Alcohol impairs drivers in dangerous and predictable ways
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Aug 02, 2017
Drunk driving accidents claim thousands of lives every year. That statement is not an exaggeration. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration more than 10,000 people lost their lives in alcohol-related vehicle accidents during the 2015 calendar year. Many of those victims were known and loved by Nevada residents who still carry the pain of loss in their hearts.

Drunk driving is against the law because it is dangerous. There is no question that drunk drivers are a threat to themselves and others who must share the roads with them. When consumed responsibly, alcohol can be a reasonable drink of choice for adults of legal age, but due to the drastic effects it may have on a person’s body, it should not be ingested before or during the operation of a motor vehicle.

A small amount of alcohol, just enough to elevate a person’s blood alcohol concentration to .02 can have a perceptible impact on the drinker’s concentration and motor function. The individual may not be able to concentrate on multiple tasks, and he or she may lose some of the mental alertness possessed otherwise, when not intoxicated.

Ingesting more alcohol, enough to raise a person’s blood alcohol concentration to .08, creates major problems for a driver and those around them. The drunk driver may have lapses in memory and may be unable to process information, such as hazards in the road or speed limits, in a timely enough manner to react to dangers near them. As a driver’s blood alcohol concentration continues to rise he or she may lose the ability to control the vehicle and may lack the reaction time to respond to driving responsibilities.

Though the speed at which impairments due to alcohol can impact drivers may vary, the effects most intoxicated drivers will experience are dangerous and predictable. Victims of drunk driving accidents understand how life-altering these events can be and are encouraged to consider discussing their legal rights with personal injury attorneys.

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What are common causes of distracted driving car accidents?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 31, 2017
Distracted driving can occur when a Reno driver chooses to take his or her attention away from the important task of watching the road and focuses that attention on another person or thing. Certain types of distracted driving can result in the distracted drivers receiving tickets from the law enforcement officials who catch them. More significantly, though, distracted driving is a dangerous practice that can lead to serious and sometimes deadly car accidents.

Any time drivers fail to look at the road ahead of them they are allowing chances for an unseen hazard or obstacle to get in their way. Often, distracted drivers are looking at their smartphones, global positioning devices, or other pieces of technology when they inadvertently rear end other vehicles, drive out of their lanes, or commit other driving offenses that put other motorists and their passengers in danger.

Sometimes, distracted driving results when people are distracted by their passengers, the music they chose to play in their vehicles, or other sounds and noises around them. Distractions can be tangible or consumable such as the food and drinks drivers eat, and the make-up and other grooming tools they use while operating their cars.

While it can be difficult to eliminate all distractions when operating a vehicle, drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their cars, trucks and SUVs at all times. If they are not observing their surroundings due to a distraction they can quickly put others in dangerous situations and can cause significant harm and injuries. Victims of distracted driving accidents may benefit from discussing their cases with personal injury attorneys and protecting their rights to accident-related compensation.

Additional Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/812_381_distracteddriving2015.pdf

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Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 19, 2017
The human body is composed of complex systems that must function together in order for a person to maintain his or her physical well-being. While many organs and systems play vital roles in managing the health of a person, the brain and associated nervous system are integral to almost every other process the body must complete. Reno residents who have been involved in vehicle crashes and other accidents may have sustained injuries to an important part of their bodies’ nervous systems: the spinal cord.

The spinal cord runs down the back of a person’s torso and is composed of a bundle of nerves. Those nerves extend from the brain, down the spinal cord and out to the far reaches of the body’s appendages and organs. When the spinal cord is in good health, the brain is able to effectively communicate with the body. However, when it sustains an injury it may be unable to send important messages from the brain to nerves throughout the rest of the body.

If a signal from the brain does not reach its intended body part because of a spinal cord injury , and the body does not respond , it is possible that the body has suffered paralysis. Paralysis is the immobility of a part of a person’s body and , depending upon the severity of the spinal cord injury , a person’s paralysis may be partial or widespread.

While this post is not offered to provide its readers with medical or legal advice, it is proffered to introduce one devastating consequence that some spinal cord injury victims will face. The costs associated with recovering from a spinal cord injury and living with paralysis can be very expensive and may threaten victims’ abilities to care for themselves and others. Spinal cord injury victims may wish to further explore their legal options for seeking recovery of their damages, and can consult with personal injury attorneys to attempt to determine that they are on the right track.

Additional Source: https://medlineplus.gov/spinalcordinjuries.html

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Wrong way car accident leaves one dead in Nevada
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 12, 2017
Most Nevada highways are well marked to indicate to drivers where they may permissibly enter and exit the roadways. The signage used serves many purposes, including the protection of drivers from inadvertently driving the wrong way onto busy and high-speed throughways. Traveling at high speeds can be dangerous on its own, but when a driver ends up traveling the wrong way on such a road, the outcome can be deadly.

Just recently, the driver of a sedan made a tragic move by driving on to Interstate 80. The incident occurred at Pyramid Way in Sparks when the driver of the sedan drove the vehicle onto the interstate’s off ramp and into traffic that was traveling in the opposite direction. The wrong way vehicle crashed into a tanker truck on the interstate and caused a serious car accident.

There is no indication at this time if the driver of the wrong way car was under the influence of any substances that may have impacted his or her judgment, though that driver was killed. The driver of the tanker truck was hurt in the collision as well, but will recover from the injuries.

This story has a tragic outcome and highlights just how devastating vehicle accidents can be when drivers make deadly errors when behind the wheels of their cars. Whether this driver chose to enter the interstate at the wrong place, made a mistake due to a distraction, or was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he or she went the wrong way onto Interstate 80 may be revealed through an investigation into the incident. Individuals who have been harmed in similar crashes may wish to look into their options for seeking damages from the parties that caused them harm in wrong way accidents.

Source: ktvn.com, ” NHP Investigates Deadly Wrong-Way Crash on I-80 Near Pyramid Highway ,” Nicole Jackson, July 6, 2017

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Drinking and driving can lead to holiday car accidents
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 06, 2017
The Fourth of July is a particularly exciting holiday when Reno residents can enjoy the beauty of Nevada’s summer while celebrating the autonomy of our great nation. It is a time when friends become family and communities come together to enjoy each other’s company, feast on cookout fare, and watch amazing fireworks displays in the sky. It is also a time when individuals may choose to partake in the consumption of alcohol, which, under controlled circumstances, can be a safe endeavor for adults.

However, not everyone makes good decisions about drinking and driving when celebrating the birth of our nation. Individuals may indulge in their favorite alcoholic beverages and then make the dangerous decision to climb behind the wheels of their cars to drive themselves home after their celebrations have ended. While some may make it to their destinations without suffering any harm, others may be unable to control their vehicles adequately and may cause violent collisions with other motorists on the roads.

Drunk driving accidents are horrible tragedies because they are generally preventable. A simple choice not to drive, or to have a designated driver in place, may save the lives of individuals who are unfortunate enough to encounter drunk drivers on the roads. Readers who have experienced losses due to drunk drivers understand the pain and suffering that may accompany losing a loved one in this type of vehicle accident.

The attorneys of the law firm of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] hope that the readers of their personal injury legal blog have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July week. It is their wish that every individual who attends a Fourth of July celebration makes it to and from their destination without incident; they know, though, that drinking and driving may impact some who want only to have fun. For those whose holidays are ruined by negligent drunk drivers, more information is available on our website.

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What is ’cause in fact’ in a Nevada motorcycle accident?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 29, 2017
In April, this blog discussed a bit about the concept of negligence in Nevada and, more specifically, what the elements of such a claim would be in a civil case to recover damages due to, say, a motorcycle accident. We also touched on the elements of legal duty and breach of that duty as the first part of such a case. Some may realize that simply having a breach of a legal duty will not be enough to impose liability, however. The next part of a negligence case is showing causation; that is, did the injuries in the accident result from the breach of duty claimed?

There are two kinds of causation in a negligence case, and both must be shown for a victim to recover. Today we will very briefly discuss ‘ cause in fact ,’ the first of these types of causation. ‘Proximate cause’ is a bit more complicated and will have to wait for a post of its own.

Cause in fact is also sometimes known as ‘but-for’ causation, because it attempts to determine whether the negligence alleged actually caused the stated injury. In other words, but for the negligent action or inaction, would the injury not have occurred? This may be thought of, in a way, as direct causation. Did the breach of the legal duty in the case actually lead to the accident, and thus the injury, directly, no matter how attenuated the timeframe? This is generally the easier of the causation elements to prove, because in many cases it will be obvious that the negligent behavior caused the accident in question.

Motorcycle accidents can have huge consequences for those involved. Due to their small size and lack of safety features, motorcycles offer little in the way of protection from injury when they crash. Those who believe they have been injured do to another’s negligence, may wish to consider consulting an experienced Nevada injury attorney.

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Nevada spinal cord injuries can complicate a life immensely
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 22, 2017
“Grow a spine!” “Get some backbone!” These and other idiomatic expressions abound. But, while they may be useful in getting ideas across, often in a humorous way, actual spinal cord injuries are no laughing matter. It is an unfortunate fact that people cannot literally grow a spine, and when it is damaged in a car accident or other tragic situation, the result is that a victim’s life is altered forever.

Because the spinal cord is the main conduit for nerve impulses from the brain to our extremities, the damage to it means the loss of functionality. The results of these injuries can even be permanent paralysis.

Even if paralysis is not a result, however, spinal cord injuries can create other serious conditions. These can include intense pain, nerve damage and the loss of other bodily functions. These problems can mean incredible medical costs, including for treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation and physical therapy. Further, the serious physical consequences of a spinal cord injury could result in the victim’s inability to continue working.

When such an injury is caused by another’s negligence, whether in a car crash work accident, a victim may have the right to compensation. Given the likelihood of life-altering consequences, it is incumbent on a victim and his or her family to protect their legal rights, if they wish to mitigate their losses. Those who find themselves in such a situation may wish to consider reaching out to an experienced Nevada injury attorney. As these situations are filled with stress and sorrow, having the guidance of a professional can mean all the difference in achieving justice.

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Subrogation and Nevada car accident victims
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 15, 2017
Nevadans are generally a hardy lot. Whether it is the old frontier mind-set or just a byproduct of the harsh, but beautiful, environment, Nevada residents tend remain stoic. However, dealing with an insurance company after a serious car accident can have a detrimental effect on even the calmest individual.

Some might think that once they manage to get their payments from the insurance company that the matter is over. Unfortunate, that is not always the case.

One reason is the legal concept of ” subrogation.” Subrogation is a means by which the insurance company inserts itself into any potential claim the injured individual may have against the person who caused the car accident. The company places itself, in legal terms, in the place of the injured person.

The basic idea behind subrogation is that an accident victim should not get a windfall by being paid twice for the same injury (e.g., by both the insurance company and the negligent party). However, in practice, it can be a problem for accident victims. The insurance company may request repayment of what it paid on the policy from any settlement proceeds, which may dramatically cut in to the accident victim’s needed compensation. The company might also insert itself into any settlement negotiations to protect its subrogation rights, complicating the process of “getting to yes.”

Nevada car accident victims need to be aware of the possibility of insurance company subrogation, and realize they may have some rights. Further, any potential subrogation should be taken into account, while assessing settlement offers, so as to ensure the victim comes as close to being made whole as possible.

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How much insurance must be carried for truck accidents?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 08, 2017
Most Nevada drivers are probably aware that the law requires them to carry insurance coverage for their vehicles. That is, they are not allowed to drive on the public streets unless they can show they have at least, a minimum amount of automobile liability insurance.

There is good reason for this: the cost to individuals involved in automobile accidents can be great, and when no one is able to pay that cost, it is passed on to society at large. Mandatory insurance ensures that even if someone cannot pay for injuries from an accident he or she caused, insurance will pay, and the risk will be spread among the pool of the insured.

It should not surprise Nevada residents then, trucking companies must also provide insurance for their vehicles. In fact, due to their large size and weight, and the potential that they have for causing even more catastrophic damage than passenger cars, it would make sense that the requirements for insurance coverage are higher than those for drivers of personal vehicles.

The Federal Code of Regulations sets out the minimum amount of coverage those operating commercial trucks must carry. We will focus here on those vehicles carrying goods, as common carriers transporting people are covered by a different regulation.

The federal government requires that companies operating a truck carrying non-hazardous goods carry at least $750,000 of financial responsibility. Those carrying oil and a few other specific substances must carry at least $1,000,000. And, companies that transport things classified as hazardous materials must have at least $5,000,000.

As can be seen, the amounts of insurance carried by commercial carriers are generally quite a bit above those carried by other drivers. But, this seems right, considering that those involved in truck accidents can generally expect to have heavy medical and recuperative costs, not to mentione missed work and other economic damages, as well as pain and suffering.

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Nevada man dead after accident; another charged with DUI
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 01, 2017
We have all seen the public service announcements by the government. These commercials by groups, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the warnings from law enforcement about stricter monitoring of drunk driving. Yet, every day, people get behind the wheels of motor vehicles after having had too much alcohol. And, it often leads to drunk driving accidents , and sometimes, to death.

One such incident happened recently in the eastern section of nearby Las Vegas. Reportedly, a 1998 Honda Accord collided with a 2014 Ford Mustang in an intersection. According to authorities, the 24-year-old driver of the Accord had run a stop sign, and hit the Mustang broadside on the driver’s side. Unfortunately, the driver of the Mustang, aged 80, was killed at the scene from blunt force trauma.

The surviving driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He has been booked on charges of Fatal Driving Under the Influence (DUI), possession of a controlled substance and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. Bail had not been set at the time of the report and the 24-year-old remained in custody.

Great strides have been made in the fight against drunk driving since it first became a major social issue in the 1970s and 1980s. There is still a long way to go. Even one Nevada family having to deal with the loss of a loved one due to the preventable crime of drunk driving is too many. Those who have lost someone in a drunk driving accident may wish to consider whether they have a legal right to recover compensation from the negligent driver.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal, ” Man arrested after fatal crash in eastern Las Vegas Valley ,” Mike Shoro, May 23, 2017

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