If you need to know how to report a drunk driver on the road, it is best to call 911 immediately and provide your location, a description of the drunk driver’s car, and the direction it is traveling. 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 drunk driving accident lawyer today for a free consultation to review your case.
Call 911 Immediately
In every situation, if you see someone acting in an unsafe manner and they are putting themselves or others at risk, call 911. You cannot get in trouble for contacting 911 when there is a serious risk. Do so if you see any of the following:
- Drivers swerving significantly, especially from one lane to the next
- A driver dozing off behind the wheel, common in drunk driving
- A driver who is operating at a very low rate of speed, often 10 or more miles below the speed limit
- A vehicle that is stopped on the road and the driver does not seem to be coherent
- Someone driving aggressively, such as trying to ram into your vehicle or tailgating another vehicle
When you call the police, tell them what you saw occurring. Provide as much information about the car as possible, including their license plate, the make and model of the car, the color of the car, and what the person behind the wheel looks like. Make sure to provide specific information about why you believe they were operating under the influence. Speak with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer today.
Protect Yourself and Others on the Road
In a situation where there is a drunk driver on the road with you, what you do not do can be just as important. Make it a point to stay out of the driver’s way and avoid any aggressive actions. Avoid confrontation with the other driver, as you cannot be sure of their condition.
You can also try to warn others about what is happening. For example, warn other drivers approaching the drunk driver by honking your horn. You may be able to wave them off.
Again, stay out of the way of the driver by moving your vehicle to the side of the road, pulling into a parking lot, or otherwise staying behind them. This gives you the opportunity to maneuver safely no matter what they do.
How to Report a Drunk Driver on the Road: Report Them After You Are Safe
In some situations, you may not be able to contact the police immediately. If you can, have a passenger in your vehicle take a photo or video of the driver. Use that information to report a drunk driver on the road to the local police department as soon as it is safe to do so.
Most of the time, today’s drivers can make a call themselves on the road, and in a situation where there is a high risk of an accident occurring, you can pull over, call 911, and report the incident without violating the law.
What you do not want to do is take no action. Protect yourself and others by alerting law enforcement to the drunk driver. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can answer your questions after a crash.
Recognize the Importance of Reporting a Drunk Driver
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’ drunk driving statistics, 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.
Know What to Do If 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:
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.
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.
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 damage, 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.
Collect Contact Information
Be sure to get the contact information for the other driver, their passengers, and any witnesses to the accident. 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.
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.
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.
In these situations, be sure to speak to a drunk driving accident lawyer before you talk to your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance. Your goal is to avoid any type of blame for the accident, but insurance companies are not on your side. Your attorney will protect your rights throughout this process, while ensuring you receive fair compensation for any losses you have. Learn more in our frequently asked questions.
Let H&P Law Help With Your Case
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.
