Helping Victims of Las Vegas Car Accidents Caused by a Drunk Driver

Drunk driving is one of the most reckless and preventable causes of car accidents. Every year, countless lives are lost or permanently changed due to drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. In a city like Las Vegas, where alcohol flows freely and visitors often underestimate their level of impairment, the risk of encountering a drunk driver is especially high. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, Peralta & Plank is here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve.

The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents

When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, their ability to operate a vehicle safely is significantly impaired. Alcohol affects reaction time, coordination, judgment, and vision—all critical faculties for driving. As a result, drunk driving accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, and, tragically, wrongful death.

Victims of drunk driving accidents face more than just physical injuries. The emotional trauma of the crash, combined with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the inability to return to normal life, can place an overwhelming burden on individuals and their families. That’s why taking legal action against the at-fault driver is so crucial—it ensures that you receive the financial support needed to rebuild your life and hold the responsible party accountable.

Nevada DUI Laws and Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents

Nevada has strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI). A driver is considered legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

• 0.08% or higher for most drivers.
• 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers.
• 0.02% or higher for drivers under the age of 21.

In addition to criminal penalties, such as license suspension, heavy fines, and possible jail time, drunk drivers can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Victims of these accidents have the right to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. This is true regardless of whether the drunk driver was ever arrested or convicted for drunk driving. The standards of proof for civil cases are very different from criminal cases, so it is possible to prove intoxication as the cause of an accident in a personal injury claim even if it wasn’t proven in criminal court.

Pursuing Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident

Unlike typical car accident cases, claims involving a drunk driver often present strong evidence of negligence. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages go beyond compensating the victim and are intended to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter others from making the same dangerous choice.

Other parties may also be held accountable in certain situations. For instance, if a liquor store, bar or restaurant knowingly sold or served alcohol to a minor who later caused an accident, they could bear some responsibility under Nevada’s dram shop liability laws. Additionally, if a drunk driver was operating a company vehicle, their employer may share liability for the accident.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Las Vegas

If you are involved in a crash with a suspected drunk driver, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:

1. Call 911 immediately. Reporting the accident ensures that police officers arrive at the scene to conduct sobriety tests and determine whether the driver is intoxicated.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine at the time, injuries from car accidents can take hours or days to manifest. Seeing a doctor is important for your health and documenting any injuries caused by the crash.
3. Document the scene. Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and any visible signs of intoxication, such as open alcohol containers in the other driver’s vehicle.
4. Obtain witness statements. If bystanders saw the accident or noticed the driver behaving erratically, their testimony can be valuable evidence.
5. Consult an attorney. The legal team at Peralta & Plank can investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Let Peralta & Plank Fight for You

Drunk driving accidents should never happen, yet they continue to endanger innocent lives. If you or a loved one has been hurt because of a drunk driver, you don’t have to go through this alone. Peralta & Plank is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing maximum compensation for victims. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis—there’s no fee unless we win for you.

Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.