las vegas traffic accidents
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Many traffic accidents sadly occur in Las Vegas every day. Some Las Vegas traffic accidents are relatively minor, while others cause risk of injury, and even end up in court as people take legal action. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDoT), traffic fatalities are up 4% year-over-year in 2020, in spite of less cars being on the road.

Car Accident

Cars are the most commonly driven vehicles in Las Vegas. Commonly, small bumps at low speed just require bumper repair. Some people choose not to even involve the police. However, high-speed car accidents can be fatal or cause serious injury. Loss of earnings and medical bills are commonly claimed in court with the help of a car accident lawyer.

Bicycle

Las Vegas car accident reports show that bicycle accidents are relatively common. It is vital to wear a helmet and other protective clothing, as the vehicle doesn’t provide much protection.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles are notoriously high-risk when it comes to getting in accidents. A traffic accident in Las Vegas involving a motorcycle can be very serious due to the fact that motorcycles often travel at high speed. Some accidents only involve one vehicle, and coming off at high speed can cause broken bones. However, collisions can be fatal. traffic accident las vegas

Truck

In a truck, the driver has quite a lot of protection due to the size and build of the vehicle. Trucks are extremely dangerous if the correct care isn’t taken and can cause immense damage to other vehicles. Rucks are also costly, so the material losses of this sort of accident can be huge.

Steps After an Accident – How to Act Legally

If you are unfortunately involved in an accident, there are a few steps that you should take in order to ensure that you keep yourself safe and get the help that is required. Car accidents in Las Vegas are relatively common and most can be dealt with.   Straight after the accident, the priority is not to get angry with one another and establish blame. The priority needs to be checking for injuries and whether urgent medical attention is needed, and then calling the police and potentially an ambulance.   When the police do arrive, they will take the ID and insurance information from all involved parties. If not, you should exchange ID and insurance info with the other people involved, in case an insurance claim is required.   Don’t admit any fault or liability until you have consulted a lawyer. It’s important to gather all the facts although you might feel like apologizing for the accident.   The police report, photographs, witnesses, and dash cam footage can all be vital at this time. car accidents las vegas

Common Causes and Establishing Guilt

What are some of the common causes of traffic accidents in Las Vegas? Sadly, many people haven’t learned the lessons of previous accidents and may take unnecessary risks.   It’s important to establish if any of the common causes of accidents have taken place. The other driver may be at fault, and liable for legal action, if they are guilty of any of the following:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sadly this is still linked to around 20% of traffic accidents.
  • Driving a vehicle that is not safe or roadworthy. If it can be proved that the car was not suitable for driving this may be seen as one of the causes of the accident.
  • Driving without paying the necessary care. Being distracted on a phone or doing something while you should be focused on the road can make you culpable.
  • Falling asleep at the wheel. This may be an accident, but it is your responsibility to make sure you are awake and alert at the wheel.
  • Not having insurance. Driving without insurance is a felony and this means you could face charges as a result of doing it. Causing an accident will almost always see you get caught without insurance.
  • Not having a driving license. Similarly, you should have a current driving license.
  • Running a red light. If it can be proved that someone has not obeyed traffic laws then it is likely that it will be seen as their fault in a court of law.

Anyone that gets caught having made any of these very basic errors in judgment could be in big trouble, with reparations having to be paid and even possible imprisonment.    On the other hand, if you have a dash cam with footage proving your innocence, this evidence can end up being used to absolve you of any criminal processes.

Conclusion

If you are involved in a Las Vegas traffic accident it is important to gather all of the evidence you possibly can. This can take the form of footage, witness statements, and police reports.    Whether the accident was your fault or not, it is also vital to get the advice of a personal injury lawyer nearby. If you are accused, a lawyer can help you to prove your innocence. If the accident was not your fault, it is possible that a lawyer can help you to mount a case against another driver, allowing you to claim on their insurance or even take legal action to receive compensation as a result of the hardship resulting from the accident. A road traffic accident is difficult for everyone, but not having legal representation can make things even worse.

christmas safety
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Did you know that 350 people a year end up injured as a result of putting up Christmas Lights? At Christmas time, you’re probably focusing more on all the gifts, family time, and delicious food than thinking about accidents. However, it is really important to practice Christmas safety tips. There are a number of injuries and even fatalities related to Christmas, which can take the form of road traffic collisions or other incidents. In this guide, we’re looking at some Christmas holiday safety tips to ensure that your family is kept safe and that you don’t end up having to deal with the fallout from an accident or injury.   christmas safety tips

1. Be Cautious With Lights

Christmas lights are part of the tradition and joy of the day but they can also be unsafe if you don’t practice the correct precautions and Christmas light safety.    Tips for being safe when doing so include using indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights…you’ve guessed it, outdoors. They are labeled for indoor or outdoor use for a reason. Always turn all lights off when you are going out of the house, or going to sleep. This also applies if you have an electric Christmas tree with lights built in.   Replace old lights with extreme caution. Broken sockets or frayed wiring are a hazard, which means you need to replace lights at the first sign of any danger.   If you are putting lights up in any sort of high places, using a ladder, for instance, ensure you do this with the appropriate assistance, a sturdy ladder, and in daylight. Don’t carry out this kind of activity if you aren’t confident doing so, and never without someone there with you to hold the ladder and be on the lookout.

2. Secure The Tree

The tree falling can be the cause of multiple issues. Not only can it hurt people who are nearby if it should fall on them, but it can also become a hazard. For instance, if the tree falls onto a candle or heated electrical appliance, it can catch fire. Secure the tree properly, using a proper tree stand. You may also be able to attach it to the walls if you are still anxious about the tree.

via GIPHY

3. Take Extra Care When Driving

Driving carefully may not be one of the specific Christmas safety tips to follow, as it is important to be safe all year round. However, Christmas can be a time to be extremely cautious to avoid traffic accidents. If you live in an area where it gets cold around Christmas time, then you should definitely be cautious when you get in the car. Drive slowly and leave plenty of space between you and the other drivers using the road.   Another reason to be super careful around Christmas is the number of drivers who are not sticking to the rules. Many people go out and drink around the holidays and then drive home. This sad fact means that you need to be extra cautious to counteract the people on the roads who are making it even more of a hazardous task. The CDC states that someone dies as a result of an alcohol-related incident every 51 minutes in the USA.

4. Don’t Get Scammed

When the holidays roll around, people spend a lot more money than at other times throughout the year. This can lead to people spending money on new online stores and platforms they were not familiar with before. Every time you find a new store and give your card details, there is the opportunity to get scammed. Be sure to be extremely careful when Christmas shopping. One of the best Christmas safety tips we can provide is to use secure websites, and check independent reviews, before making a purchase. Never give your card details if you aren’t confident.   Inferior products might be shipped when you buy decorations or electrical items online, and these might be hazards in themselves. This means that you might end up with unsafe lights or even gifts. Product liability laws mean you can take action, but it is still better not to have to deal with the issue.

5. Be Careful With Candles, Electrics, and Other Fire Hazards

For example, a Christmas tree can be a hazard. If you wrap around lights that can potentially get hot, you risk the tree catching alight. On top of that, other fire hazards are more common at Christmas as people light candles to get in the festive spirit. As well as Christmas light safety, consider any fire hazards that might be catastrophic for your home.

Injured at Christmas Time in Spite of Christmas Safety Tips? Your Options

If you are unfortunate enough to get injured around Christmas then you do potentially have options available to you. Even if you follow all of the Christmas safety tips then there is still a chance that someone else might put your holidays in jeopardy.   If there can be blame attached to your injury or accident then it could be time to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney nearby. You can potentially file for compensation, and ensure that companies and individuals have to make changes in the future. For example, if an unsafe product is shipped to you, or a product does not have the right safety guidelines, it could mean you have a legal case to take action against the company you bought it from.   It’s important that you collect as much evidence and information as possible, as this might be used to incriminate the other party.   Similarly, if you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, legal action might be required. You can seek reparations as well as suing for the costs you might be left with as a result, such as medical bills. If you feel you have a case, you can contact a lawyer today.

Conclusion

Christmas safety tips should ensure that everything goes to plan. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident around this time and it is not your fault, the legal system may enable you to take action and receive financial reparations.

black friday injuries
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Black Friday has continued to grow in popularity, and there are some scary facts out there including Black Friday death statistics. Between 2006 and 2018, according to the Hustle, there were 11 deaths and over 100 injuries caused by Black Friday panic and precautions not being taken.   black friday incidents

How to Avoid Black Friday Incidents and Accidents

Stores should take preventative methods to ensure that Black Friday accidents don’t occur. There may be Black Friday Incidents, caused by shoppers getting competitive or even violent, or you might experience Black Friday accidents, things caused by rushing around, for example.

Las Vegas Slip and Fall Accidents

Some of the common types of accidents that can be seen when stores get busy are Las Vegas slip and fall accidents. If a store has not taken precautions against spillages or provided slip and fall warnings by hazardous steps or potential trip hazards, for example. Shops can take precautions by cleaning properly, not allowing floors to get wet in busy times, and putting the appropriate signs in place.

What to Do If a Black Friday Incident Has Happened

If an incident has already happened on Black Friday and you feel like you may have a legal case, you can contact a lawyer to discuss your case and try to establish blame. Any evidence you can collect is bound to be very useful if a case is built against a store or an individual, such as police reports and CCTV footage.

What are the Legal Outcomes of Black Friday Injuries?

There are a number of different legal outcomes of Black Friday injuries. There are five different common injuries that occur on Black Friday:

  • Injuries with vehicles on the parking lot
  • Injuries involving shopping carts
  • Boxes and heavy products falling
  • Fights and arguments

If The Blame is With an Individual

Sadly, Black Friday incidents often stem from disagreements or even fights breaking out. If there is one particular person who has caused you distress, then you may need to alert the police and mount a case against that person. You may be able to sue for damages or treatments required as a result. It’s very important that you contact the police and try to get statements and evidence of what has occurred. The person who has hurt you might end up with a criminal record, and have to pay out fees and penalties.

If The Blame is With The Store

If you have visited a store and been unfortunate enough to get injured, it is important that you work out if there is any blame attached. You might have a legal case against the store. A business with a physical premise you can visit has legal responsibilities, including:

  • Providing a safe space for you to shop.
  • Store owners must inspect the store for hazards regularly.
  • Improper maintaining of the property.

Examples of this could be if the store has not taken specific precautions, or if they might be judged to be negligent. On Black Friday, negligence could come in the form of letting too many people in the store, or stacking shelves in a way that makes it probable that something can fall on you.   If you have any suspicions at all that you might have been the victim of negligence or that the store owners have not taken the right precautions, you should try to collect evidence of this. Even taking some photos or videos can be a way to show if a store was not kept safe for the customers.   Taking legal advice from personal injury lawyers is also a good idea. They are likely to have seen this sort of thing before and can tell you whether you do indeed have a case.   If you suffer an injury that could have been avoided if the store had stuck to their legal responsibilities, then it might be the case that you need to go to court to prove it. If it is found that the store is, in fact, responsible, you might be entitled to financial reparations. On top of that, the store will have to make changes to avoid the same thing happening to anyone else.   If you’ve been injured in the Las Vegas area on Black Friday, you might be looking for a personal injury attorney in Las Vegas to help you to build your case.

Conclusion

You’ve probably seen the videos of crazy queues and people pushing and shoving to try and get access to the best deals on Black Friday. You don’t think that going to the store should have any sort of hazard attached to it, but on Black Friday there is a real risk. If you are unfortunate and get injured, it might be time to find a personal injury lawyer to build your case.

patient falls
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What are Hospitals’ Responsibilities Relating to Patient Falls?

Hospitals owe patients a duty of care while the patient is under their care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has determined that certain events are “Never Events” because they should never happen. Such events are usually preventable, identifiable, measurable, and may result in serious injury or death.
Slips and falls are on the list of Never Events. When a patient falls, it is a reportable event. A few years ago, falls were killing about 11,000 people a year in hospitals and up to a million were falling. Due to the implementation of fall prevention protocols in hospitals like the Center for Disease Control’s STEADI program, those numbers are dropping. But the right number is zero.

Factors that contribute to falls include poor lighting, slippery floors, loose carpets or wires, broken steps, uncleared snowy or icy sidewalks, slippery accumulations of leaves, broken handrails, and clutter.

Patients should be assessed for things that put them at risk of falling including weakness, fatigue, neurological disorders, and blurry vision.

Providing patients with non-slip footwear can prevent falls.

In Case of Medical Malpractice

Litigation involving patient falls in hospital lawsuit can involve malpractice if clinical staff, such as when doctors, nurses, and physical therapists failed to do their job to keep the patient safe. The specific responsibilities a hospital has to safeguard patients against falls is documented in two ways. The first relate to industry standards that are applicable to all hospitals. Protocols in hospitals are highly regulated and failure to follow industry practices can be considered malpractice.

In addition, the hospital will have policies and procedures. Failure to follow internal procedures can be evidence of negligence in patient falls in hospital lawsuit cases.
A fall can also be negligence attributable to the property owner that is not medical malpractice. Owners are responsible for maintaining the property in a safe manner. If a physical element of the property, such as loose strings on the carpet, caused the fall they may be responsible under negligence laws.

Are the Premises Safe for Patients?

Hospitals are obligated to maintain a safe environment for patients and visitors. If liquids spill, they must clean them up quickly to prevent falls. If a patient who needs assistance to use the bathroom calls for help, the staff must respond quickly so the patient doesn’t attempt to make it on their own. This means the hospital must maintain adequate staff so their employees can respond in a timely manner.
Falls are the number one cause of injury to hospital patients.

patient slipsThroughout the patient’s stay in the hospital, industry protocols require staff to assess the fall risk and take appropriate action to manage the patient’s risk of falling. This assessment should be ongoing because changes in the patient’s condition can further impair mobility and medications can affect their stability or memory.
It is possible that a noncompliant patient will have contributory negligence because they didn’t request assistance when getting out of bed after being told to get assistance first. Fall precautions are taken for a reason. Falls can cause broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, and other disabling and life-threatening injuries.

While it is important to properly train the cleaning crew, it is equally important to have policies that require every employee contribute to maintaining a clean and safe environment. Every employee should be attuned to tripping hazards or fluids that could cause someone to slip and know to take action to immediately rectify the hazardous situation.
In either type of situation, liability can come into play if they did not take steps to prevent a foreseeable injury. If they knew, or should have known about the risk, and failed to act to prevent your injury, they may be liable.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accidents in Hospital

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury from a fall in a hospital as a patient, visitor, or employee, you should consult a slip and fall lawyer to discuss the circumstances surrounding the fall. Falls are a specific type of injury that require a knowledgeable attorney to protect your interests.

An injury attorney in Las Vegas will help you determine whether to file the claim as a medical malpractice case as the result of negligent nurses or systematic issues in the organization such as understaffing, improperly trained staff, poor communication protocols or a culture that doesn’t give patient safety the attention it deserves.

Dog Attacks
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Dog Bite Laws in Nevada

Who is liable if the neighbor’s dog bit me? Nevada’s dog bite laws vary based on the circumstances. If you provoked the dog that bit you and are found more than 51% responsible, you won’t be able to collect damages from your neighbor. If you’re trespassing when you’re bit, teasing the dog or have a habit of doing so, it can also go against you.

If the dog has never bitten anyone before you’ll have a more difficult time collecting than you would if the dog is a known biter. If the dog is not known to be vicious and the owner wasn’t negligent the owner won’t be held liable for damages under current law with one exception.
The exception to the above occurs when the dog’s owner is in violation of ordinances such as leash laws. An owner with a dog that is running loose in a neighborhood is negligent and can be held liable for a bite even if the dog is not known to be aggressive. If you’ve been bit, contact an experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer to help you determine your options.

What to do if a dog attacks you?

Dog BiteIf you are worried about being attacked by a dog that is demonstrating aggressive behavior or you are under attack, the right course of action will depend on what is available to you. If a dog is behaving aggressively toward you which can include obvious signs like growling, lunging at you, baring its teeth or snarling or less obvious signs including freezing with its attention focused on you or making direct eye contact with you, stay as calm as possible. A dog may also stick its chest out in a sign of aggression.

If the owner is there, ask for assistance. If the owner is not there, ask bystanders to help you.
If you can get to higher ground, on top of a vehicle, up a set of steps, or other higher ground, do so. If you’re carrying anything that you can use as a barrier, be prepared to use it. The best case scenario is to get away without actually being attacked. If you are attacked and the dog is large enough to knock you to the ground, you may be better off curling into a fetal position with your arms protecting your head and neck. Be as still as possible because the sooner the dog stops perceiving you as a threat the sooner they will stop attacking.
Other maneuvers you can try include turning your body to the side, avoiding eye contact, or using a piece of clothing to cover the dog’s eyes so they can’t see.

Knowing what to do if a dog attacks you can save your life.

Do you know what to do after a dog bite occurs?

After you’ve been bitten, seek medical attention right away. You may need a tetanus shot, stitches, or even surgery. The dog will have to be quarantined to check it for rabies. Give the authorities information about the dog to protect others. After your medical needs are tended to, use a search engine to look for “personal injury attorney near me” and discuss the circumstances to see if you can recover damages. Or, if you prefer, you can contact our office.

What can I do after a dog bites or attacks me?

What to do after a dog bite to receive compensation for your injuries depends on the situation. If you know the dog is classified as a vicious dog or it has bit someone else before it bit you, contact an attorney right away. There is a 2-year statute of limitations so you shouldn’t wait to talk to a lawyer.

If the owner was negligent because they didn’t attempt to stop the attack or they allowed the dog to run loose in an area where a leash is required, it is easier to collect than if the owner did everything they could with a dog that wasn’t known to be aggressive.
If the owner caused the attack, they would be liable, too.

Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Attorney
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Bicycling provides a healthy and affordable mode of transportation but there are risks. How risky is riding a bicycle? What should you do if you’re involved in a bicycle accident?

How high is the risk of accidents for cyclists?

Far fewer people are injured or die in bicycle accidents than motor vehicle accidents but it isn’t because bicycles are safer. Depending on which statistic you use, people travel between 6.2 and 21 billion miles on bicycles and about 3 trillion miles by motor vehicle.

Bike accident statistics report of the number of miles bicycled in a year at between 6.2 and 21 billion miles, you’re 11.5 times more likely to experience a fatal accident on a bicycle than a motor vehicle using the 6.2 billion miles statistic. If you use the 21-billion-miles statistic, it equates to 3.4 times greater risk.

It is important to remember that bike accident statistics include people who don’t follow good safety precautions, follow the rules, wear helmets, and those who ride a bike when they are under the influence.

Nevada Bicycle Accident Statistics:

Nevada Bike Accident Statistics

In 2016, there were 800 cyclists killed in single-car crashes in Nevada.

Nationwide, 34,247 people were killed in traffic accidents and 783 died in fatal bike accidents during 2017. In Nevada, six people died in cyclist accidents and 328 were lost in traffic accidents.

Crash statistics reveal some interesting facts about when and where accidents occur:

  • 71% of cyclists’ accidents occur in urban areas
  • In every season, more accidents occur between 6 – 9 pm than at any other time
  • 58% of cycling accidents are not at an intersection. Only 4% are in a bike lane.
  • 51% of bike accidents occur during daylight hours.
  • Most happen on roads with speed limits between 35 and 45 mph.

Most Dangerous Places and Times

These bike accident statistics are referring to fatal accidents:

  • 71% occur in urban areas.
  • Fatalities are more likely to occur in areas with high poverty rates.
  • Only 30% occur at intersections.
  • 4% occur in the bike lane.
  • 51% happen during daylight.
  • More occur between 6 – 9 p.m.
  • 30% happen in the winter, 22% in the spring, 38% are split between the summer and fall

Most Dangerous Places and Times to ride a bicycle

In Las Vegas, 19 intersections reported four or more accidents between 2011 and 2015. Las Vegas Blvd at Caesars Palace Drive, Nellis Boulevard at Cedar Avenue, and Las Vegas Blvd at Flamingo Road were the three most dangerous intersections.

Las Vegas Boulevard, Charleston Boulevard, and Flamingo Road are the three most dangerous roads for cyclists in Las Vegas with Sahara and Tropicana Avenues also reporting high accident rates.

Accidents frequently involve rider error including not yielding the right of way, riding against traffic, failure to obey traffic laws and signals as well as errors by the drivers of motor vehicles involved in the accident with the cyclist.

According to 24/7 Wall Street, Las Vegas is the third most dangerous city for bicyclists. The Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Southern Nevada reported that when a cyclist and vehicle collide, the cyclist has an 89% chance of survival at 25 mph but only a 35% chance when the vehicle is traveling 45 mph.

Safe Places to Ride a Bicycle

Numerous trails around Las Vegas are great places to ride and safe for everyone. Try these rides if you’re looking for a safe and relaxing place to ride:

  • Burkholder Trail
  • Historic Railroad Trail
  • Wetlands Park
  • Pittman Wash Trail
  • Union Pacific Railroad Trail
  • Cornerstone Park

Safe Places to Ride a Bicycle

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

The Nevada bicycle helmet law does not require riders to wear a helmet, but it is strongly recommended. Wearing a helmet can save lives. Many bike injuries occur without an accident but those are usually muscle strains. Bicycle accident statistics for accidents reflect more serious problems including:

  • Head traumas
  • Spine injuries
  • Ruptured discs
  • Skull fracture
  • Cranial hemorrhage
  • Concussions
  • Contusions
  • Fractured bones
  • Injuries to internal organs

The greatest risk is head trauma which accounts for 60% of the deaths which is why helmets are important.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

What to do if you got in a bike accident?

Bicycle accidents can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. If you are in an accident, you’ll want to do a body scan for injuries. If in doubt, get professional medical attention. Signs you should seek immediate medical attention include pain when you breathe deeply, stomach tenderness or you hit your stomach on the handlebars, head injuries, and bleeding. If you think you may have a spine or neck injury, don’t move until medical attention arrives.

If someone else caused the accident, get their contact information and call a Las Vegas bike accident attorney. Their insurance should compensate you for your medical expenses as well as lost wages and pain you experience as a result of their negligence. Never hesitate to contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer in such chaotic instances because you deserve to get compensation from all the damage that you encountered during the tragedy.

Nevada DUI laws
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Nevada DUI laws impose increasingly harsh penalties if you are convicted of a DUI more than one time in a seven-year period. Under some circumstances, you can be arrested with a blood alcohol level (BAC) under .08%. Keep reading to learn how to avoid getting a DUI on your Nevada arrest record and the potentially life-changing consequences of driving under the influence.

It’s more than just one glass

While it usually takes more than just one glass of wine to be impaired, that’s not always the case. If you’re small or drink on an empty stomach or when you’re dehydrated, a 5 oz glass of wine can make you legally impaired if you are underage or driving a commercial vehicle.

Nevada DUI laws: Drinking & Driving

What is a “Drink”?

Understanding what a “drink” it helps you avoid a DUI. It’s not unusual for someone to say they just had one glass of wine, but the pour was heavy, so they drank 7 oz, not 5, which changes the effect on their BAC. All drinks are not equal when it comes to alcohol content:

Type of Drink Size Alcohol Content-Range
Wine 5 oz 12% – 20%
Liquor (80 proof)  1.5 oz 40% alcohol 
Beer   12 oz 4.5% – 7.5%

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit 

For the purpose of Nevada DUI laws, an Uber or Lyft driver is a commercial driver subject to a .04 BAC limit. Adult drivers are legal if they are below a BAC of .08% but that doesn’t mean you should drive when you have alcohol in your system.

By the time your BAC is .05%, you are physically impaired. Your eyesight, judgment, and coordination are already affected, and your responses will be slower if someone swerves into your lane. For your own safety and that of your passengers and anyone else who might be on the road, it is wise to cut yourself off before your BAC is .05% if you’ll be driving.

First, Second, and Third Offense Repercussions

All things considered and as bad as they are, the penalties for first DUI offenses are light when compared to second or third offenses.

Penalties First DUI Offense Second DUI Offense Third DUI Offense
Classification Misdemeanor Misdemeanor Class B Felony
Jail or Community Service/ Prison 2 days – 6 months in jail or 24 – 96 hours community service 10 days – 6 months in jail or residential confinement 1 – 6 years in prison
Nevada DUI School At Your Own Expense Lengthy DUI Court alcohol or drug abuse treatment program
Fines $400 – $1,000 $750 – $1,000 $2,000 – $5,000
Nevada Victim Impact Panel n/a Required Required
Alcohol/drug dependency evaluation n/a $100 Required
If BAC is .18 or over Nevada Breath Interlock Device for 12 – 36 months 12 – 36 months as a condition of restricted license or reinstatement of license 12 – 36 months after release from prison
Suspension of driver’s license 185-days 1-year (may be a revocation) 3 years suspension or revocation
Registration Suspension n/a 5-day 5-day
Restricted license Possible? Yes, with ignition interlock device
Can it be sealed? After 7 years After 7 years Never

Even without a prior DUI, if you’re involved in an accident that causes serious bodily injuries or death, you can be charged with a Class B Felony and sentenced to 2 – 20 years in prison and fined $2,000 – $5,000.

Signs of Drunk Driving

Signs of drunk driving

Since a BAC of .05% impairs your responses, deciding to drive after you’ve been drinking means you’re gambling with your future. Impaired drivers might as well have a neon sign advertising their status on their car. Law enforcement officers will easily recognize impaired driving. You’ll probably think you’re okay because intoxication causes a false sense of confidence. Impaired drivers are sloppy and erratic drivers. Abrupt lane corrections and adjustments to your speed or driving too slow or too fast as well as overall poor control of the vehicle will be evident.

Consequences of Drunk Driving

Consequences of drunk driving

The consequences of a drunk driving conviction are serious. Contacting a qualified drunk driver accident attorney as soon as possible provides you with the best chance of beating the charges. If you are involved in an accident when you are driving while impaired, a Las Vegas personal injury attorney may be your only hope of avoiding a prison sentence.

Conclusion

Nevada DUI

Nevada DUI laws make it clear that driving under the influence is a risky proposition. The best choice is to err on the side of caution and avoid driving if there is any risk you are impaired. Or, better yet, if you think you will drink, plan an alternate way to get home. Use a Designated Driver, public transportation, a taxi, Uber, or get a room and stay in place. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, contact our office right away.

sleepy driving
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Driving when feeling sleepy is dangerous, as dangerous as other types of illegal driving.

A large percentage of adult’s experience insomnia and other sleep disorders that cause sleep deprivation. There are two types of sleep deprivation. One occurs when someone is completely deprived of sleep. The other is when there is cumulative sleep debt. Sleep debt occurs when an individual doesn’t get the sleep they need. Repeatedly getting too little sleep creates an accumulated sleep debt that is often more dangerous than sleep deprivation from not sleeping at all.

driving while sleepy

TOTAL SLEEP DEPRIVATION

The biggest reason total sleep deprivation is not as dangerous as cumulative sleep deprivation is that individuals who are experiencing total sleep deprivation feels the lack of sleep acutely. Their awareness of being overly tired helps them make better decisions, such as allowing someone else to drive or choosing to delay travel until they are rested.

Total sleep deprivation causes impairments that are equivalent to a blood alcohol level of .1 in just 24 hours. The legal limit for alcohol is .08. Longer periods of sleep deprivation cause dizziness, disorientation, and even hallucinations when sleep deprivation extends to several days.

PARTIAL SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Partial sleep deprivation is the more dangerous form of sleep deprivation when it comes to driving while sleepy because chronic sleep deprivation makes our sleep deprived state feel normal. In other words, we become as impaired as someone who is legally drunk, but we feel normal. As a result, we don’t take the same precautions we use when we are aware that we are suffering from sleep deprivation.

IS DRIVING WHILE SLEEPY LEGAL?

Driving when feeling sleepy isn’t illegal. The reason is tied to enforcement difficulties. A breathalyzer or blood test can be used to determine whether someone is legally drunk, but there isn’t an equivalent test to verify that someone was too sleepy to drive safely.

Other legal problems can arise as the result of driving when you are impaired as the result of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function and makes us perceive our experiences as more threatening. This increases the risk we’ll experience road rage, which is illegal.

Sleep deprivation can cause episodes of microsleep that lead to distracted driving that can be reckless, which is another source of legal problems tied to sleep deprivation.

DANGERS OF DRIVING SLEEPY

sleepy drivingThe dangers associated with driving while sleep deprived expand beyond reckless driving. Serious accidents including Three Mile Island, the Exxon Valdez, and the Challenger disaster were all tied to sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation reduces cognitive performance, which can lead to poor judgment. A good personal injury lawyer can often prove that a driver was driving when they knew they were sleep deprived using statements they made to witnesses about being tired or by documenting job responsibilities that didn’t allow them enough time to sleep.

WHO IS AT RISK?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a warning that 1/3 of Americans experience sleep deprivation. Individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, new parents, people with too many responsibilities for the time they have available and individuals who are addicted to video games or binge-watching shows are at risk.

WAYS TO AVOID SLEEPING WHILE DRIVING

The danger of driving when feeling sleepy is real. There are a variety of ways to avoid driving when it is ill-advised due to sleep deprivation. Giving sleep the priority it deserves is the first step because being rested eliminates the risk sleep deprivation will impair your driving.

Be creative and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need to travel when you’re sleep deprived. Use public transportation, Uber, Lyft, or ask friends for assistance. Don’t plan trips that will impair your ability to sleep enough to be safe. If you feel sleepy, pull over and take a nap or get a hotel and sleep.

Don’t rely on methods such as turning the radio up loud, opening the window, putting the air conditioner on high, or eating. They are not effective.

No trip is worth taking the risks involved in driving when you are impaired by sleep deprivation. Be aware of how tired you are and adjust your plans when you are sleepy.

hit-and-run accident
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Any accident is, at a minimum, frustrating and some are tragic. When an accident is a hit-and-run, it adds complexity to the situation.

hit and run accident

WHEN YOU WERE PARKED

If the accident happened while your car was parked, check for potential witnesses or video cameras that might have recorded the incident. Take photos of your vehicle and wider shots that clearly show that you were legally parked when your vehicle was hit. Get shots of any glass or other debris on the ground.

WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING

The first step, after tending to any injuries and calling 911 for help, is to gather as much information as possible.

If you were in the vehicle when the hit-and-run occurred, write down as much of the plate number as you remember. Also jot down the make, model, color, and a description of the vehicle. Each teenager and adult in your vehicle should write down their perspective before you compare notes. We are all subject to being influenced by other perspectives which can distort our memory. Recording the information we remember before we talk to others prevents being influenced by their perspective of the situation.

If it is possible to safely snap a photo of the vehicle leaving the scene, do so. A lot of cars look alike. A photograph will ensure that the type of vehicle will be correctly identified even if you don’t get the license plate number.

Also, note the time and location where the incident occurred and which direction the hit-and-run driver headed after the accident. Jotting down the license plates of any potential witnesses can help investigators locate witnesses even if they don’t stay in the area to be interviewed. If witnesses come forward before help arrives, get their contact information.

Your first priority is tending to any injuries and getting help to your location.

SAFETY FIRST

hit and run

You may also need to set out flares to avoid being hit again. If you’re too injured to set out flares, ask a bystander to do it for you. While the accident isn’t your fault, you have a responsibility to prevent additional injuries. If your car is stopped after a blind curve, you are at risk of causing an accident that could injure you further and injure people in a vehicle coming around the corner that doesn’t have time to stop before ramming into your parked vehicle.

Do not, under any circumstances, follow the hit-and-run driver. The behavior of someone who will flee the scene of an accident is unpredictable. If you were unlucky enough to catch them, they might cause further harm in an effort to escape the consequences of their actions.

WHO TO CALL

After the accident, report it to the local police first. You will also want to contact your auto insurance agent, or if you purchased your policy online, your auto insurance company. If you or any of your passengers were injured, contact a personal injury attorney.

Accidents with injuries can be complicated. Some injuries cause medical bills that will occur for decades to come. Other types of injuries may impair an individual’s ability to work on their own or any profession. Serious injuries can cause cognitive decline or the inability to function in a number of capacities. Appropriate compensation can be difficult to determine. Attempting to settle your claim without an expert by your side can result in accepting less than you should.

It’s not a money matter so much as it is a question of whether you’ll be able to cover the medical expenses related to your injuries in the coming years.

The compensation can be just as difficult to determine when there is a fatal injury. There are multiple ways to calculate the financial compensation that should be paid when a life is lost and all of them can appear logical.

Hopefully, you will never need this information but if you do, remember to remain as calm as possible and follow the steps outlined above.

Common Cause of Pedestrian Accidents
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Walking is a good form of exercise and one of the cheapest but it has risks. The number of pedestrian accidents remains high the data from NHTSA reported 5,977 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2017.

Each time you stroll outside around vehicles, you risk coming into contact with one sustaining injuries. The accident might be the fault of the driver or the culpability of the person on foot.

Common Cause of Pedestrian Accidents

COMMON CAUSE OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

There are countless reasons why injuries and sometimes lethal accidents happen to pedestrians. Here are the most common causes of these mishaps:

Pedestrians not using sidewalks

Some pedestrians prefer to walk on the roadway than a sidewalk. There are reasons when sidewalks are not available like constructions on buildings make walkways impassable or an errant cyclist rides on the sidewalk. Pedestrians have no choice but to walk on the roads, people on foot are likely to be hit by vehicles.

If you stroll on the shoulder avoid distractions to stay focused on your surroundings. Most pedestrians involved in accidents are using cellphones and music devices.

Alcohol use

Drunk drivers and pedestrians alike will use the roadways foolishly after their merrymaking exposing both parties to danger. Mostly, walkers under the influence of alcohol suffer fatal pedestrian accidents.

Common Cause of Pedestrian AccidentsPedestrians wearing dark clothing

During nighttime visibility is compromised, pedestrians wearing dark clothes are at a higher risk of being hit by drivers who may not see them until it’s too late. If you are walking at night wear light, bright or reflective clothing or carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.

Left-hand turns

Crosswalks are no guarantee that pedestrians are safe from vehicles. Both parties aren’t paying attention to each other, the person on foot is looking straight ahead while the driver negotiating the turn is busy watching oncoming vehicles for an opening to let them turn.

Unmarked crosswalks

Many pedestrian accidents occur at roundabouts. Not all roads or intersections have well- defined crosswalks. If you need to cross a street without a crosswalk look for a spot that is bright and wait for a break in traffic before crossing.

Drivers distraction

A driver who is not focused on the road can hit, harm, and kill people on foot. The use of cellphones while driving is a major factor causing inattentiveness resulting in accidents.

HOW PEDESTRIANS CAN STAY SAFE?

Everyone is a pedestrian, and it is everybody’s concern to walk safely in their community. Here are tips to arrive in one piece in your destination

  • Obey the rules of the road and respect the signs and signals.
  • Use the sidewalks when available. If there is none, walk facing the traffic and as far as possible from the traffic.
  • Avoid distractions, keep your eyes peeled on the road.
  • Create eye contact with drivers to make sure that you are seen.
  • Watch car movement
  • Be wary of vehicles entering or leaving carports or backing up in parking areas.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs these impair your facilities and judgment when walking.
  • Do not run when crossing the street, pause and look for gaps in the traffic.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE A VICTIM?

Common Cause of Pedestrian AccidentsMost states expect drivers to focus on hazards on the street and a pedestrian qualify as one. Drivers have a commitment to see and keep away from things when on the road.

If a person on foot is hit by a vehicle, the driver is typically viewed to be at fault, regardless of whether the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk. Here are the things you should do:

  • Get proper medical care.
  • Call the police and have a report be filed.
  • Gather information of everyone involved such as contact number, insurance, license, and plate numbers.
  • Take notes of witness accounts.
  • Take photographic evidence.

After completing these steps seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney. Never provide statements or sign anything to insurance representatives without legal help.

A lawyer will help you recover financial compensation for the injuries suffered. These funds will defray expenses for the medical treatment, compensate for lost wages, and give remuneration to injuries suffered.

He will protect your rights, provide advice, and represent you in court if a lawsuit is filed.