Hit By a Drunk Driver? An Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

POV of an impaired driver behind the wheel of a car, with blurry vision at night.

Alcohol impairs the brain and lowers a person’s ability to think, react, and control muscles. These abilities are all needed to drive safely. When a driver consumes alcohol, their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) rises.

Being hit by a drunk driver can have devastating consequences, including serious injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering to victims. In some cases, drunk driving can be fatal. According to the NHTSA, in 2022 alone, 13,524 people died in drunk-driving crashes across the United States. This makes up 32% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

What are the effects of different BAC levels on driving?

In Nevada, it's illegal to drive with a BAC of .08%, but lower amounts can still be dangerous. In 2022, 2,337 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes involving drivers with BACs between .01 and .07. Each increase in BAC brings predictable impairments to judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

BAC .02: At a BAC of .02, drivers may feel relaxed and warm. They experience slight mood changes and lose some judgment. This level of impairment reduces visual tracking ability and makes it harder to split attention between tasks. Plus, it can increase the risk of drowsy driving, especially for sleep-deprived motorists.
BAC .05: With a BAC of .05, drivers may act more openly and lose fine motor control. They might struggle to focus their eyes or notice small details. They will likely experience lowered alertness and impaired judgment, which makes it harder to steer and respond to sudden situations.
BAC .08: At the legal limit of .08, most drivers have poor coordination, reduced reaction time, and a harder time noticing hazards. They may also experience impaired memory, reduced concentration, and difficulty processing visual information.
BAC .10 and above: At BAC levels of .10 and .15, drivers often show slurred speech, slowed thinking, and significant coordination loss. At .15, many experience a major loss of balance, and some may vomit. Driving becomes nearly impossible, as drivers lack the control and awareness needed to operate a vehicle.

Alcohol’s effects can become even more dangerous when combined with certain medications or drugs. For example, mixing alcohol with sedatives, painkillers, or even some cold medicines can cause intense drowsiness and impair judgment. Marijuana or cocaine can increase these effects further, making it extremely risky to drive.

How can drivers stay responsible?

Here are the most effective ways to prevent drunk driving accidents:

If you drink, do not drive. With some basic planning, anyone can avoid the risks and consequences of impaired driving.
Before drinking, pick someone in your group who will stay sober.
Use a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation.
If a friend or family member has been drinking, prevent them from driving. Help them arrange a sober ride.
If you’re serving alcohol, ensure guests have safe transportation options before they leave.
Buckle up. A seatbelt is your best defense if you encounter an impaired driver on the road.
If you see a driver swerving or driving erratically, contact local law enforcement. You might save a life.

What should I do if I'm hit by a drunk driver?

If you’re hit by a drunk driver, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

Call the police and mention that you suspect the other driver may be under the influence.
Request emergency medical assistance if you or anyone else is injured.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. If they refuse, wait for the police to help facilitate this exchange.
Wait for the police to arrive and document the crash scene.
Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not show symptoms right away.
If you can, take photos or videos of the car accident scene.
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and statements.
Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid discussing specifics until you consult with your lawyer.
Avoid speaking to the other driver's insurance company without a lawyer present.
Reach out to a Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer who is experienced in handling complex injury claims.

Investigating employer liability

It’s especially important to consult an attorney if the drunk driver was driving as part of their job. Employers may also bear legal responsibility if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. A thorough investigation can uncover whether the employer was negligent, such as failing to enforce policies against drunk driving or requiring unsafe schedules that led to the accident. Identifying all liable parties ensures you can pursue the maximum compensation available under Nevada law.

Get a Las Vegas attorney who holds drunk drivers accountable

If you’ve been injured in a Las Vegas crash caused by a drunk driver, Lasso Injury Law, LLC, can help you pursue the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Attorney Al Lasso has a strong record of getting maximum results in cases like yours, including $750,000 for an elderly woman who was injured in a T-Boned car accident and $375,972 for a client who suffered neck, back, and shoulder injuries from a rear-end collision.

With our contingency fee arrangement, you pay nothing unless we win your case. During your free consultation, we’ll answer any questions you have, review your case, and determine the best strategy for maximizing your compensation.

Contact us online or call us today to take the first step toward justice.

"Al and his team are absolutely amazing! I had 2 separate accidents (not at fault) in my 5 years in Vegas that resulted in multiple injuries and surgeries- and Al was able to get myself and the other passengers the max payout for both, allowing us to heal and not fret about the $$$ owed for these injuries. He was professional, punctual, and worked with us every step of the way. The network of doctors and support he has around him is also top notch! I would recommend immediately reaching out to Al Lasso and his team immediately if you find yourself in a similar situation! Thanks Al!!!" — Joseph R.
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