Can a passenger get in trouble if the driver is drunk? Passengers generally don’t get in trouble if the driver is drunk and causes an accident, though there are exceptions.
Have a drunk driving accident lawyer in Las Vegas from H&P Law review your case, and we can let you know if a passenger can be held liable for your auto crash and any associated losses.
When a Passenger Can Get in Trouble If the Driver Is Drunk
Following a car crash involving an intoxicated motorist, it can be beneficial to meet with the team at H&P Law. Our car accident lawyers in Las Vegas can review your crash. At this point, we can give you insights into times when a passenger can get into trouble if the driver is drunk, such as:
- Open container: If a passenger is holding an open container of alcohol, they can be subject to a citation or fine. Sometimes, the passenger can be partially liable for a car accident.
- Encouraging the driver: If a passenger pressured, helped, or urged someone who was intoxicated to drive, and the motorist caused an accident, the passenger can be partly to blame for the incident.
- Vehicle ownership: If a passenger owns a vehicle and lets someone drive it while drunk, the passenger can face legal penalties.
- Interfering with the police: If a passenger obstructs police officers while they investigate a car accident, they may face a charge of disturbing the peace or other criminal charges.
We have recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you proceed with a drunk driving accident claim or lawsuit, we want to help you achieve outstanding case results. Trust our personal injury attorneys to pursue compensation from a drunk driver, a passenger, or other parties liable for your auto accident. To find out more, schedule a free consultation.
You Can Sue a Passenger for a Drunk Driving Accident
Just because another motorist chooses to drive while intoxicated doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re solely to blame for your car accident and injuries. In certain instances, a passenger can be in trouble if a driver is drunk and they do things like distract the motorist or interfere with their ability to operate their vehicle.
The car collision attorneys at H&P Law understand how drunk driving accident lawsuits differ from other cases. We can evaluate your drunk driving crash case and, if warranted, guide you through the process of suing an intoxicated motorist, a passenger, or another party for compensatory damages.
Based on Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 11.190, if you are injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver and want to sue any responsible parties, you generally have two years to file your lawsuit, with some exceptions. We can discuss the statute of limitations for your lawsuit and, if you sue, position you to recover economic and non-economic damages from any liable parties.
A Passenger Can Get into Legal Trouble If a Driver Is Intoxicated
Under NRS 484B.150, in Nevada, it is against the law to have an open container of alcohol inside the passenger area of a motor vehicle while on a public highway. This law applies to motorists and passengers in motor vehicles.
If a passenger is holding an open container and the driver of their vehicle is intoxicated and gets into an accident, both parties can be held responsible. For those who have been injured in such an incident, now is the time to consult with the drunk driving accident attorneys at H&P Law.
After drunk driving accidents in which a passenger possesses an open container, this individual can face misdemeanor charges, which can result in convictions with penalties that include fines and jail time. Meanwhile, our team can explain what to do after your drunk driving accident in Las Vegas. In your situation, we may encourage you to sue both the driver and the passenger.
There Are Times When a Passenger Won’t Get in Trouble If the Driver Is Intoxicated
A passenger can get into trouble if the driver of their vehicle is drunk, but liability is based on the specifics of the situation. The attorneys at H&P Law can give you information about instances in which a passenger is typically safe from trouble after a drunk driving accident. Such instances can include:
- The passenger was sitting in a car and didn’t touch any of the vehicle’s controls or do anything to distract or disrupt the driver.
- The passenger didn’t provide the driver with alcohol or do anything that contributed to the motorist’s decision to drive while drunk.
- The passenger didn’t have an open container of alcohol in their possession.
- The passenger didn’t let the motorist drive their vehicle or doesn’t have legal authority over this individual.
Of course, if you sue a passenger for a drunk driving accident, we can seek economic and non-economic damages. In your lawsuit, we can help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other tangible and intangible losses.
When to Hold a Passenger Liable If the Driver Is Drunk
At H&P Law, we want those who have been injured in drunk driving accidents caused by negligent parties to rely on us for legal help. If you’re unsure about whether a passenger can get into trouble if the other motorist was drunk during your car accident, we can assess your case and identify any responsible parties.
Remember, if you choose not to sue a passenger or other parties liable for your accident, you will have to cover your losses from the incident. Yet, when you have our team at your disposal, you can focus on your recovery from your accident while we prioritize your legal matters.
Our personal injury lawyers can negotiate the terms of a settlement with a passenger or other parties liable for your drunk driving collision. At the same time, we can prepare your case as if it will go to trial. Therefore, if a trial is needed, we’re ready to argue your case to a judge or jury.
Learn More About How a Passenger Can Get into Trouble if the Driver Is Drunk
H&P Law has more than 60 years of combined experience. We can describe how a passenger can get into trouble if a motorist was intoxicated.
If you want to sue a passenger for losses you incur in a drunk driving accident, we want to help. Reach out to us today.
