Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Legal help after you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated person in Nevada
Las Vegas is a city built for entertainment. With 24/7 nightlife, endless casinos, and bars on every corner, it’s no surprise that alcohol plays a big role here. Unfortunately, that also means there’s a higher risk of drunk driving on our roads. At Claggett & Sykes, we understand how scary and overwhelming a drunk driving accident can be. In a split second, someone’s reckless decision to drive drunk can turn your entire world upside-down. You are likely dealing with serious injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and emotional trauma, and none of it is your fault.
Our team of experienced Las Vegas car accident attorneys is here to help you make sense of the situation, fight for your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Quick Questions
- What are the statistics on drunk driving in Nevada?
- What should I do after a drunk driving accident in Las Vegas?
- How does Nevada law handle drunk driving accidents?
- What makes Las Vegas drunk driving accidents different from other accidents?
- Why do I need a Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer?
- What if the drunk driver wasn't arrested?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Nevada?
- Do you have a Las Vegas drunk driving accident attorney near me?
Each year, hundreds of people in Nevada are seriously injured or killed because someone chose to drink and drive. According to Zero Fatalities Nevada, 790 people were killed in 708 impaired driving crashes between 2018 and 2022. And because Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom are unfamiliar with the roads or partying too hard, the danger is even greater here.
If you were injured in a drunk driving crash, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to handle this alone either.
We understand that getting into an accident can be stressful. And when you suspect the other driver was drunk, things can feel even more confusing. Here’s what you should do if you’re ever in this situation.
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident and tell the dispatcher that you think the other driver may be intoxicated. Police officers can assess the scene, conduct field sobriety tests, and make an arrest if necessary.
- Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries may not show up right away, like internal bleeding or concussion, and having medical records is important for your case.
- Take photos and videos. Document the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and anything else that might help later, like beer bottles or open containers in the other vehicle.
- If anyone saw what happened, get their names and phone numbers. Their witness statements could support your claim.
Then, call Claggett & Sykes. Our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyers can help protect your rights from the beginning of the process and guide you through every step of the way.
In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This can be even lower if the driver is under 21 or driving a commercial vehicle. If someone causes a crash while they’re drunk, they can face criminal charges. However, these charges don’t cover your injuries or losses. That’s where a personal injury lawsuit comes in.
As a victim of a Las Vegas drunk driving accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover damages, including:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost income if you can’t work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Punitive damages, which are meant to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior
At Claggett & Sykes, we build strong cases to hold drunk drivers fully accountable. And we make sure the legal process doesn’t add more stress to your life.
Drunk driving accident claims are often more serious and complex than regular car accidents. Here’s why:
- The driver who hit you could be facing jail time or other criminal charges. This won’t stop you from filing a civil claim, but it can affect how and when your case moves forward.
- Unlike other car accidents, drunk driving cases may allow for punitive damages. These are meant to punish the driver and send a message not to drink and drive.
- If the driver was proven to be intoxicated, it can be easier to demonstrate that they were at fault for the accident. However, this doesn’t mean the insurance company will pay you what you deserve.
We investigate all angles to ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.
After a serious accident, you may be wondering if you really need a lawyer. The short answer is yes.
Insurance companies are in the business of saving money. They’ll do whatever they can to reduce your payout or deny your claim entirely. They might argue that your injuries aren’t that bad, that you were partly at fault, or offer you a quick settlement that doesn’t even come close to covering your losses.
When you hire Claggett & Sykes, we handle all of that for you. Our team:
- Investigates the crash
- Gathers police reports, surveillance footage, and toxicology results
- Works with medical experts to understand your injuries
- Calculates the full value of your claim
- Negotiates aggressively with the insurance company
- Takes your case to court if necessary
We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for clients across Nevada, and we’re ready to fight for you, too.
Sometimes, even if you suspect the other driver was intoxicated, they aren’t charged with DUI. Maybe they refused the breath test or the police lacked enough evidence for charges. However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. We can still pursue a claim based on negligence. If we can show that the other driver was impaired and their actions led to the crash, we can hold them financially responsible. Our Las Vegas legal team has experience dealing with cases like this and knows how to gather evidence others may overlook.
Under state law, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might sound like a long time, but the sooner you contact one of our lawyers, the better. Waiting too long can lead to things like lost evidence, missing witnesses, and unnecessary delays. Don’t put your case at risk. If the other driver is charged with DUI and there are criminal proceedings, the district attorney’s office may ask for your assistance. We can help guide you through that process as well. Reach out to our team today.
Do you have a Las Vegas drunk 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.
Contact our Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyers today
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving accident in Las Vegas, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call Claggett & Sykes today for a free consultation. We’re here to answer all of your questions, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward justice and healing. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We have offices in Las Vegas and Reno for your convenience.