Can you drive with a concussion? In short, it’s dangerous and not recommended. In some situations, it may even be illegal and negligent, depending on your symptoms and impairments.
It is not recommended to drive with a concussion in Las Vegas due to being cognitively impaired, which can result in a lack of judgment, attention, and reaction time overall.
A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can take over your case and represent your best interests while fighting for the compensation you deserve. Let’s dive deeper into why driving with a concussion can be risky and what you should know if you find yourself in this situation.
Legal Implications of Driving With a Concussion in Las Vegas
While Nevada law does not specifically prohibit driving with a concussion, the definition of “impaired driving” in NRS 484C makes it illegal to drive if you’re impaired by any cause, especially to the degree that you cannot safely operate a vehicle. If you drive while suffering from concussion symptoms and cause an accident, you could face serious consequences:
Traffic citations
A reckless driving citation may result in hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the severity. First offenses can carry penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Additionally, reckless driving adds demerit points to a driver’s record, potentially impacting insurance rates. Courts treat these citations seriously, emphasizing public safety and responsibility.
Personal injury lawsuits
If an injured party can prove the driver was negligent by operating a vehicle while impaired by a concussion, they may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning damages can be reduced if the injured party shares fault. Prompt medical and legal action is crucial after such an accident if someone gets hurt.
Criminal charges
If an officer believes your ability to drive is compromised, they can charge you based on impairment alone, even without a blood alcohol test. Therefore, if you are showing any symptoms after a concussion, it’s best to stay off the road.
If law enforcement establishes that a driver knowingly operated a vehicle while impaired by a concussion, the driver may face charges like reckless driving, endangerment, or even DUI if drugs or alcohol were also involved. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and jail time. Nevada takes these cases seriously, especially if injuries or property damage occur..
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. While the effects of a moderate concussion are usually temporary, the effects can be long-lasting, resulting in headaches, attention and memory problems, and problems with balance or coordination. Typical symptoms of a mild TBI are:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Delayed reaction times
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Driving safely requires quick reflexes, focus, and clear vision, and any of these symptoms can significantly impair your ability to drive. In Nevada, impaired driving laws aren’t limited to alcohol and drugs, as they also encompass any condition that reduces your ability to drive responsibly.
How Long Should You Wait Before Driving After a Concussion?
Doctors may say to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after a concussion before thinking about driving. But honestly, it depends on how bad your concussion is and how you feel. Some people bounce back quickly, while others need more time. Even if you’re feeling a little better, you shouldn’t drive until you check with a doctor. It’s just not worth the risk to those around you if your brain isn’t 100% yet.
If you’re dizzy, confused, seeing blurry, or just not feeling right, don’t drive. Even small problems can make it dangerous. When you’re finally feeling normal and a doctor says it’s okay, start by driving short, easy trips. Stay close to home at first, before trying to handle busy Las Vegas streets full of cars and people.
Some people take a few days to heal, others take a few weeks. Everyone’s different. If you try to drive too soon, you could hurt yourself or someone else. It’s better to wait until you’re fully ready. Be patient with your body — it needs time to get back to normal after a head injury from a Nevada accident.
Who is Held Liable in an Accident When Driving With a Concussion?
Health incidents like a seizure while driving are sometimes involuntary. Driving with a concussion is not involuntary, and can be risky to the driver as well as others who share the road, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Driving with a concussion typically results in impaired behavior while driving.
Drivers with a concussion usually know they are injured but may underestimate their symptoms. Driving with a concussion typically results in impaired behavior while driving, such as slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and trouble focusing on the road.
Nevada is an At-Fault State
Nevada is not a no-fault state for car accidents. This means that the person who causes the accident must pay for the accident. If you have been hit by an impaired driver due to a concussion, you are still entitled to damages such as
- Loss of wages
- Medical bills
- Car repairs
- Pain and suffering, if applicable
- Possible criminal charges depending on the situation
The responsibility of a driver is to make sure they are driving safely, physically, and mentally. If a driver knows they are impaired, whether from substances or an injury, after getting behind the wheel, they are acting negligently.
H&P Law Can Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
In Nevada, negligent drivers are held accountable for the accidents they cause, including those who drive with a concussion. It is important to document anything you see or hear after an accident, as this information is helpful to the legal counsel you find.
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