According to recent reports, Jasmin Pacheco, 27, of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been arrested for the death of a pedestrian whom she struck while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Pacheco was allegedly driving after consuming alcohol when she struck a pedestrian on East Lake Meade Boulevard. Onlookers reported that a male pedestrian, 61, was crossing the street when a vehicle hit him. The victim was not within the parameters of the crosswalk when he was hit.
The car was identified as a Mini Cooper. The pedestrian's name was not announced, but he died at the scene of the accident.
DUI HITS PEDESTRIANS AT HIGH RATES
While DUI accidents involving vehicles are common, many pedestrians are also the victims of drunk drivers. While about one-third of all vehicle accidents involve alcohol, nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities involve consumption of alcohol on the part of the driver, the pedestrian or both, according to statistics from the Department of Transportation.
Pedestrians are at a particular disadvantage when it comes to DUI drivers because pedestrians have little to no protection in the event of a crash. DUI drivers are more likely to flee the scene of an accident than to render aid, as well, further placing pedestrians at risk if they are hit by a drunk driver.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM THE VICTIM OF A DRUNK DRIVER?
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may believe that there is nothing you can do. However, this may not be the case. Drunk drivers are responsible for their actions both in criminal court and in civil cases in which they are sued for the damages they have caused. You may be able to collect payments for your medical bills, lost wages, living expenses and even pain and suffering through a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver who hit you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in by a drunk driver, it is important that you get the legal help you deserve. The Vegas auto accident attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law, LLC, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, are ready to help you recover compensation for your injuries. With 50 years of combined experience, the attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law are dedicated to protecting your rights in the court of law and helping you collect the money owed to you by the drunk driver who hit you.