According to recent police reports, a motorcyclist was killed when a man driving an SUV failed to yield on a left turn. The SUV driver will be charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death. The driver was attempting to make a left turn and says he did not see the motorcycle approach the intersection. The motorcyclist lost control, fell off his bike and slid into the SUV. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Police advised the driver smelled of alcohol, his words were slurred and his eyes were bloodshot. The driver also failed a field sobriety test as well as a breath test.
DUI ACCIDENTS A BIG PROBLEM IN NEVADA
According to recent statistics, in 2013 there were 14,445 arrests for driving under the influence. This number is an increase from 2012 of 11,576. The state of Nevada reported 82 alcohol related fatalities in 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that every day almost 30 people die from alcohol related crashes. This means that one person dies every 48 minutes from DUI-related crashes. In the state of Nevada, when an individual is convicted of a DUI related offense they will face civil and criminal penalties which will include loss of driving privileges, fines, jail sentences ranging from 6 months to 20 years and fines up to $5,000. However, there is no provision in criminal law to compensate the victims for their losses. The consequences of drunk driving do not only affect the offender but extend outward to their families and the community as a whole. Family and friends must now face the reality that this loved one is not coming home. Most families are ill-prepared for such a sudden loss and the realization of what is to come hits hard. If your family is dealing with a tragedy such as this, you may experience anger, sleeplessness, depression, withdrawal from others and from enjoyable activities, guilt and loss of faith. You or someone you love may do things that are out of character and you may find yourself looking for ways to punish the offender. These are all normal responses to a wrongful death; however, there is a better way to hold the person accountable who caused your loss: a personal injury lawsuit. High Stakes Injury Law can help. We have years of experience in the process of collecting compensative and punitive damages for individuals who are dealing with losses due to the irresponsible actions of another. Contact High Stakes Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation.