How to Handle a Drunk Driving Auto Accident

Throughout the United States as well as in the state of Nevada, drunk driving is a leading cause of car collisions. According to the CDC, over 10,000 people were killed in the year 2015 alone. This means nearly a third of all traffic-related deaths and 16% of traffic-related deaths of children under 15 years of age involve alcohol. This is only fatalities related to drunk driving collisions. Many more incidences include severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. If you have been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact an accident lawyer in Las Vegas for legal help.

One significant area of Nevada that is a cause for concern regarding drunk driving is Las Vegas. Often called the “adult playground” of America, Las Vegas is famous for its wild parties and outrageous shenanigans. After all, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” This saying does not apply, however, to the consequences of drunk driving. With the constant availability of alcohol and the limited availability of public transit, it’s no wonder drivers get behind the wheel when intoxicated. The damages of doing such can be severe and if you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Find out by speaking to an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Las Vegas.

What to do After a Crash Involving a Drunk Driver

The following is some advice on what to do if you happen to be in the unfortunate circumstance of being involved in a car collision and suspect the other driver to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• Call the police to the scene immediately – Be sure to mention that you believe the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol or some other substance. Be careful regarding communicating with the other driver as he or she may become agitated. It’s best not to speak to the other driver if you don’t have to and he or she doesn’t seem seriously injured. You don’t want that driver’s lawyer to have any room to claim certain things were said. If you call the police, they will tend to the other driver’s injuries.
• Seek medical attention as soon as you can – Even if you feel okay and just want to leave the scene, be sure to get checked out by a paramedic. Keep detailed records of any symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or changes in vision, hearing, attitude, ability to think, etc. Write down each and every symptom, even if it doesn’t seem important. Be sure to seek medical attention if any symptoms come up later. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries have symptoms that don’t show up for days or weeks and can be quite subtle.
• Gather as much evidence as you can – Take pictures, find out how to contact witnesses, get the information for the responding officer, etc. This is where hiring a lawyer can be extremely helpful. They know what information is needed and how to get it. Unfortunately, your attorney will likely not be there at the scene of the accident to take photos and write everything down. If you aren’t able or don’t think to do it at the scene, your attorney can help piece together as much evidence as possible later.
• Get a skilled lawyer in Las Vegas – Though it isn’t usually the first thing on people’s minds when they’ve been in a car accident, seeking legal representation can be very helpful in the fallout of the collision.

Recovering Compensation

In order to be considered drunk while driving, the driver must have a documented blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%. It’s very important that the driver is tested as soon as possible after the collision and that you are able to get a record of the results. The longer the BAC is delayed, the bigger difference the results will be from how drunk the person was when they were behind the wheel.

Compensation from a personal injury case related to drunk driving may include coverage for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy
• Emotional therapy
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Loss of quality of life
• Wrongful Death

The Nevada statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just two years. That means that from the moment the collision occurs, the clock starts ticking down from 730 days. Though that may seem like a lot of time, there is a lot to deal with after a serious car collision, such as medical care, insurance, getting the car fixed or replaced, etc. Be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so he or she may get to work to build a strong case that will bring you the compensation you need and deserve.

Seek Legal Advice From a Professional

Earning the recognition as “Super Lawyers” you can ensure our attorneys will do whatever it takes to get you the maximum results for your injury. At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, we work hard to help injured victims all throughout Las Vegas.

Call Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers today on (702) 384-1414. You can also submit our online contact form and we will get back to you promptly.