Drunk driving is an issue in the Las Vegas area and beyond. Unfortunately, even when you are responsible on the road and don’t engage in drunk driving, the same isn’t true for others sharing the same road. As such, it’s essential to prepare beforehand for every possible scenario, including the probability of being hit by a drunk driver.
In Nevada, people driving under the influence face jail time and a hefty fine. Plus, in some cases, they face license suspension and court dues to retrieve licenses. However, these penalties aren’t enough to stop driving under the influence. Las Vegas is particularly hazardous because of the entertainment and party influence in the city.
Thousands of people from all over the world visit Las Vegas to experience the uniqueness that the city can offer. It promotes negligent and reckless behavior that puts people’s lives at risk. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, you can hire a professional Las Vegas auto accident lawyer to help you recover compensation.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Drunk Driving Accident?
No one expects to get involved in a car accident while going on the road. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed after a crash. But if you follow some actions, you can ensure a better outcome. The steps you should take after a drunk driving accident are somewhat different from any standard collision anyone driving under the influence may be dangerous.
If possible, take the following steps.
Seek Medical Attention
As you consider what happens after drunk driving accident situations, the involvement of law enforcement officials and insurance companies is a must. However, it’s crucial to first address all your injuries suffered during the crash. These might not seem serious, but some injuries can also appear minor at the accident scene. They can cause significant suffering afterward.
Visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible to get checked out. It will serve a dual purpose, acquiring necessary medical treatments and documenting your injuries. The official documentation is crucial. It can verify the severity of the injuries suffered to calculate a value for compensation.
Request The Police Report From The Incident
The police shortly arrive at the scene and discern the cause of the crash. After being involved in a car accident, you can report the police officers at the scene if you suspect a person who hit you under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the police have not yet arrived at the crash scene, call them immediately and brief your suspicions to the dispatcher.
Other than informing the police about the other driver being under the influence, there are several other essential actions to follow at the crash scene to protect yourself and the others involved.
The police report from the drunk driving accident can be significant evidence in a case to prove your innocence. The report comprises the contact information of the witnesses at the crash site and a description of the events leading to the accident.
Evaluate Your Injuries And The Injuries Sustained By Other Victims
After confirming that you and your passengers are safe and the police are on their way, you should start evaluating the physical and property damages. Anyone who isn’t severely injured should exit the vehicle for more conventional medical treatment.
Make sure to not move anyone with serious injuries, especially to the head, neck, and spine, only in case of life-threatening situations. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Consultation With A Personal Injury Attorney In Las Vegas
If you or a loved one is injured in a drunk driving accident, it is significant to consult a proficient Las Vegas auto accident lawyer soon after the crash. Expert Las Vegas auto accident lawyers have years of experience representing numerous victims of drunk driving accidents. They are dedicated to defending the legal rights of accident victims in Las Vegas.
Take Photos And Video
Taking photos or videos of the accident scene is essential. They can be used as evidence to support your compensation claim. If you doubt the other driver of being drunk, it’s best to collect physical evidence and take precise notes of things happening around you during and after the accident. Notice if there’s anything weird about the behavior of the suspect or whether they smell alcohol.
Notify Your Auto Insurance Company
After you have sought necessary medical attention and gathered enough evidence, notify your auto insurance company about the accident. The insurance company will probably send an adjuster to examine the damages to your vehicle. It is crucial not to sign any contract or provide a recorded statement to an insurance company until you have conferred with a professional Las Vegas car accident lawyer.
Document Everything
It includes all the details about the crash, symptoms from your injuries, treatment costs, effects of suffered injuries on your ability to work, lost wages, future treatment, etc. The more information you provide to your attorney regarding the accident, the better prepared they will be to create a strong case on your behalf.
How To Get Drunk Driving Accident Compensation?
Drunk driving accidents are preventable accidents. If you were involved and injured in such an accident, you deserve compensation for the physical or mental injuries, property damage, and earning loss you suffered due to the negligent and illegal actions of the drunk driver.
The drunk driver’s insurance company tries everything to avoid covering damages. They will make excuses or place the fault on you to receive money out of your pocket rather than paying for your losses
Anyone injured by a drunk driver does not have to confront the drunk driver or their insurance company alone, especially if they are recovering from accident injuries. In cases of drunk or impaired driving, Nevada State law allows victims to recuperate punitive damages or damages that are granted to penalize the impaired driver above and beyond their injuries.
Can You Seek Punitive Damages For A DUI Accident In Las Vegas?
Sometimes if a person injures someone intentionally or due to their careless actions, the law entitles the victim to recover additional compensation to punish the person liable for the injuries. These are considered punitive damages. Punitive damages are monetary awards used to penalize offenders who engaged in acts that violate the safety of others.
Nevada ordinance allows people injured by a drunk driver to recover punitive damages.
Get In Touch With A Competent Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer Now!
A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from our law firm can help get the financial assistance you need to fully recover. Negligence is never an excuse for an injury, no matter how mild. Insurance companies usually try to swindle the injured person out of the compensation they legally deserve.
If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to consult a drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm to discuss your options and see what to do next. Before discussing your situation with police officers or insurance representatives, you should consult a professional trusted Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from our firm.
Contact our competent attorneys as soon as possible for a free consultation!