Las Vegas
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Las Vegas welcomes millions of visitors who enjoy round-the-clock casinos, exquisite bars, craft breweries, and free cocktails on the gaming floor. Unfortunately, the major drawback to this nonstop party atmosphere means more impaired drivers on I-15, Tropicana Avenue, and the residential streets you and your family use every day. 

When someone chooses to drink and drive in Las Vegas, the consequences can be devastating, leaving you or a loved one with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, staggeringly high medical bills, and financial hardship. If that’s the case, a trusted Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer in TopDog Law’s legal network can throw you a lifeline.

You, your family, and your future have too much at stake to risk choosing just any personal injury lawyer. Let TopDog Law connect you with an experienced Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer near you who will stand up to rideshare giants and insurance companies to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

 

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Your Guide to Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

Drunk Driving in Vegas: How Bad is it?

Las Vegas has earned the dubious distinction of being Nevada’s most dangerous city for drunk driving, with more alcohol-related crashes, deaths, and injuries than anywhere else in the state. In one recent five-year period, Las Vegas saw 8,580 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 197 deaths and over 7,300 injuries. 

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department made a staggering 2,092 DUI arrests in a recent one-year period–an average of nearly six arrests every single day. Despite relentless law enforcement, impaired driving remains a deadly threat, accounting for more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities in the region. In a city famed for its nightlife, these numbers are a sobering reminder: the cost of impaired driving is measured in lives lost and families shattered.

Criminal vs. Civil Drunk Driving Cases in Las Vegas

After a DUI crash in Las Vegas, two separate legal processes usually take place: criminal prosecution and civil action. Each serves a different purpose.

Criminal proceedings

The State of Nevada prosecutes drunk drivers under criminal law. If convicted, the driver may face jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education. While a conviction punishes the offender, it does not provide any compensation for the victim.

Civil proceedings

A civil personal injury claim is your path to financial recovery. Through a lawsuit, you can seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. A DUI accident attorney in Las Vegas can guide you through the civil legal process, helping you hold the impaired driver accountable in court.

Liability in Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accidents

Nevada is one of eight states that do not have a dram shop law. This means that bars, restaurants, or other alcohol vendors cannot be held civilly liable if a customer they served later causes injury or death due to intoxication, regardless of whether the customer was visibly drunk or underage. 

The only exception is for social hosts or individuals who knowingly provide alcohol to minors in non-commercial settings; they may be liable for damages caused by the minor, but licensed establishments are specifically exempt from this liability.

So, who may be held liable for a drunk driving accident that caused injuries?

  • The impaired driver — For operating a vehicle under the influence and causing the collision.
  • Social hosts — In rare cases, private individuals who provide alcohol to underage guests may face civil liability.
  • Employers — If the drunk driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer could be partially liable.

A Las Vegas impaired driving accident lawyer from TopDog Law’s network can investigate the entire chain of events and identify all responsible parties.

James Helm

Types of Compensation Available

If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be eligible for compensation to help you rebuild your life. Compensation generally falls into two main categories.

Economic damages

  • Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and medications
  • Lost wages due to time missed from work
  • Loss of future earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to work
  • Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement

Non-economic damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma after a drunk driving crash
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

In particularly egregious cases, Nevada law allows for punitive damages designed to punish and deter reckless behavior. A Las Vegas DUI injury lawyer can evaluate whether punitive damages apply to your case.

Nevada does not cap compensatory damages in drunk driving injury claims. However, punitive damages are capped at three times the compensatory award if that award exceeds $100,000.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a DUI Accident in Las Vegas

With the abundance of rideshare services and taxis throughout Las Vegas, losing a loved one to a drunk driving crash should never happen. Nevada law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship, guidance, and affection
  • Emotional suffering

An experienced and top-performing Las Vegas lawyer for DUI accident wrongful death claims can help you take action while giving you the time and space to grieve.

How to Prove Liability in a DUI Accident

Proving liability in a Las Vegas DUI crash usually requires evidence such as:

  • Police reports documenting the driver’s intoxication
  • Breathalyzer or blood test results
  • Surveillance footage or dashcam video
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Accident reconstruction analysis

A skilled drunk driver accident attorney in Las Vegas will know how to collect and present this evidence effectively.

Nevada DUI Accident Compensation Laws

Nevada law allows injured parties to recover both economic and non-economic damages in DUI cases. Unlike some states, the statute of limitations for filing a DUI accident injury claim in Nevada is generally two years from the date of the crash. Failing to act within this timeframe may result in losing your right to recover compensation.

Common Injuries After a Las Vegas DUI Crash

Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds and poor judgment, leading to serious injuries such as:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Severe burns and lacerations

Emotional Trauma After a Drunk Driving Crash

Beyond physical injuries, DUI victims often suffer lasting emotional trauma. Fear, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common after being hit by a drunk driver. Compensation for emotional distress recognizes the profound psychological impact these crashes can cause.

Medical bills after a DUI accident in Nevada can add up quickly. A Las Vegas DUI accident lawyer can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and all your damages and losses. 

Personal Injury Lawyer
Drunk driving concept: judge's gavel, whiskey glass, and car key symbolizing legal consequences of impaired driving.

How Can a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help You?

Choosing a local lawyer who knows the Las Vegas court system and Nevada laws can make a real difference in your case. A lawyer from TopDog Law’s network can offer:

  • Local experience with Las Vegas drunk driving crash cases
  • Knowledge of Nevada’s DUI compensation laws
  • Familiarity with local courts, judges, and defense tactics
  • A strategic approach to settlement negotiations and trial preparation

With a qualified local advocate on your side, you can focus on healing while your lawyer fights for the compensation you deserve.

Get Connected With a Las Vegas DUI Injury Lawyer Today

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