Car Accidents Caused by Drug Impairment in Nevada
Car accidents caused by drug impairment are a serious problem in Nevada, contributing to countless injuries and fatalities each year.
Drug-Impaired Driving in Nevada
In Nevada, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance that impairs a driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle. This includes both illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs that can cause impairment.
The Dangers of Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs poses serious risks to everyone on the road. Different drugs can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle in various ways, such as:
- Slowed Reaction Time: Many drugs, including marijuana and opioids, can slow a driver’s reaction time, making it difficult to respond quickly to changes in traffic or road conditions.
- Impaired Judgment: Drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine can impair a driver’s judgment, leading to reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, or ignoring traffic signals.
- Drowsiness: Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Distorted Perception: Hallucinogens and other psychoactive drugs can distort a driver’s perception of time, distance, and speed, leading to dangerous driving decisions.
These impairments increase the likelihood of accidents, which can result in severe injuries or death for both the impaired driver and other road users.
Nevada’s DUID Laws
Nevada’s DUID laws are similar to its DUI laws for alcohol. The state enforces a zero-tolerance policy for certain drugs, meaning that any detectable amount of these substances in a driver’s system can result in a DUID charge. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484C.110, it is illegal to drive with a concentration of certain substances in the blood that meets or exceeds specified limits, such as:
- Marijuana: 2 nanograms per milliliter of blood for THC (the active ingredient in marijuana)
- Cocaine: 50 nanograms per milliliter of blood
- Methamphetamine: 100 nanograms per milliliter of blood
If a driver’s blood contains any of these substances at or above the specified levels, they can be arrested and charged with DUID, even if they do not show obvious signs of impairment. This strict approach aims to deter drug-impaired driving and reduce the number of accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Options for Victims of Drug-Impaired Drivers
Victims of car accidents caused by drug-impaired drivers in Nevada have several options for seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. These include:
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Victims can file a personal injury claim against the impaired driver to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Nevada operates under a fault-based system, meaning that the impaired driver can be held liable for the damages they caused.
Seeking Punitive Damages
In some cases, victims may be able to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver for particularly reckless or egregious behavior, such as driving while under the influence of drugs.
Utilizing Insurance Coverage
Victims can also file a claim with their own insurance company, especially if the impaired driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover all the damages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be particularly helpful in these situations.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
If a loved one is killed in an accident caused by a drug-impaired driver, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Speak to a Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drug-impaired driving accident, contact a trusted Las Vegas car accident lawyer for help navigating the legal process and holding the responsible parties accountable.