Motor vehicle accidents can be stressful for anyone, but when you are injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver, the trauma may be far more severe. The feeling you experience when someone else’s decision to drink and drive permanently alters the course of your life is unimaginable. A trial-proven Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer from H&P Law is here for you and ready to ensure the drunk driver is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Our firm has 60+ years of trial experience, so you can feel empowered knowing our Las Vegas car accident lawyer is on your side. Our team will do everything possible to gather the evidence we need to establish the drunk driver’s liability for your injuries and resulting damages. Contact us to request a free consultation today and take back control of your future.
Drunk Drivers and Liable Parties Can Be Held Accountable
There are several ways your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer with H&P Law may be able to ensure drunk drivers and liable parties are brought to justice. First, we will see about filing an insurance claim. Nevada follows fault-based insurance laws as described under NRS § 485.185, so our claim will be against the drunk driver’s policy.
Do not be alarmed if their auto insurance provider argues that they are not required to pay out on your claim because the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. This is a common tactic insurance companies use to escape financial liability. After extensively reviewing the policy, we will know more about whether the driver’s insurance policy was active at the time of the accident.
With an insurance settlement, a portion of your damages may be covered by the insurance company. However, it is unlikely the insurer will pay for every single loss you suffered. For this reason, you should always prepare to move forward with a personal injury claim in civil court, where you will not face the same types of restrictions or limitations.
Drunk Driving is a Major Issue Across Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) reported that as of September 2024, the city has seen over 100 fatal car accident injuries. As described in the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) 2023 Annual Report, there were a total of 560 DUI arrests that year. Interestingly, arrests involving cannabis and other drugs accounted for just under 47,000 of all citations issued for 2023.
With drunk driving being such a major issue across the state, law enforcement officials are going to extraordinary lengths to hold drunk drivers accountable for their negligent actions. The district attorney will determine whether criminal charges should apply. As described under NRS § 484C, the drunk driver who hit you could face jail time, fines, and other penalties in criminal court.
Your Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney can advocate for your rights when you hold the at-fault party to account in civil court. The drunk driver can be held criminally accountable, and if your personal injury lawsuit against them is successful, you could recover full compensation for your damages. Find out more about whether you have the grounds needed to pursue a claim when you contact our office for a free consultation.
Your Injuries Do Not Need to Be Catastrophic
After being involved in a drunk driving accident, you may wonder whether you have the right to file a claim. After all, your injuries are not catastrophic or life-threatening. However, the type of injury you suffered does not necessarily determine whether you can sue for damages.
If your life has been dramatically affected by, or is expected to continue to be affected by, the injuries you sustained in the drunk driving accident, your Las Vegas catastrophic injury lawyer can demand justice through an insurance claim, at trial, or both. The severity of your injuries is what will determine how much compensation you should be awarded. We have helped drunk driving accident victims who dealt with traumatic brain injuries, third-degree burns, spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
If possible, keep a detailed journal that discusses how the accident is affecting your life on a day-to-day basis. We will need to prove the extent of your injuries, and sometimes, medical records may not be enough. With your personal journal entries, we can establish how profoundly your life has been impacted by your drunk driving accident.
H&P Law Can Help You Maximize Your Financial Compensation
There is no loss you should not be able to recover as part of your drunk driving accident claim. If a drunk driver caused your collision, they should be expected to compensate you in full. Examples of damages that could be paid out in Las Vegas DUI accidents include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Lost wages, reduced earning potential, and lost employee benefits
- Embarrassment, shame, and indignity
- Fear, anticipation, and shock
- Loss of household services
- Medical expenses and future healthcare costs
- Personal property damages, including vehicle repairs
It is also possible that punitive damages could be issued as part of your drunk driving accident settlement. However, the judge must find the defendant’s conduct rises to the level of “oppression, fraud, or malice,” as described under NRS § 42.005. These are typically designed to punish offenders and warn others that these actions are intolerable, not to award injury victims.
Connect With a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas for Help Today
Your life may continue to be affected by the trauma of your drunk driving accident for years to come. Do not get stuck covering the costs when you are already plagued by extreme emotional distress and devastating injuries. Have a respected drunk driving accident attorney in Las Vegas from H&P Law advocate for your right to maximum compensation.
Having successfully recovered millions of dollars in damages and settlements for our clients over the years, we know what it takes to build a powerful case against the liable party. Let us put our legal resources and insight to work for you during some of the most difficult times in your life. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.
