Las Vegas Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
Legal help after you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a Nevada distracted driver
Las Vegas is a busy city with lots of traffic. This, unfortunately, means that there are many car accidents. One big reason for these accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving is when a driver does something that takes their attention off the road. This could be anything from texting to eating to chatting with passengers.
If you’ve been injured in a Las Vegas car accident because of a distracted driver, you should know that you have rights. You may be able to get money to help pay for your injuries, car repairs, and other damages. The Las Vegas distracted driving accident attorneys at Claggett & Sykes can help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Quick Questions
- What is distracted driving?
- What are Nevada’s laws on distracted driving?
- How dangerous is distracted driving?
- What should I do if I’m in a distracted driving accident?
- How can your Las Vegas distracted driving accident attorneys help with my case?
- Why do I need a Las Vegas distracted driving accident attorney?
- What are some common questions about Las Vegas distracted driving accidents?
- How can I stay safe while I’m on the road?
- Do you have a Las Vegas distracted driving accident attorney near me?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states:
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual distractions, which take your eyes off the road. Texting, looking at a GPS, or rubbernecking are all examples of visual distractions.
- Manual distractions, which take your hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, smoking, and reaching for something within the vehicle are some examples.
- Cognitive distractions, which take your mind off driving. Talking on the phone, having a conversation with passengers, and being stressed or upset are some good examples of cognitive distractions.
Other common examples of distracted driving include:
- Using a cell phone (even hands-free)
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Using a navigation system
- Grooming (applying makeup, shaving, etc.)
Nevada has laws to try to stop distracted driving. It is illegal to:
- Text while driving, meaning reading or sending text messages, emails, or other electronic messages.
- Use a handheld cell phone while driving.
Even with these laws, distracted driving still happens.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), distracted driving resulted in the deaths of 3,275 people and injured another 324,819 in 2023. This is an average of nine deaths and 890 injuries every day due to distracted driving.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also reports that:
In an IIHS survey of US drivers, over a fifth of respondents reported engaging in at least one smartphone-based distraction, such as making video calls, watching videos or using social media, on most or all of their trips (Cox et al., 2023).
People who use cellphones more frequently while driving may be riskier drivers in other respects. In an IIHS study of drivers who were continuously monitored for one year, the drivers who spent the greatest amount of their driving time interacting with a cellphone also had the highest rates of near crashes and crashes (Farmer et al., 2015). In an on-road study, drivers who reported frequent cellphone use drove faster, changed lanes more often and made more hard braking maneuvers than drivers who said they rarely used cellphones while driving (Zhao et al., 2013).
Distracted driving in Nevada is particularly dangerous because it's a leading cause of car accidents, and despite laws against it, many drivers still engage in these behaviors. This can create a hazardous environment where accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities are more likely to happen.
Being in a car accident can be scary and confusing. If you suspect the other driver was distracted and caused the accident, here’s what you should do:
- Stay at the scene of the accident.
- See if you or anyone else is hurt. Call 911 if needed.
- Call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to have a police report.
- Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Be careful about what you say – your words could be used against you.
- Even if you don’t feel hurt at the moment, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show up until later. Also, visiting a doctor will create a record of your injuries, which can be helpful in your legal case.
Then, contact the Las Vegas distracted driving accident lawyers at Claggett & Sykes. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
At Claggett & Sykes, our Las Vegas distracted driving accident lawyers can help you in a variety of ways after an accident:
- We can investigate the accident to find out what happened and who was at fault. This could involve getting police reports, talking to witnesses, and looking at photos or videos.
- We can collect evidence to prove that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident. This can include cell phone records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Insurance companies may try to pay you less than you deserve. Our attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to get a fair settlement.
- If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re not afraid to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
- We’re here to make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
- We work to get you the compensation you deserve. The goal of a personal injury claim is to get you money for your damages and losses. This can include medical bills (past and future), lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, property damage, and other expenses related to the accident.
Dealing with a car accident can be stressful, especially if you’ve been injured. Here are some reasons you should consider working with our Las Vegas distracted driving accident attorneys:
- Personal injury law can be complex. Our attorneys know Nevada laws and how they apply to your case.
- We’ve handled many similar cases. We know what to expect and how to build a strong case.
- Insurance companies have a lot of resources. Our attorneys can help you stand up to them and fight for your rights.
- Handling a car accident claim on your own can be stressful and time-consuming. Our attorneys can take care of everything for you so you can put your focus on recovering from your injuries.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear about distracted driving accidents.
Who is at fault in a distracted driving accident? Typically, the driver who was distracted is held at fault. However, sometimes both drivers can share some of the blame. Our Las Vegas distracted driving accident lawyers can explain more about this in a consultation.
How do you prove that someone was driving while distracted? This can be difficult to prove. However, our attorneys gather evidence, including things like cell phone records, witness statements, and police reports.
What kind of compensation can I get after an accident? You can receive compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit? There are statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits in Nevada. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney? At Claggett & Sykes, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.
The best way to avoid being injured in a distracted driving accident is to stay safe on the road. Here are some tips from our personal injury lawyers:
- Put your phone away. Turn it off or put it on “do not disturb” mode before you start driving.
- Don’t eat or drink while driving. If you need to do so, pull over to a safe location.
- Set your GPS before you go – don’t try to program your GPS while you’re driving.
- Keep your eyes on the road. Focus on driving and be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t drive when tired. When fatigued, you’re more likely to make mistakes.
Do you have a Las Vegas distracted driving accident attorney near me?
We’re located at 4101 Meadows Lane, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89107, at Valley View and US 95, near Springs Preserve and Meadows Mall. And, if a phone call or video call is easier for you, we can do that too. Many of our clients over the past few years have preferred meeting with us this way, and we offer that flexibility if you can’t make it to our office.
Talk to our Las Vegas distracted driving accident lawyers today
Distracted driving is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. By taking steps to stay safe and knowing your rights, you can protect yourself and others on the road. If you've been in a distracted driving accident, the attorneys at Claggett & Sykes can help you get the money you deserve and hold the responsible party accountable. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Las Vegas and Reno for your convenience.