Accident Injuries

Types of DUI Motor Vehicle Accidents

When someone drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it puts not only themselves but also other drivers and pedestrians at risk. When a DUI leads to an accident, the consequences can be fatal. The types of motor vehicle accidents that can occur due to driving under the influence include:

  1. Pedestrian Accidents – These accidents often result in severe injury or death due to the difference in size and weight between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle.
  2. Motorcycle Accidents – A motorcycle has much less protection than a car, making it particularly vulnerable when involved in an accident with a larger vehicle.
  3. Truck Accidents – Large commercial trucks can cause devastating damage when they are involved in an accident, due to their size and weight.
  4. Multi-Vehicle Accidents – When there is more than one vehicle involved in a DUI accident, the consequences can be even more severe.

In any of these situations, it’s important for those who have been injured by a driver under the influence to take legal action as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Nevada Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

Nevada has one of the highest drunk driving accident rates in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every 45 minutes, an innocent person in America loses their life due to a drunk driving accident. Unfortunately, this number has only grown from 2019 to 2020; 11,654 people died because of alcohol-impaired driving – a 14% increase. These tragedies could have been avoided if the drunk drivers had taken more responsibility for themselves and others on the road.

Effects of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a serious offense that can have long-lasting, devastating consequences.

  • Increased chances of getting into a car accident
  • Increased chances of being in a fatal car accident
  • Can lead to financial hardship
  • Jail time and fines
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Higher insurance rates

How to Prevent Drunk Driving

There are many things we can do to prevent drunk driving accidents from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:

  1. Have a plan before going out.
  2. Designate a driver or take taxis/UBER/LYFT home.
  3. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
  4. Keep track of how much you’ve had to drink by counting drinks or using an alcohol tracking app.
  5. Know your limits and stop drinking when you reach them.
  6. Drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic drinks

A drunk driving crash can leave victims with serious injuries that require expensive medical treatment. In addition, you may be unable to work while you recover, resulting in lost wages. An attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses.

How a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Can Help

Discussing your legal rights with a drunk driving accident lawyer at Temple Injury Law is easy. We offer free initial consultations. It costs you nothing to find out if you have a personal injury claim.