Two individuals riding a motor scooter were injured and listed in critical condition after being struck by a driver who is suspected of driving under the influence. The accident happened on one of the busiest side streets of the Las Vegas strip. The driver and the passenger were struck from behind and thrown from the scooter. Police stated the other driver failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence. There is no word on the prognosis of the two scooter victims.
ACCIDENTS AND PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS
This type of accident is one of the reasons that personal injury lawsuits exist. In 2013, there were 14,445 arrests for driving under the influence. This number is an increase from 2012 of 11,576. In the state of Nevada, when an individual is convicted of a DUI related offense, he or she may face criminal penalties which can include loss of driving privileges, fines, jail sentences ranging from 6 months to 20 years and fines up to $5,000, depending upon the severity of the crime.
In Las Vegas, drinking is very common. Many of those who drink alcohol will take a cab or walk to their destination, but others do not. Unfortunately, the consequences of drunk driving will not only affect the offender but will extend to the victims as well. Those who are injured in a DUI crash may not only face immediate injuries but may possibly face long-term suffering and disability. Immediate damages and injuries include surgery, temporary disability and emotional distress. Long-term dangers can include lost wages, loss of livelihood, physical rehabilitation and permanent disability. Personal injury damages are intended to cover the costs incurred by an individual who is injured by another's carelessness. These costs may include medical bills, property damage and something most commonly referred to as "pain and suffering." In accidents where an individual's conduct is exceptionally egregious or careless, compensation may include not only compensatory damages but also punitive damages intended not to make the victim "whole" but to punish the offender.
The Las Vegas injury lawyers and staff at Jack Bernstein & Associates can help. We have years of experience in the process of collecting compensatory and punitive damages for individuals who are dealing with losses due to the irresponsible actions of another. Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates Law Firm today to schedule a consultation about your accident case.