Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Here’s What You Need to Know
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions on Nevada roads. Victims often face serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.
At The Paul Powell Law Firm, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and pursue full compensation. Whether you’re looking for the best auto accident attorneys or need guidance through the legal process, we have the expertise to support you.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Nevada law provides specific protections for victims of drunk driving accidents. These cases often involve complex liability issues, especially when multiple parties are involved. Our team will investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case to hold negligent drivers accountable. In many cases, drunk drivers may face both criminal charges and civil liability, which can strengthen your claim for damages.
Drunk driving is a serious offense under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484C.110, which prohibits operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Victims of DUI-related crashes have the right to seek compensation through personal injury claims, and in some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish egregious behavior. Our drunk driving accident lawyers are well-versed in these statutes and use them to build compelling cases for our clients.
Why Choose The Paul Powell Law Firm?
With over $250 million recovered for injured clients, our firm has a proven track record of success. We offer personalized attention, aggressive representation, and deep knowledge of Nevada’s legal system. Our car accident lawyers understand the nuances of DUI-related claims and know how to navigate insurance negotiations, court proceedings, and settlement discussions.
We are consistently recognized among the best auto accident attorneys in Nevada, thanks to our commitment to client advocacy and results-driven strategies. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer, you’re gaining a dedicated legal team that treats your case with the urgency and respect it deserves.
Top-Rated Legal Advocacy
We use our proven track record to negotiate or litigate for your maximum settlement aggressively.
Contingency Fee Promise
Our auto accident lawyers work on a contingency basis—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
We Handle Everything
From investigation to negotiation to litigation, we manage the entire legal process.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on the severity of your injuries and the details of the drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses
Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
Lost wages
Income lost due to missed work and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Property damage
Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
Punitive damages
Additional compensation to penalize reckless behavior.
Wrongful DeathIn fatal cases, families may also seek wrongful death damages, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future income support. Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure every aspect of your loss is accounted for.
How We Build Your Case
Handling an injury claim in Nevada requires an intimate understanding of specific state statutes.
Our legal team begins by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident scene, police reports, witness statements, and medical records. We may also consult toxicology experts and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your claim. If the drunk driver was overserved at a bar or restaurant, we may explore dram shop liability under Nevada law.
We handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our car accident lawyers are skilled litigators who fight tirelessly for justice.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes often result in severe injuries due to impaired reaction times and reckless behavior. Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord damage
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Emotional trauma and PTSD
These injuries can have long-term consequences, requiring ongoing medical care and impacting your ability to work and enjoy life. Our goal is to secure compensation that reflects the full scope of your suffering. Let our car accident lawyers help you rebuild your life.
Get Help Today
If you’ve been affected by a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact The Paul Powell Law Firm to speak with a qualified car accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. Call (702) 728-5500 or schedule a free consultation below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Nevada law allows punitive damages in drunk driving accident cases because driving under the influence demonstrates willful misconduct or gross negligence. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior. These damages are in addition to compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our drunk driving accident attorneys aggressively pursue all available damages against impaired drivers who cause injuries.
Nevada has limited dram shop liability, meaning bars and restaurants generally cannot be held liable for serving alcohol to adults who later cause drunk driving accidents. However, there are exceptions: establishments can be held liable for serving visibly intoxicated patrons or serving minors. If a bar or restaurant clearly over-served someone who was already visibly intoxicated before your accident, you may have a claim. Our drunk driving accident lawyers investigate all potential sources of liability.
If you’re hit by a suspected drunk driver, call 911 immediately and report your suspicions to police, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, do not confront the driver about their intoxication, document the scene including the driver’s behavior if safely possible, gather witness contact information, request a copy of the police report which will include any DUI charges or breathalyzer results, and contact a drunk driving accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Evidence of intoxication strengthens your claim significantly.If you’re hit by a suspected drunk driver, call 911 immediately and report your suspicions to police, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, do not confront the driver about their intoxication, document the scene including the driver’s behavior if safely possible, gather witness contact information, request a copy of the police report which will include any DUI charges or breathalyzer results, and contact a drunk driving accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Evidence of intoxication strengthens your claim significantly.
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Nevada can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and property damage. Importantly, Nevada law also allows victims to pursue punitive damages against drunk drivers—these are additional damages meant to punish the driver for breaking the law and deter future misconduct. Las Vegas has one of the highest DUI arrest rates in the country, and The Paul Powell Law Firm has recovered millions for DUI victims.
Yes. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are separate legal proceedings. While the state prosecutes the drunk driver for DUI offenses, you have the independent right to file a civil personal injury claim for compensation. In fact, if the drunk driver is convicted criminally, that conviction can be used as evidence to help prove liability in your civil case. The Paul Powell Law Firm will monitor any criminal proceedings and use them strategically to strengthen your claim.
If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for recovery. Your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide compensation, even though you weren’t at fault. Additionally, you can pursue the drunk driver personally for damages. The Paul Powell Law Firm will explore every avenue of recovery to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, offering free case evaluations with no upfront costs.