Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The statistics show that drunk driving is a significant issue in Nevada that causes numerous accidents and fatalities each year.

Some key statistics that highlight Nevada's drunk driving problem are:

• Fatalities Caused by DUI: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29% of all fatal accidents in Nevada were caused by drunk drivers.
• DUI Arrest: The Nevada DMV reported that around 10,000 DUI arrests were made statewide in 2022, with a significant number of those arrests occurring in Las Vegas.
• Repeat Offenders: The Nevada Highway Patrol reports that nearly one-third of all drunk driver arrests in 2022 were repeat offenders.
• Drunk Driver Demographic: In Nevada, the NHTSA reported that adults between the ages of 21-34 make up for a disproportionately large amount of drunk driver car crashes.

When progressing through your drunk driving accident case, you may begin to wonder what damages you can recover in your case.

The main categories of damages that are available to an accident victim in a drunk driving accident claim are:

• Medical Expenses: Official medical records can be used as evidence to recover medical bills from past and future medical treatment in a claim.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries you sustained in the drunk driver accident cause you to miss work or not be able to work at your full capacity, you may file a claim to recover any lost wages.
• Property Damage: The costs of repairing or replacing your personal property, such as your vehicle, can be sought after in a claim.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress the injuries cause can be compensated for in a claim.
• Loss of Consortium: If the drunk driver's car accident affected your relationship with your spouse, such as causing a wrongful death via a fatal accident, you can recover damages for the loss of companionship and support in a claim.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are often awarded in drunk driving accidents and are meant not to compensate the victim but to punish the drunk driver. Although punitive damages will be given to the victim, it is, in a way, an extra form of compensation.

Knowing the signs of people driving under the influence is the best possible way to prevent drunk driving accidents.

Common behaviors an impaired person may exhibit while driving are:

• Swerving: A key sign that someone is driving under the influence is that they are swerving in and out of their lane.
• Delayed Reaction Time: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have a delayed response to things such as traffic signals.
• Erratic Speed Changes: Impaired drivers may exhibit noticeable changes in their speeds, either fast or slow.
• Tailgating: Somebody driving under the influence may unintentionally tailgate the vehicle in front of them.
• Wide Turns: Drivers making overly wide turns could indicate that they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

While driving, if you notice any of these signs of drunk driving, it's crucial that you report the vehicle to the local authorities to prevent any additional DUI car crashes.

Nevada seeks to hold all impaired drivers accountable for their actions through a series of punishments listed under NRS 484C.400, which vary depending on the number of offenses.

First DUI Offense

• Fines: A first-time DUI conviction can result in fines ranging from $400 to $1,000.
• Jail Time: The driver may face 2 days to 6 months in jail.
• License Suspension: The driver's license will be suspended for 185 days.
• DUI School: The court may mandate DUI school attendance for the offender.

Second DUI Offense (within 7 years)

• Fines: A second DUI offense results in fines ranging from $750 to $1,000.
• Jail Time: The driver could be sentenced to 10 days to 6 months in jail.
• License Revoked: The driver's license will be revoked for 1 year, and an ignition interlock device will be installed once they return to driving.
• Community Service: The court may mandate the driver to do 100 to 200 hours of community service.

Third DUI Offense (within 7 years)

• Felony Charge: A third DUI offense within seven years will result in a Category B felony charge.
• Fines: Fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 will be imposed.
• Prison Time: The driver can face up to 6 years in the Nevada State Prison.
• License Revocation: The driver's license will be revoked for 3 years, following a mandatory IID for several years.

Las Vegas DUI Accident Resulting in Injury or Death

• Felony Charge: A DUI car accident resulting in bodily harm or death will result in a Category B felony charge.
• Fines: Fines from $2,000 to $5,000 will be enforced.
• Prison Time: The driver can face 2 to 20 years in state prison.