DUI Accident Victim Attorneys in Las Vegas, Nevada

Car and big truck accidents occur on a daily basis. Most of the time, a collision is unintended and caused by a driver failing to pay attention, driving too fast, swerving, texting while driving, or driving a vehicle that is not mechanically sound. As such, it was an “accident.” A DUI and impaired driver causing injury or death is not an accident. The impaired driver chose to get behind the wheel and if their actions and their driving caused injury or death, they should be held fully responsible. Drunk driving collisions often result in catastrophic injuries and even death, changing the lives of innocent victims and their families forever. If you or someone in your family is the victim of a DUI accident, contact a Las Vegas drunk driving accident victim attorney at Drummond Law Firm as soon as possible.

What Is Considered a DUI Accident?

Driving under the influence is a major threat to public safety. In Nevada it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08% or higher. Additionally, other substances, such as marijuana, opioids, antidepressants and illegal drugs can also make the driver under the influence, and unsafe.

Nevada law specifically defines “under the influence” as: “impaired to a degree that renders a person incapable of safely driving or exercising actual physical control of a vehicle.” NRS 484C.105

According to Nevada’s Office of Traffic Safety – Department of Public Safety, in 2022 there were 416 Nevada crash fatalities and in 2021 there were 385 Nevada crash fatalities. Of those, a very high number were related to impaired or under the influence driving. In 2022 there were 184 impaired driving fatalities and in 2021 there were 185 impaired driving fatalities.

Isn’t a DUI a Criminal Offense?

Driving under the influence is, of course, against the law and our Las Vegas drunk driving accident victim lawyer will seek to hold the DUI driver criminal responsible. The police might be prosecuting the driver who caused your accident, but sadly that won’t get you the money you need and deserve for your injuries. Even if the driver faces criminal charges, you can still seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. Sometimes, those convicted of crimes are ordered to pay restitution to victims for monetary losses caused by the crime they committed. Sadly, restitution may not cover the full extent of your bills, income loss, and emotional trauma. A personal injury lawsuit gives you a way to seek the full value of your losses from the accident, regardless of whether it was caused by a criminal or negligent act.

Insurance companies will swoop in after a serious DUI accident and try to get you to accept an unfair offer. That’s where the Las Vegas drunk driving accident victim attorney at the Drummond Law Firm can help.

Holding Drunk Driver’s Responsible

Attorney Craig W. Drummond is a former Federal Military Prosecutor. In that role, he criminally prosecuted DUI cases and placed irresponsible and unsafe drivers behind bars. Now in private practice, Craig and the attorneys at the Drummond Law Firm work tirelessly through the civil process to get compensation for those injured or killed by DUI drivers.

There are strong protections for DUI injury victims in Nevada. A drunk driving accident victim can file a negligence lawsuit against the drunk driver that seeks damages for their personal, financial, and emotional injuries, as well as punitive damages.

The High Price of Drunk Driving Accidents

Every year, countless drivers in Las Vegas and across the nation suffer injury or death due to the reckless behavior of drunk drivers. In 2012 alone, 10,322 people lost their lives in alcohol-related accidents, translating to one death approximately every 51 minutes. The annual economic toll of these crashes is estimated at $132 billion. Beyond the physical injuries and financial burden, victims and their families endure deep anger and frustration, knowing that such incidents are entirely preventable. Sadly, these tragic accidents remain a frequent occurrence on our roads and highways.

What Injuries Are Available In A DUI Case?

We will fight to recover compensation for all injuries sustained in your accident.

Many DUI injuries are from crashes that occurred at high rates of speed where the unsuspecting victims have little or no way to protect themselves.

Common DUI crash injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Crushing injuries
Scarring
Amputations
Seat Belt injuries
Airbag injuries
Damage to internal organs
Wrongful death of a loved one

Additionally, victims of DUI crashes can also seek compensation for non-economic damages such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression caused by the accident.

Punitive damages are available in a Nevada DUI case.

Nevada DUI Injury and Punitive Damages

In most injury cases your recovery is limited to compensatory damages to essentially make you whole – medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages are damages that are awarded in some personal injury lawsuits in addition to compensatory damages. They can be awarded by courts and juries. Generally, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

During debate in the Nevada Legislature, the following was noted about the intent to punish DUI drivers through punitive damages and hopefully deter future DUI drivers. “There is extremely strong public sentiment to keep drunk drivers off the roads. Criminal penalties are not enough. People who elect to drink and drive must also realize they will be punished. Financially, without regard to limitations.” See Assembly Daily Journal on AB 307, 65th Session 32 (May 8, 1989) (Assemblyman Sader).

Nevada Revised Statute 42.010 states:

In an action for the breach of an obligation, where the defendant caused an injury by the operation of a motor vehicle in violation of NRS 484C.110, 484C.130 or 484C.430 after willfully consuming or using alcohol or another substance, knowing that the defendant would thereafter operate the motor vehicle, the plaintiff, in addition to the compensatory damages, may recover damages for the sake of example and by way of punishing the defendant.

As such, Nevada law is crystal clear that punitive damages are available in a DUI case and there are no limitations to the amount a jury may award for punitive damages.

What to Do If Hit By a Drunk Driver

If you are injured by a drunk driver, here are some suggested first steps:

Ensure Safety: Immediately check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic.
Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.

Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries. Short video clips may also be helpful.

Gather Information: Obtain the drunk driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, collect contact details of any witnesses.

Audio Record the Driver: If the other driver is talking you can audio record him or her, even without their consent. Nevada only requires one-side consent to an in-person audio recording. NRS 200.650.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Avoid Confrontation: It’s natural to be upset, but avoid confronting the drunk driver. Let law enforcement handle the situation.

Contact Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company.

Document Everything: Keep a record of any medical treatments, expenses, and missed work due to the accident.

Follow Up: Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Stay updated with the police investigation and any legal proceedings.

Getting Results For Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

At Drummond Law Firm, our mission is to support victims of drunk driving accidents as they rebuild their lives. Las Vegas drunk driving victims accident attorney Craig Drummond is dedicated to easing your burdens during recovery and ensuring you receive the maximum financial compensation possible. Leveraging our expertise and resources, we provide comprehensive assistance throughout your personal injury claim.

Craig Drummond has secured millions of dollars for clients affected by drunk drivers’ negligence. Each client receives personalized service and proven results. Our firm is committed to helping you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Contact Our Las Vegas Drunk Driving Victim Accident Attorney Today For Help

Contact Our Legal Team at 702-CAPTAIN to schedule a free initial consultation and discuss your case. Our experienced attorneys are here to explain your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Victim Attorney