Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer
Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
20 years of legal experience. 20 years of exceptional results.
Table of Contents
What Do Our Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Do for Victims?How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas?Nevada DUI Laws and How They Apply to Your Civil ClaimWhy Choose Our Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident AttorneysUnique Risks of Drunk Driving Accidents in Las VegasWho Can Be Held Liable in a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident?Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Las VegasSerious Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving AccidentsFrequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
What Do Our Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Do for Victims?
When you choose the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm to represent you after a drunk driving accident, a dedicated Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer from our law firm will guide you through the legal process and help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Starting with your initial free consultation, our attorney will work to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, and emotional distress.
If the drunk driver acted with willful disregard for others' safety (which is typically the case), our lawyers can also seek punitive damages on your behalf. Our legal team will review all available insurance policies, including umbrella and commercial coverage, to ensure you maximize your recovery. We will personally handle every aspect of your drunk driving accident claim, ensuring you are never passed off to someone else during this difficult time.
To get started on your claim today, contact us for a free consultation at (702) 566-3600.
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas?
Drunk driving accidents are common in Las Vegas. In 2021, there were 20,324 crashes, which was a 20.4% increase from the previous year. In the same year, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department made 5,250 DUI arrests, averaging around 14 arrests per day.
The significant increase in accidents from 2020 to 2021 can be partly explained by the DUI arrest numbers, hence showing why Las Vegas is particularly high-risk for drunk driving
Why Las Vegas Is a High-Risk Area for Drunk Driving
Las Vegas is a high-risk area for drunk driving, largely due to its 24/7 nightlife, casino culture, and the constant influx of tourists who often engage in reckless behavior. Several factors contribute to this risk:
- Open containers are allowed on the Strip.
- There are numerous bars and nightclubs.
- Heavy pedestrian traffic is common near casinos.
This environment increases the likelihood of drunk driving accidents and serious injuries for those involved.
Nevada DUI Laws and How They Apply to Your Civil Claim
Under Nevada state law (NRS 484C.110), the legal BAC limit is 0.08%, and if the driver who injured you exceeded this during the accident, it can positively affect your personal injury claim. A DUI conviction/charge on the other driver can strengthen your case in several ways:
- It establishes negligence on the part of the defendant
- It supports the possibility of punitive damages.
- It distinguishes the criminal proceedings from your civil claim
Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits in Nevada
Nevada law sets BAC limits that differ between driver class and age:
- Adult drivers (21+): BAC below 0.08%
- Underage drivers (Under 21): BAC below 0.02%
- Commercial drivers: BAC below 0.04%
If a drunk driver surpasses these limits, they could be held liable for your damages and face a criminal charge.
The Difference Between Criminal DUI Cases and Civil Injury Claims
A drunk driver can face criminal charges, but your personal injury lawsuit operates separately. Here are the main differences:
- In criminal cases, the state must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."
- In civil cases, you only need to show that the defendant is "more likely than not" responsible.
According to Nevada law, your civil case can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and punitive damages, regardless of the criminal proceedings' outcome.
How a DUI Conviction Can Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case
A DUI conviction can strengthen your personal injury claim by making the drunk driver's credibility questionable. Under Nevada law, this conviction can be used as impeachment evidence, which can damage the driver's character and support your case for punitive damages.
Why Choose Our Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
When you choose Attorney Rodney Okano and his legal team after being injured by a drunk driver, you'll get a team that thinks about you and your case 24/7, has over two decades of experience, and is committed to quality representation.
Additionally, we offer multiple accommodations to accident victims such as:
- In-house visits
- No fee unless you are compensated
- Free initital consultation
No matter the damage the accident caused to your life, we are ready to take on the insurance company and at-fault driver to ensure you leave our law firm compensated and satisfied.
Unique Risks of Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
Las Vegas presents distinctive risks for DUI car accidents, mainly created by its vibrant entertainment culture. The city's bars, casinos, and entertainment venues keep its roads going 24/7, increasing the chances of encountering a drunk driver at any time. High-traffic areas like the Strip and downtown zones are particularly dangerous after dark.
If you plan to be on roads at night or early morning, it's important to understand these local risks:
- Late-night bars and clubs generating heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic
- Casino strips with a constant flow of impaired drivers
- The desert climate, which can exacerbate the effects of alcohol
- The highest risk of drunk driving crashes happens between 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM and on weekends
High-Traffic Areas and Dangerous Roads
Drunk driving accidents in Las Vegas often happen on roads you might use daily, such as:
- S Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip)
- E Flamingo Rd
- W Sahara Ave
- E Tropicana Ave
These busy areas are at risk due to heavy traffic and drunk drivers. Accident victims who have been injured in these areas can begin to explore their legal options with the attorneys at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident?
In a Las Vegas drunk driving accident case, multiple parties may be held liable for your injuries and financial losses. According to Nevada law, drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher are fully responsible, and drivers under 21 are accountable at .02% or higher. Potential liable parties include:
- The drunk driver, who can be held civilly liable for negligent actions
- Establishments like bars, restaurants, or casinos, under Nevada's dram shop law (NRS 41.1305), but only if the person served is under 21
- Employers if the negligent driver was operating a company or rideshare vehicle
Identifying the responsible parties is important for recovering medical bills, lost wages, and other damages you are entitled to.
The Drunk Driver's Responsibility
In a DUI accident case, the drunk driver is primarily responsible for your injuries and losses. According to Nevada law, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired. When pursuing a personal injury claim, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Punitive damages (NRS 42.010)
Dram Shop Liability and Suing Bars or Restaurants
Under Nevada's Dram Shop law, bars and restaurants are usually protected from civil liability in the event one of their patrons causes an accident while driving under the influence.
However, a bar or restaurant could be held liable for damages caused by a drunk driving crash if they knowingly served alcohol to someone under 21.
Third-Party Liability in DUI Accident Cases
In a drunk driving accident, liability may extend beyond the driver who was impaired. According to Nevada law, third parties who contributed to the accident can also be held responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defective part played a role
- Establishments that knowingly served alcohol to an underage driver
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
Drunk driving accidents in Las Vegas are a common occurrence. Some common causes of these accidents are:
- Drinking alcohol at casinos and nightclubs
- Young and inexperienced drivers who do not realize how impaired they are
- Motorcyclists who ride with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Repeat offenders who ignore Nevada laws
Additionally, common demographic data on drunk drivers show that 35% of drunk drivers are between 21 and 24 years old, and men are four times more likely to be involved than women.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a serious accident due to a drunk driver, contact our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyers for help.
Serious Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can cause severe and life-changing injuries. Some common injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can affect how you think
- Spinal cord injuries that might lead to paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures, which often need a lot of treatment
- Psychological trauma and PTSD, which can affect your daily life
In addition to physical harm, emotional trauma and mental distress can continue to affect you long after the accident. Internal bleeding is another serious injury that may not be obvious right away, making getting an immediate medical checkup after a car accident necessary.
A Las Vegas DUI accident attorney at our firm can help you get the right treatment for your injuries and the compensation you need to cover them.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Drunk driving accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can greatly affect your quality of life. The severity of these injuries can differ, and they might lead to:
- Cognitive impairment and memory loss
- Changes in personality and speech problems
- Prolonged unconsciousness
In serious situations, TBIs can be life-threatening or result in a vegetative state, leaving you and your family to deal with high medical costs and emotional pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Drunk driving accidents can result in severe spinal cord injuries, such as:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of sensation or coordination
- Weakness in affected body areas
The location of the injury will decide which parts of the body are affected and the level of paralysis.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones are common in drunk driving accidents, often due to the high speeds at which these accidents occur. These injuries can greatly affect daily life and may include:
- Ribs, which can break from the force of an airbag or the steering wheel.
- Arms and wrists, which may fracture as you try to brace for impact.
- Facial or skull fractures, which can be especially severe.
- Leg and vertebrae fractures, which can lead to long-term complications.
Serious fractures can result in lasting disabilities and can also lead to high medical expenses.
Psychological Trauma and PTSD
Drunk driving accidents can cause long-lasting psychological issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These mental health problems may affect your ability to work, leading to lost wages.
Therapist records and family/friend statements are important pieces of evidence to support emotional distress in your personal injury claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident in Las Vegas?
After a drunk driving accident, call 911 immediately and tell the dispatcher that the driver may be intoxicated. Gather witness contact information and take pictures of all relevant evidence. Contact your insurance company, but don't give recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Nevada?
According to Nevada law (NRS 11.190), you have two years from the day of your drunk driving accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline will prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
It's highly recommended to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to strengthen your case and preserve important evidence.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Case?
In a Las Vegas drunk driving accident case, you can seek various forms of compensation. Economic damages include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages can cover pain and suffering and mental anguish. Nevada law also permits punitive damages to punish drunk drivers and prevent future incidents.
How Can a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help Strengthen My Case?
A Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer can gather evidence like BAC test results, police reports, and witness accounts to prove impairment. Your attorney can also help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and punitive damages through civil court.
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