If you have the suspicion that a drunk driver is on the road, the best thing to do is to report the driver to prevent a possible (and likely) accident. The quickest and simplest way to do so in Las Vegas is by dialing *NHP or 911 from your cell phone. Despite laws against cell phone use in Nevada, you are permitted to use a cell phone while driving if you are reporting a drunk driver to the authorities.
Statistics on Drunk Driving
The sad reality is that thousands of innocent lives are lost annually in the United States as a result of preventable drunk driving accidents. Research shows that:
- Each day 28 people die in the U.S. in car accidents that involve a drunk driver — making that one death every 52 minutes;
- The economic costs of alcohol-related traffic accidents total more than $44 billion annually;
- Approximately 19% of the 51,490 drivers involved in deadly crashes in 2018 were driving under the influence of alcohol;
- In 2018, more than 10,500 people were killed in drunk driving accidents, accounting for 29% of all traffic-related deaths in the country.
As can be seen, drunk driving is an ongoing issue in the United States and Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, is not immune to this deadly trend.
What to Do
If you are involved in a crash with a drunk driver, there are steps you can take to help protect your legal rights and pursuit of monetary compensation for harm suffered.
- Try to stay calm: While very difficult after a sudden crash, it is important to keep calm. Doing so will help you be able to make rational decisions in a time of crisis;
- Dial 9-1-1: Even if no one seems to be hurt, you should call the authorities immediately. Let the dispatcher and officers know you think the other driver is under the influence. Also, first responders can check to see if you have any injuries.
- Document the scene: Take pictures or video footage of the crash site, or have someone else do it for you. If you suspect the driver is drunk, take mental or written notes about details at the scene. All of this can be used as evidence to support a personal injury claim;
- Get contact information: This should include the other driver, passengers, and any witnesses. You need to be sure to get the other driver’s phone number and insurance information. If they are too injured or drunk, this information will likely be in the police report;
- Get medical treatment: An ambulance may take you to the nearest hospital for evaluation and treatment. If this does not happen, be sure to see a doctor immediately after the crash. These medical records will help establish that your injuries were caused by the drunk driver’s actions;
- Speak with a lawyer: It can be difficult to try to seek monetary compensation on your own when you are involved in a crash with a drunk driver. An experienced personal injury attorney will gather the evidence needed and put forth the strongest case possible.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
If you have been in an accident with a drunk driver in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, it is important to contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your rights. For years, the attorneys at H&P Law have been helping victims in and around Las Vegas fight for the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced lawyers.
