.2312120835440.jpg)
Las Vegas, NV (February 22, 2024) - Two people are now in custody after a collision in Las Vegas resulted in the death of a passenger on Wednesday morning, February 21. The deadly accident was reported at the corner of E. Silverado Ranch Boulevard and Bermuda Road early that morning at around 1:41 a.m. Local reports indicated that a 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2023 Mazda MX5 were headed eastbound on Silverado Ranch traveling at a high rate of speed.
The two vehicles collided while traveling through the intersection, and both drivers lost control. The Camaro spun out and entered westbound traffic where it left the road and hit a retaining wall. The Mazda also left the road where it struck a light pole and tree on its passenger side. A passenger in the Mazda suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Camaro, later identified as 24-year-old Jonathan Gallagher, did not show signs of impairment. However, the other motorist, later identified as 26-year-old Melissa Dettlaff, exhibited signs of intoxication. Both drivers were arrested and charged in relation to the deadly collision. An ongoing investigation into the cause of the deadly crash is currently being managed by local law enforcement officials.
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of at this time. Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families in hopes of a full recovery.
Deadly Street Racing Crashes in Nevada
Street racing is a serious issue in Nevada. It is well known that speeding can greatly increase the risk of a crash, and when drivers willfully engage in reckless behaviors behind the wheel, they put everyone on the road at risk, even themselves. Tens of thousands are killed each year by speeding motorists. There were more than 149,568 fatal crashes reported across the United States during a recent three-year period, and 315 of these accidents involved street racing. You need to be sure that you are able to partner with a skilled legal team if you aim to seek justice after a deadly collision.
The steps you take after a fatal crash can determine the rest of your life. It is often hard to handle the aftermath of a deadly collision on your own. Nevada state law allows for representatives of the deceased to pursue legal action by initiating a wrongful death claim. If you lose someone unexpectedly in a car crash, you need to be sure that you are able to make informed decisions in order to protect your legal rights.
Wrongful death claims can be incredibly complicated, and you need to have a skilled legal team handling your case to maximize your recovery. The legal team at Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. can help you pursue justice after a deadly car accident. If you want to discuss your case with a skilled Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer, contact our law offices today at 775-227-2280 to get started on your claim.