Accidents Involving DUI/DWI
One of the greatest hazards affecting valley roads continues to be drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drunk driving in the Las Vegas area remains a widespread danger and a constant reminder of the work that still needs to be done when it comes to making our communities safer. Though the state legislature has recently taken steps to increase enforcement of DUI laws and reduce traffic fatalities, the history of impaired driving and motor vehicle collisions throughout the valley suggests that the effort to make Nevada’s roads safe for drivers and pedestrians will continue to be an uphill battle.
The state of Nevada reported 331 fatalities on the road in 2018, marking a ten-year high, with 226 of those occurring in Clark County. Moreover, the annual rate of deaths attributed to drunk driving in Nevada exceeded the national average by 18%. It is estimated that one-fifth of all traffic fatalities in Nevada are alcohol-related, and alcohol-related car crashes resulted in 99 deaths throughout the state in 2017. Further highlighting the seriousness of DUI/DWI offenses in southern Nevada, the newly-commissioned Las Vegas DUI Strike Team registered 500 arrests for impaired driving in its first five months of operation (between October 2018 and March 2019) alone.
While these statistics make clear the severity of impaired driving in our state, there are always steps you can take to prevent your or a loved one’s involvement in an alcohol-or-drug-related collision. No one should attempt to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you know plan on consuming alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs, always remember to arrange for transportation with a designated driver or ridesharing service in advance, and never get behind the wheel if you are impaired or in any way unsure about your ability to drive.
If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle collision involving DUI/DWI, do not hesitate to seek help and discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable attorney/firm. As with any accident, it is important to ensure that everyone involved in the collision receives proper medical attention and document and report as much information as possible. Call us at (702) 852-6688 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you need.