If you suspect a drunk driver is on the road, it is critical to take immediate action. Reporting a suspected drunk driver can prevent potential accidents and save lives. The simplest and fastest way to do so in Las Vegas is by dialing *NHP or 911 from your cell phone. Even though Nevada has strict laws regarding cell phone use while driving, there is an exception when it comes to reporting dangerous or illegal activity such as drunk driving. You are permitted to use your phone to report a drunk driver to authorities, so don’t hesitate to make the call if you spot one.
Contact our Las Vegas car accident lawyers today for a free consultation to review your case.
Why Drunk Driving is a Serious Issue
Drunk driving continues to be a significant problem in the United States, resulting in thousands of avoidable deaths each year. According to studies, the impact of drunk driving on the nation’s safety and economy is staggering:
- According to Forbes, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes each day. In 2021, 13,384 people died in drunk-driving crashes. From 2012 to 2021, an average of approximately 10,850 people lost their lives annually in drunk driving accidents.
The numbers paint a grim picture, but they also serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting suspected drunk drivers as soon as possible. This is especially true in Nevada, where Las Vegas sees a significant amount of traffic-related incidents, many of which involve impaired drivers.
What You Should Do If You’re Hit By a Drunk Driver
If you are involved in a crash with a drunk driver, there are critical steps you should take to protect yourself and your legal rights, as well as to help you pursue compensation for any harm you have suffered.
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Stay Calm: After a crash, it’s understandable to feel upset or anxious, but it’s essential to keep calm. By staying composed, you’ll be able to make better decisions and focus on handling the situation.
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Call 911: It’s always advisable to call the authorities immediately after any accident. Even if you don’t think anyone is seriously hurt, calling 911 ensures that emergency responders can assess the situation and offer medical attention if needed. Also, let the dispatcher know that you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, as this will prompt the authorities to conduct a sobriety test on the other driver.
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Document the Scene: Gathering evidence at the scene is crucial to supporting your claim. Use your phone or camera to take photos or videos of the crash site, vehicle damages, and any injuries. Additionally, make a mental or written note of anything that might seem out of the ordinary, such as the other driver’s behavior, speech, or smell of alcohol. These details can be critical in proving that the other driver was impaired at the time of the crash.
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Collect Contact Information: Be sure to get the contact information for the other driver, their passengers, and any witnesses to the accident. It’s important to obtain the other driver’s insurance details and phone number. If they are too injured or intoxicated to provide this information, the police report should include these details, and you can rely on that to follow up.
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Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s always best to get checked by a medical professional after a car crash. Some injuries, especially those from drunk driving accidents, may not be immediately apparent. Whether you are transported by ambulance or not, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records will serve as key evidence in your case, establishing that your injuries were caused by the drunk driver’s actions.
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Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer: Navigating the legal aspects of seeking compensation from a drunk driver can be complex and overwhelming. It’s highly advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in these types of cases. A skilled lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and represent your best interests in court if necessary. The goal is to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Our Attorneys at H&P Law Can Help You
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a drunk driver in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, it is crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. At H&P Law, our legal team has years of experience helping victims of drunk driving accidents fight for the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to deal with insurance companies and other parties involved to make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and losses.
Our lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf, gathering evidence, working with medical professionals, and negotiating with insurers to secure the best possible outcome for your case. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact H&P Law today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and learn more about your legal options. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.
