If you are involved in an incident and suspect the at-fault driver was intoxicated, understanding how a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help protect your rights is important. Drunk driving is a significant problem in Nevada, and especially in major cities such as Las Vegas and Henderson. From 2018 to 2022, 790 people died in impaired driving accidents on Nevada roadways. If you get into a motor vehicle accident and suspect that the at-fault driver was drunk, take the following actions to protect your rights and seek justice.
Call the Police
You should always report an accident to the police when you believe the other driver is drunk or under the influence of drugs. Drunk driving is a crime in Nevada that can lead to an arrest and criminal consequences for the at-fault driver. This is important for bringing the driver to justice. An arrest can also serve as evidence against the intoxicated driver during your car accident insurance claim. Explain to the police why you suspect intoxication. An officer should come to the scene to conduct drug or alcohol tests, such as a breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests. Ask for a copy of your accident report before you leave. It can contain information about the at-fault driver’s state of mind and impairment level at the time of the crash.
Don’t Admit Fault
If you were partially at fault for a car accident in Nevada, you could still qualify for a percentage of financial compensation under the state’s comparative negligence law. However, admitting fault outright could place an unfair amount of the blame on you or halt an investigation completely. Never admit fault or apologize to the other driver, especially if you suspect intoxication. Instead, wait for an investigation to determine which driver is responsible.
Get Medical Care
After any type of automobile accident in Las Vegas, your first priority should be safety. Pull your car over in a safe location, moving it out of traffic, if possible. If the drunk driver is behaving aggressively or unpredictably, stay away or remain in your car until the police arrive. Get immediate medical care. Even if you initially feel fine, you may have suffered injuries with delayed symptoms that are hidden due to your adrenaline. Go to the closest hospital for a full checkup. Keep copies of your medical bills and records.
Gather Evidence
Getting justice for a drunk driving crash in Las Vegas requires evidence or proof of fault. Do your best to collect evidence on your own from the scene of the car accident. Take pictures of the scene and any evidence of intoxication, such as alcohol containers in the other driver’s car. Gather the contact information of any eyewitnesses. Afterward, collect copies of police reports related to the accident or the driver’s driving under the influence (DUI) arrest.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Drunk driving accident cases in Las Vegas can be complicated. They often involve serious injuries and deaths, for instance, as well as the possibility of multiple liable (at-fault) parties. In addition to holding the drunk driver responsible, for instance, you may have grounds for a dram shop liability claim. This type of case can hold an alcohol vendor responsible for overserving an already intoxicated or underage person who causes a drunk driving crash. Discuss all of your legal options in detail with a Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney to learn about your rights. An attorney can help you gather evidence to prove a case against a drunk driver, including hiring experts, as needed. While you focus on healing from your injuries, a lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement with a car insurance provider or take on a drunk driver and other parties in the courtroom, if necessary.