A former strip club dancer faces criminal charges for her role in a crash that killed a 33-year-old man and injured his two-year-old son in Las Vegas last March, according to news sources. The 27-year-old former exotic dancer is said to have had twice the legal limit of alcohol and five times the legal limit of marijuana in her blood when she allegedly hit the victim's car, an Escort, with her Hummer. The driver of the Escort was killed and his son was injured when the large vehicle slammed into the car. The young woman faces not only criminal charges that could result in decades in jail but also the possibility of a civil wrongful death and personal injury suit filed by the victims' family members.
The Reality of DUI Accidents
Historically, DUI accidents have been difficult ones from which to collect personal injury damages. Personal injury attorneys must not only contend with the usual issues surrounding a lawsuit but also the fact that many DUI drivers are unlicensed, uninsured or both. This phenomenon is a common one. The first DUI conviction in many states results in loss of license and many insurance companies refuse to sell coverage to someone with a recent DUI. Despite this fact, Mothers Against Drunk Driving estimates that 75 percent of those convicted of drunk driving continue to operate a vehicle, even without a license or insurance. This means that if you are hit by a drunk driver, there is a good chance that the driver is uninsured. It may be necessary to pursue a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage in order to collect damages, as well as to seize any assets owned by the driver to help pay for your medical care and other expenses.
Collecting damages in this way can be complicated and may require help from a professional who understands both the legal system and the methods used by insurance companies in their attempts to deny claims under uninsured motorist coverage.
What Should I Do If I Am Hit By A Drunk Driver?
A personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover damages from a drunk driver who has hit you and caused you damages. High Stakes Injury Law is ready to speak with you about the best way to collect damages in your drunk driving accident case and to help you recover compensation for your losses.