The thought of a drunk driving accident is scary for everyone. Every year, drunk driving kills thousands of Americans. Despite these worrisome statistics, rules against drunk driving, and hefty fines, accidents continue to occur.

Drunk driving is an especially worrisome issue for residents in Las Vegas. With tourism being our largest industry, rowdy tourists account for many of these incidents.

When we hear about these accidents, we generally wonder how the drunk driver would be punished. Punishing a drunk driver will not compensate victims or their families for their injuries, which are often severe and costly to treat.

A civil claim, such as an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, is the sole avenue to recover damages. While it may seem simpler to prove a case when the other motorist is intoxicated, determining the entire worth of a claim and negotiating a favorable settlement can be tough. Learn more about the advantages of hiring a personal injury lawyer for your drunk driving case.

Personal Injury vs. Criminal Claims

Driving with a BAC of.08 or greater is a crime in Nevada, as it is in other states. For example, if you have never been convicted of DUI, you could be sentenced to six months probation and alcohol highway safety school.

The penalties increase if your BAC is between.10 and.159. For example, a first-time offender might face up to six months in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a one-year license suspension.

While Nevada DUI laws establish penalties, they do not compensate victims. Only a judge can require a drunk driver to pay reparations to a victim. Your medical bills, missed pay, and property damage may be reimbursed if the judge orders restitution. Noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering or lost enjoyment of life, cannot be repaid.

This underscores a key distinction between personal injury and criminal claims. A criminal claim is used to prove guilt or innocence. If found guilty, a person may be sentenced to some form of punishment.

However, the goal of a personal injury claim is to prove fault for someone else’s injuries and seek compensation to assist the victim recover.

Why Hire an Attorney?

Proving a link between negligent action, an accident, and injuries is difficult. This is one of the reasons you should hire an attorney.

In addition, a competent attorney should be prepared to litigate your case if necessary. Most car accident cases are settled through insurance. But if your lawyer isn’t ready for trial, the insurance company will take advantage of it. They may be less willing to compromise if they know your lawyer is not properly prepared.

Our experts at Ace Lakhani Law Firm understand the financial impact of an accident. Victims may require long-term treatment and recompense for emotional/psychological harm. We have the resources to fully investigate your accident and injuries to assess your past and future losses.

While intoxicated drivers may face criminal charges, our attorneys want them to face civil charges as well.

Were you a Drunk Driving Victim? We Can Help

Our attorneys understand how terrible drunk driving injuries can be for victims and their families. We recognize how vital recompense is for victims seeking closure.

To discuss your legal options after a drunk driving accident, be sure to contact us to get started!