Drunk drivers represent a tangible threat to even the safest drivers on the road. When a person over consumes alcohol, then decides to get behind the wheel, they are tempting fate and putting your health and life in jeopardy. When a drunk driver injures you, you need a personal injury lawyer to protect your legal rights, to hold the drunk driver accountable, and to pursue maximum compensation under the law.
Criminal and Civil Laws Are Both Implicated
When a drunk driver hits you, he or she is likely to face consequences in the form of criminal charges and civil liability. Criminal charges come from law enforcement (and the state) due to violations of criminal laws—such as driving with a blood alcohol content level of .08%. The consequence of driving under the influence is a criminal record and possible jail time. While you may be a witness in a criminal matter, the case is the state prosecutor’s burden and not yours.
On your end, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit for personal injury against the driver which has a different burden of proof than the criminal matter. In addition, you may be able to recover treble damages against the drunk driver. A lawsuit—or the threat of a lawsuit—is often necessary to make insurance companies take victims seriously. Your right to recover damages falls under Nevada’s personal injury laws, which hold negligent people or companies financially liable when they cause the serious injury of others.
If the driver was driving a company vehicle and was on the clock, then the driver’s employer may also be responsible for financial damages.
Seek Personal Injury Representation from Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P.
At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman, L.L.P., our personal injury lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We work tirelessly for our clients and partner with well-respected experts to build a case that pursues maximum compensation. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you deserve justice in the form of damages. Let us help you determine whether you have a claim. Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. today at (775) 227-2280 to schedule a free case consultation or contact our office through our website.