Have You Been Injured by a Negligent Driver?

If you have been involved in a car crash with a negligent driver, you need an experienced car accident attorney to fight your battle in court!

Statistics from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 37,461 people were killed on the road in 2016. Of those, 3,450 fatalities resulted from a form of distracted driving. However with the added awareness campaigns for distracted driving, in 2017 the fatality count decreased to 3,166, accounting for 8.5% of all road deaths that year.

What is Negligent Driving?

Negligent driving is the failure to take proper care or attention to the road while operating any form of automobile. Drivers not adhering to the rules of the road can endanger other drivers and passengers. Within the state of Nevada, negligent driving falls under NRS 484B.653.

What are the Different Forms of Negligent Driving?

Drivers may be charged with negligence if they are caught:

  • Speeding
  • Running red lights
  • Disregarding an officer’s order to stop the vehicle
  • Hitting medians and shoulders while driving
  • Driving recklessly

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is a perfect example of negligence because it illustrates a wide range of careless conduct that endangers the safety of others. Some of the more common tasks that fall under the distracted driving umbrella include but are not limited to the following:

  • Texting, talking, or gaming
  • Grooming, eating, or drinking
  • Reading books, newspapers, phone screens, or maps
  • Conversing with passengers
  • Watching videos/reading billboards
  • Fixing side mirrors, A/C units
  • Adjusting radio, navigation system, etc.
  • Reaching in the back seat

Who is Liable for Accidents Caused by Negligent Driving?

When drivers travel on roadways, they agree to adhere to the rules of the road. By engaging in any form of negligent or distracted driving, they are 100% responsible for damages and injuries as a result of any car accidents. Because negligence does not require intentional conduct, drivers are liable whether they were ignorant of the risks or voluntarily chose to ignore them.

Their negligent conduct is “punished” through extraction of a monetary award compensating the injured victim for damages. If you feel you have been a victim of negligent driving you will need an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney to help you navigate through the legal proceedings.

What are the Penalties for Negligent Driving in Nevada?

Negligent driving falls under the reckless driving category in Nevada state law.

  1. It is unlawful for a person to:
    1. Drive a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.

    A person who violates paragraph (a) of subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor and:

    1. For the first offense, shall be punished:
      1. By a fine of not less than $250 but not more than $1,000; or
      2. By both fine and imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months.
    2. For the second offense, shall be punished:
      1. By a fine of not less than $1,000 but not more than $1,500; or
      2. By both fine and imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months.
    3. For the third and each subsequent offense, shall be punished:
      1. By a fine of not less than $1,500 but not more than $2,000; or
      2. By both fine and imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months.

Fatality Caused by Negligent Driving

However, if a fatality is the result of negligent driving, the following pertains:

“a person who does any act or neglects any duty imposed by law while driving or in actual physical control of any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property, if the act or neglect of duty proximately causes the death of or substantial bodily harm to another person, is guilty of a category B felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than 1 year and a maximum term of not more than 6 years and by a fine of not less than $2,000 but not more than $5,000.”

Injury Caused by Negligent Driving

Negligent driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S. every year. If you have been injured in a car accident that resulted from negligent driving, you will need an attorney to help you navigate through the legal process and make a successful claim for injury and damages sustained. Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers have successfully recouped over $100 millions for our clients. Call us today at  (702) 384‐1414 or contact us online to speak to our experienced team. Your consultation is free.