When you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Las Vegas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the criminal and civil aspects of your case. At Temple Injury Law, our Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorneys have decades of experience helping victims recover maximum compensation while the at-fault driver faces criminal charges separately.

Nevada’s DUI Laws and Your Rights

In Nevada, drivers are considered legally impaired with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, you can still pursue compensation even if the driver’s BAC was below this threshold but their impairment contributed to the accident. Our Las Vegas DUI accident lawyers understand that even “buzzed driving” constitutes dangerous impairment that puts innocent victims at risk.

According to Nevada Department of Transportation statistics, the state reports over 600 DUI arrests annually, with nearly 100 fatalities involving drivers with BAC levels at or above 0.08%. These numbers underscore why Nevada takes drunk driving cases seriously, and why you deserve aggressive legal representation.

How Our Legal Team at Temple Injury Law Help Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Lawyer writing notes during a legal consultation, with gavel and law books on the desk in front of a client

Our legal team at Temple Injury Law offers guidance to drunk driving accident victims by examining each case with care. We start by collecting police reports and other evidence to build a strong file.

Our personal injury lawyers understand Nevada law, which sets guidelines for blood alcohol concentration. In cases of impaired driving, we look at all the facts, from photos at the crash site to medical records for injuries sustained.

When clients contact us, we listen to their stories and identify what caused the accident. Was it a drunk driver, or did the other driver violate any rules of the road? We also learn about their physical injuries, such as broken or fractured bones, head and brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries. These details let us place a fair value on the claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

We use these findings to file a personal injury claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company. Our attorneys act as buffers, shielding our clients from pushy insurance adjusters. This approach helps people focus on healing while we handle the legal steps.

We can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek maximum compensation if needed. Our record in dealing with drunk driving car accidents in Las Vegas speaks for itself, and we often secure positive outcomes for car accident victims.

Finally, we stay in touch throughout the case, giving updates and offering support if more legal steps arise. This method allows injured people to feel less stress. Our help covers every stage, from gathering evidence to dealing with the insurance company so folks can recover in peace.

Get directions to the nearest drunk driving accident attorney in Las Vegas

Police officer holding a breathalyzer, questioning a concerned driver during a roadside sobriety check

Who Pays My Medical Bills After A Drunk Driver Accident in Nevada?

If you have been the victim of a drunk driver accident in Nevada, you may wonder who will pay your medical bills and other expenses. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including liability and insurance coverage.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that in many drunk driver accidents, the drunk driving accident victims may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. This is because drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles carefully and responsibly under Nevada law. Therefore, if the drunk driver in your case caused the accident through negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other related expenses.

In addition to potentially recovering money from the drunk driver responsible for the accident, you may also be eligible for compensation from your own insurance company. This typically applies if you have purchased an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist insurance policy.

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.

Types of Compensation Available in Las Vegas DUI Accident Cases

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Nevada may be entitled to several types of damages:

Economic Damages:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Specialized equipment needs (wheelchairs, prosthetics)

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Loss of consortium for family members
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

Punitive Damages: Unlike regular car accidents, drunk driving cases may qualify for punitive damages in Nevada. These are awarded to punish the drunk driver for their reckless decision to drive while impaired and to deter similar behavior in the future.

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 Criminal Charges Affect Your Civil Case

Many clients ask our Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorneys about the relationship between criminal DUI charges and their personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to know:

Separate Legal Processes: The drunk driver’s criminal case is handled by the District Attorney’s office, while your personal injury claim is a separate civil matter handled by your attorney.

Criminal Conviction Helps Your Case: If the drunk driver is convicted of DUI, this conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case to prove negligence and liability.

Don’t Wait for Criminal Case: You don’t need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before filing your personal injury claim. Our Las Vegas DUI accident lawyers can begin building your case immediately.

How to Prevent Drunk Driving 

Man in yellow shirt using GPS on smartphone while driving in traffic, focusing on the car’s dashboard

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.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a DUI Accident

Insurance companies often try to settle drunk driving accident claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. Here’s what you should know:

Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies typically offer settlements that are far below the true value of your claim.

Avoid Recorded Statements: Never give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without your attorney present.

Beware of Surveillance: Some insurance companies hire private investigators to monitor accident victims and look for evidence to minimize claims.

Work with Experienced Las Vegas DUI Accident Lawyers: Our attorneys have handled hundreds of drunk driving cases and know the tactics insurance companies use.

Why Choose Temple Injury Law for Your Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Case

Decades of Experience: Our Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of DUI accident cases.

No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Thorough Investigation: We work with accident reconstruction experts, gather police reports, obtain BAC test results, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Local Knowledge: As Las Vegas natives, we understand the local court system, judges, and opposing counsel.

Aggressive Representation: We’re not afraid to take your case to trial if insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation.

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.

Jeff Temple has been representing drunk driving accident victims in Las Vegas for over 20 years. His experience with both the criminal and civil aspects of DUI cases gives clients a unique advantage in pursuing maximum compensation.

Jeff Temple

Jeff Temple

Personal Injury Lawyer

Call Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas For Legal Help

Remember: Nevada has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Don’t wait – contact our Las Vegas DUI accident lawyers today to protect your rights and begin building your case for maximum compensation.