Texting and driving is a serious problem that contributes to thousands of accidents every year. These events have profound ramifications for both the offending driver and the victims involved in the crash. When you need to figure out how to submit a claim to recover what you’ve lost after a collision, hire a Laughlin texting while driving accident lawyer for clarity, direction, support, and advocacy.
H&P Law helps you navigate the claims process after an accident so you can be sure you’re not losing out on valuable compensation. Texting and driving is against the law in Nevada, and we fight for you so you can hold these parties accountable. With over 60 years of combined experience, we have a strong track record of success. A Laughlin car accident lawyer from our team is your ally throughout your entire case.
Recovering Your Losses After an Accident Involving a Distracted Driver
When you’ve been injured by a driver who was distracted by their phone, understanding the damages you’re entitled to can help ease your stress. In many cases, you can recover your various expenses, as well as your intangible losses that impact your overall quality of life. A Laughlin texting while driving accident attorney can help you secure compensation for losses such as:
- Current and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation, equipment, and accommodation expenses
- Loss of wages or income
- Property damage expenses
- Death benefits, such as funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of companionship
The specific losses included in a settlement and how much they are worth are different for every case. The value of your settlement is impacted by the overall extent and severity of your losses. The more severe they are, the more you may need to cover them.
However, variables such as partial fault can also impact and potentially reduce the value of your settlement. Consult our Laughlin personal injury lawyers for an accurate estimate.
The Dangers of Texting and Driving in Laughlin
Texting and driving is a serious threat to motorist safety. When a driver texts while operating their vehicle, it diverts their attention from the road and prevents them from reacting to potential hazards. Of the many forms of distracted driving, cellphone use is one of the most common and dangerous ones.
In the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign, they report that distracted driving accounted for 3,208 fatalities in the most recent year of data alone. Cellphone distractions are not limited to texting, but can also include social media use, phone calls, and using GPS features. Even voice-to-text isn’t any safer than texting and driving because it can still cause distractions.
Part of what makes distracted driving so harmful is that it can involve one or more types of distractions. Visual distractions involve a driver taking their eyes off the road, cognitive distractions detract from focus, and manual distractions require drivers to physically take their hands off the wheel. In the case of texting, all three forms of distractions are happening simultaneously, making it highly dangerous.
Nevada’s Laws on Cellphone Use
According to NRS 484B.165, handling a cellphone while driving is illegal. Like most states, Nevada prohibits drivers from sending or reading texts while they are driving. Sending emails or instant messaging is also included in this ban. Furthermore, phone calls are also not allowed unless a driver has a hands-free accessory that allows them to initiate or end a call or action on a phone.
Aside from first responders and select individuals, there are a couple of exceptions to Nevada’s cellphone laws. If an individual is reporting a medical emergency, criminal activity, or responding to another immediate safety threat, the hands-free laws do not apply because there is an imminent threat of harm or danger.
When motorists text and drive, they not only put other drivers at risk, but they also risk criminal charges. Nevada classifies texting and driving as a misdemeanor offense that can result in fines and driver’s license points. At-fault drivers may also have to pay accident injury victims for any losses they sustained. To understand your rights as a victim, be sure to talk with your lawyer.
An Experienced Texting While Driving Accident Attorney in Laughlin Can Help You Establish Liability in Your Case
While motorists who cause accidents by texting and driving often face criminal charges in Nevada, you can also hold them accountable through a civil case. In a civil case, you can establish their liability so you can recover damages to offset your losses. If they are found at fault, the offending motorist is responsible for making restitution.
In order to recover compensation, you will need to show that the other driver had a duty of care to you and your safety. In this case, they were supposed to avoid texting and driving. However, when they failed to comply, they breached their duty to you and caused the crash that injured you. They are then liable for paying for the damages they caused you, including future losses.
To win your case and secure a favorable outcome, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible. Filing a police report, taking photos, and keeping your medical records and vehicle repair estimates are key to strengthening your claim. Our team can also help you obtain additional evidence, such as traffic surveillance or dashcam footage, phone records, and more, to build a strong case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With H&P Law Today
You don’t have to handle your claim alone after an accident. A texting while driving accident lawyer in Laughlin from H&P Law can guide you through the process each step of the way.
We answer your questions and fight tirelessly for you. We also handle all communications with insurance and outside parties on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
