Hit by a Drunk Driver? Dram Shop and Social Host Liability

In 2014, the Las Vegas police made 4,500 arrests for drunk driving. In 2012, over 7,700 drunk driving arrests were made in Las Vegas alone. Many people are affected by drunk drivers in Las Vegas, a city that sells alcohol 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you may face a long uphill battle before you, and you should not have to worry about medical expenses, lost wages, or the injury or death of a loved one, due to a drunk driver. So what are your legal options when you are hit by a drunk driver? Not only will the drunk driver likely face criminal charges, but you can sue the driver in civil court. If the driver was under 21 and was knowingly served alcohol, the individual or business that made that decision can also be liable for your injuries.
 
Bringing a Civil Lawsuit
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Naqvi Injury Law can help you bring a civil lawsuit if you have been injured by drunk drivers. Filing a civil lawsuit is completely separate from the criminal charges the drunk driver will face in criminal court. Criminal proceedings can occur whether or not the drunk driver injured anybody; no accident is required for a drunk driver to face criminal penalties.
 
The purpose of the criminal process is to punish the person who drove drunk for breaking the law and for putting others in danger, and to deter and prevent similar reckless behavior in the future. Criminal prosecution of the drunk driver can happen even if he or she injured no one. The purpose of the civil suit is to compensate the victim of the drunk driver for any damages incurred as a result of property damage or bodily injury caused by being hit, as well as for any lost wages and future medical expenses.
 
Other Potentially Responsible Parties
If you are the victim of a drunk driver, the driver might not be the only person accountable to you under Nevada law. Nevada’s “dram shop” and “social host” liability laws may also apply if the drunk driver was underage and was knowingly served alcohol by a restaurant, bar, or other individual or business. In such scenarios, those parties may also be liable for the drunk driver’s negligence.
 
Damages and Compensation Available in a Drunk Driving Lawsuit
Usually the only way to recover medical expenses, payment for the replacement or repair of damaged property, or lost wages that result from the drunk driver’s negligence is by filing a lawsuit. Pain and suffering damages are also available to those injured by the actions of a drunk driver.
 
If the actions of a drunk driver result in the death of a loved one, then the survivors of the victim, or an appointed representative, can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In a wrongful death suit, medical care costs and damage costs prior to death can be recovered, as well as funeral costs and costs for pain and suffering.
 
Contact Naqvi Injury Law
It is crucial that you hire an experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Naqvi Injury Law are standing by to discuss your claim and how we can help you. Reach out to us today.