Car accidents happen daily across the country. Unfortunately, many untimely deaths are connected to car collisions. According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, there were over 300 deaths related to car collisions in 2017 in the state of Nevada, up from around 239 in 2016.
Fatal car collisions are an unfortunate reality that end far too many lives. If your loved one has passed in a car collision, it may be possible to take legal action with the assistance of a Las Vegas auto accident attorney to hold the liable person responsible for their behavior, as well as to recover compensation that may cover funeral and other costs.
No two accidents are the same, and many factors contribute to fatal car collisions. There are some commonalities that exist.
This involves anything that may cause the driver to take his or her attention away from the road for any amount of time. Even a split second can make the difference between safe driving and a fatal car collision. Distracted driving can include any of the following activities:
Many of these activities we do subconsciously, without even noticing we’re doing it. But the consequences could be fatal. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligent behavior, contact a distracted driving attorney immediately.
When people think of driving under the influence, they usually think of alcohol. Alcohol significantly decreases a person’s spatial awareness, rational thinking and motor control. Combined with the extreme ease of accessibility and few preventative measures, it makes sense that approximately 32% of all fatal car crashes involve someone under the influence of alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Speak with a Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney to discuss your legal options after a collision.
Aggressive driving is a blanket term that includes the following:
Though not as common as distracted driving or driving under the influence, any type of aggressive driving can cause a fatal car accident. Speak to a fatal car accident attorney in Las Vegas to learn what you can do if you or someone you know was hit by an aggressive driver.
Running red lights often results in a very dangerous collision called a T-bone. When a car runs a red light and hits another car or is hit by another car that is traveling perpendicular to its direction, the front of one car can collide into the side of the other. This is very dangerous for passengers in the car hit on its side. Doors provide little support to buffer passengers from external collisions.
In fact, Fox 5 Vegas recently reported a story regarding a 25 year-old driver running at least one red light on August 31, 2018. The driver’s car then T-boned another vehicle around 8:30 in the morning. The hit vehicle then spun out of control and collided with a third car. Tragically, an 8 year-old child, wearing his seatbelt in the back seat of the second vehicle was killed. Running a red light ended in a three-car collision involving 5 people and resulting in the death of a child.
Everyone knows drinking and driving is extremely dangerous and irresponsible. They may not realize that tired driving can have just as much of an effect on a person’s ability to maneuver a motor vehicle. This is especially common in truck drivers who are pressured to make long trips on tight deadlines with barely enough time to sleep. Other drivers who don’t want to stop another night may find themselves dozing off behind the wheel. This is extremely dangerous, as the driver may lose control of the car and drift into another lane, or not realize stopped traffic ahead.
In July of 2018, Las Vegas Now reported on a car collision near Coyote Springs. A semi-truck driver told Nevada Highway Patrol that he fell asleep while driving. This accidental nap resulted in a collision involving four automobiles and the death of two individuals on a random Wednesday morning. According to the highway patrol, the four vehicles were stopped, waiting their turn to use the single lane of the highway that was open during construction, when the semi-truck crashed into them. The semi-truck was fully loaded with sand, making it especially heavy and therefore especially dangerous.
With the rise of truck drivers out on the road, it’s imperative everyone, stays alert and diligent while driving on the roads. Most importantly, speak to a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer if someone hit you or your loved one after falling asleep behind the wheel.
Individuals closely related to or financially dependent upon individuals that were killed in a car collision may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This action aims to hold the negligent part responsible for the full consequences of their actions. Due to their behavior, an individual lost his or her life, which then affects the lives of individuals who were connected to the deceased. Some specific grievances for which financial compensation may be sought include:
Wrongful death claims may seem insensitive, or that they aren’t worth the money. Depending on your circumstances, it may help a lot when life continues on without your loved one. In the state of Nevada, the statute of limitations for individuals to file a wrongful death claim is two years. Be sure to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney as soon as you are able.
Recognized as “Super Lawyers” with a few other prestigious awards, you can trust Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers for all your legal needs. Whether it’s a minor car accident or a fatal car collision, you deserve financial compensation and legal justice. Give us a call at (702) 384-1414 or contact us online to speak to our team today.