If you or someone you care about was hurt in a Las Vegas, Nevada reckless driving accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for injuries suffered as well as any other damages. This is because, under Nevada law, reckless driving is specifically prohibited.
Nevada Traffic Law
Under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484B.653, “reckless driving” is against the law. Specifically, drivers are prohibited from:
- Driving a vehicle in a manner that shows a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people of property on a highway or property which there is public access;
- Driving a vehicle in an illegal speed contest on a roadway where there is public access or on the highway;
- Organizing an illegal speeding contest on a roadway where there is public access or on the highway;
- Driving a vehicle in an illegal trick driving display on a public roadway;
- Facilitating an illegal trick driving display on a public roadway.
Anyone who participates in the above prohibited activities puts not just themselves in danger of serious injuries or even death, but others, as well.
Examples of Reckless Driving
While the language in Nevada law regarding illegal speed contests and illegal trick driving is pretty black-and-white, it is harder to discern what “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others might look like. For this reason, below are some examples of reckless driving when someone puts others at risk of injury or death when they operate a vehicle in a particular manner. Specifically:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs–prescription or illicit–and/or alcohol;
- Driving over the speed limit;
- Driving while distracted;
- Driving too fast for the current weather or road conditions;
- Refusing to obey traffic signs and signals;
- Changing lanes without first checking blind spots;
- Driving without any regard for bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorcycle safety.
Because driving recklessly is a choice, many of the tragic results of these types of accidents can be prevented.
Time Limits for Seeking Damages
Just like any other lawsuit, there is a time limit for a victim of a Nevada reckless driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time frame, which if missed bars a victim from ever recuperating monetary compensation for harm suffered, is referred to as a “statute of limitations.” According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 11.190, a victim must take legal action within two years of the date of the incident. Although two years sounds like a long time, it is best to file a lawsuit right away and not wait until the deadline is closely approaching. Instead, if you are involved in a Nevada reckless driving accident, you should contact an attorney right away for several reasons, including:
- The insurance carrier and its defense lawyers will question how serious your claim is if you waited to take legal action for injuries suffered;
- Memories of the accident–both yours and those of any eyewitnesses–will fade over time, making it more difficult to prove your case;
- Critical evidence about your case may disappear, get erased, or be destroyed simply by the passage of time;
- Failure to speak with an attorney right away if you are entitled to monetary compensation could result in a delayed payout, loss of income, and harassment by debt collectors.
Contact Us Today
Do not delay, or try to handle your reckless driving accident case on your own. The personal injury attorneys at H&P Law have fought for the rights of the injured in Las Vegas and across Nevada and will do the same for you. Call us for your initial case evaluation.
