In 2008, roughly 33 percent of all car accident deaths in Nevada involved a drunk driver (i.e. someone who has a blood alcohol concentration of higher than 0.08). In total, 324 people in Nevada were killed in car wrecks involving drunk drivers, according to alcoholalert.com. Thousands more suffered serious injuries in these types of accidents.

There’s a good chance some of these drunk drivers were in Las Vegas looking to have a good time. Maybe they came to town ready to cut loose and paint the town red. Nevertheless, having a good time doesn’t excuse someone from drinking and driving. It is one of the most reckless and dangerous decisions a driver can make.

If you were hurt in a car crash in Las Vegas or Clark County, maybe on Interstate 15 (I-15) or I-215, and it was determined the at-fault driver was drunk, consider giving my office a call. You could be facing thousands of dollars worth of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You shouldn’t have to struggle with these expenses when it’s clear the other driver was reckless and irresponsible.

In addition to the compensation for your medical bills, there is something called “punitive damages.” This is money awarded to you in order to reprimand the at-fault driver and try to dissuade other drivers from engaging similar reckless driving behavior.

I have handled personal injury cases involving drunk driver accident victims where punitive damages were awarded. If you were seriously injured by a drunk driver, I will pursue punitive damages, if possible. Why? Because you were the victim of a major car accident that may have been prevented if the at-fault driver acted more responsibly. You deserve that additional compensation considering the trauma associated with a major car crash can take months, or even years, to fully recover from.