Police reports and negligence in drunk driving accidents
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Dec 05, 2014
After an accident, an injured person may be asking how it happened. Some car accidents are directly caused by the fact that another driver was impaired behind the wheel. When others have been hurt by a drunk driver, the injured may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages through a personal injury lawsuit. In any such case, the police report on the accident will likely be a major part of the evidence for the injured person’s lawsuit.

At the scene of the accident, an officer may determine that he or she has probable cause to arrest a person on charges related to a drunk driving accident. Because an accident has already occurred, the investigating officer has authority to investigate and possibly detain the people involved in the accident. The officer may then look around the vehicle or perform field sobriety tests to determine if alcohol could have been a factor in the crash.

Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is measured by a breath or blood test. This will determine if a person was operating a vehicle above the Nevada legal limit of 0.08. A driver could face criminal charges resulting from an accident with BAC above Nevada’s legal limit.

A civil personal injury lawsuit based upon a drunk driving accident is different in many ways from any criminal justice proceedings arising from the same accident, but the evidence from criminal case can be very important to the civil case. A personal injury lawsuit is based upon the theory of negligence. If the injured person can show that the injuries were the result of the defendant’s negligence, then the negligent party can be held liable for damages. A police report or a conviction that shows that the defendant was drunk at the time of the accident can be very important evidence to show negligence.

Source: FindLaw.com, ” DUI and probable cause ,” accessed Dec. 1, 2014

Compensation may be available after a motorcycle accident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Dec 04, 2015
Motorcycle accidents can be the catastrophic result of a negligent driver. If an upstanding Reno motorcyclist is operating their bike safely with awareness and happens to be caught at the wrong place at the wrong time, that is seriously unlucky. However, a bad situation can turn even worse if the motorcyclist is struck with catastrophic injuries due to such an incident. There are ways that motorcyclists can collect for injuries sustained due to the driving decisions of another.

Motorcycle accident victims are known for having serious injuries when they are involved in a collision with a negligent driver. This is because oftentimes the motorcyclist is involved in a crash with a regular passenger vehicle. Since these vehicles weigh much more, and the motorcyclist is left largely unprotected, the result can be catastrophic when the two collide. Oftentimes passenger vehicles fail to yield to oncoming motorcycle traffic and can turn into them causing a terrible outcome for the motorcyclist. This can happen when driver’s are distracted or are not looking carefully enough for motorcyclists. This is also known as negligent driving behavior.

If you or a loved one was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident that resulted in bodily injury and property damage, you may want to understand your legal position at this time. In order to prove fault, the driver accused of negligence must be at least 50 percent responsible for the motorcycle accident. It is possible that the driver could be more responsible, but as long as they are at least 50 percent responsible, Reno motorcycle accident victims can potentially collect. The recoverable percentage for the injured in such a situation is given based on the proven percentage of fault and then applying that percentage to monetary damage amounts related to the crash.

While there isn’t much that a responsible motorcyclists can do about distracted, inattentive and negligent drivers, at least they can be aware that they are present on Reno roads today. Armed with that knowledge, many motorcyclists know how to defend themselves if they were ever injured by another vehicle in a crash . There are so many factors at play on the roads today that knowledge truly is power. Reno motorcyclists should take this knowledge to heart in determining they potential legal position after a motorcycle accident causing injury.

The costs associated with a permanent spinal cord injury
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Nov 28, 2014
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury , you may be wondering what the long-term financial repercussions could be that are associated with this type of injury. Of course, these numbers will vary greatly from person-to-person. This is largely due to the severity of the individual injury. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center has put together a financial chart of what one could realistically expect to incur cost-wise due to a permanent spinal cord injury.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the long-term costs of a spinal cord injury resulting in some level of paralysis are significant. For instance, if a person suffers even some level of paralysis, that person will incur on average $342,112 for their first year medical expenses. Each subsequent year will average an additional $41,554 in medical expenses. These expenses apply to entry level paralysis cases- not paraplegia or quadriplegia.

For those victims who suffer from paraplegia or quadriplegia, the costs are nearly double or more. For example, the first year medical costs for a paraplegic are roughly $510,833 with each year costing an additional $67,677 in medical expenses. This is no small amount of money. Remember, these are costs associated with medical expenses alone. It doesn’t take into account lost wages due to the disability or other costs that may be associated with this type of disability.

As the evidence clearly states, paralysis is a serious medical condition that can take a toll on one’s finances. Many are never prepared for a financial responsibility such as this. Remember that each case is different and sometimes short-term paralysis can be rehabilitated to some degree. This will happen and be diagnosed on a case by case basis with a medical professional.

Source: nscisc.uab.edu, ” Spinal Cord Facts and Figures at a Glance ,” Accessed Nov. 24, 2014

Why Nevada car accident victims should seek compensation
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Nov 20, 2014
Multiple Nevada residents are involved in car accidents everyday and these people suffer a range of injuries, some of them serious. If you have been injured in a car accident, your misfortune could warrant compensation for your injuries. In this respect, the experienced team at Bradley, Drendel and Jeanney has experience with helping victims obtain this compensation.

There are many reasons a car accident can occur. Many of them are due to the miscalculations, or negligence, of other drivers. A few things that can and have caused car accidents are distractions such as using cell phones, listening to the radio and putting on makeup. Accidents can happen when drivers are distracted, and these minor distractions can lead to the serious injury of other drivers.

Have you fallen victim to the poor driving decisions of another? There are many reasons this accident may have occurred. Only a full investigation of the evidence and facts surrounding the accident will determine exactly how and why the car accident occurred. The attorneys in our Reno offices handled serious motor vehicle accidents over the course of decades. We know the Nevada court system and the attitudes of the judges and juries in this area, and we have been recognized for providing high quality representation to our clients in car accident cases.

Your injuries are unique to you and the accident that you unfortunately were involved in. Allowing another perspective and opinion into you case can help to clarify or simplify the situation. Do not downplay your injuries.

Source: [SOURCE, “HYPERLINKED STORY TITLE,” AUTHOR (IF ANY), DATE PUBLISHED; if not news-centric, leave entire line blank]

Semi-truck driver cited for speed in Storey County crash
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Nov 14, 2014
truck accident

Source:

How does Blood Alcohol Concentration affect driving ability?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Nov 07, 2014
You cannot control the actions and decisions of those around you. However, you can control how you recognize and respond to these decisions. The best way to deal with a car accident with a drunk driver is to prevent it from happening in the first place. One may ask how to avoid such a thing? The Center for Disease control explains how Blood Alcohol Concentration can possibly cause a drunk driving accident that could affect you or a loved one’s life forever.

Although you may make the correct choice not to drink and drive, others unfortunately may not. If the person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration or BAC is above Nevada’s legal limit of .08, they could cause a car accident.

At the legal BAC of .08, the CDC has made note of several effects alcohol has on the consumer. There is loss of concentration, reduced information processing and short term memory loss to name a few. This can show up in a person’s driving such as loss of speed control, loss of signal detection and impaired perception. At the .10 level, it is proven that a driver has a reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately. BAC level of .10 is above the legal limit and even at .02 difference is shown to cause driver inability behind the wheel.

If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver it is important to know that this accident is not your fault. If the other driver was impaired at the time of the accident they are most likely liable for the accident. This may include liability for injuries or damages the accident has caused you.

Source: cdc.gov, ” Affects of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)” Accessed November 6, 2014

Those who visit and reside in Nevada cities know that heavy traffic is just something that comes with the territory. Traveling on congested city streets can feel like a nightmare. For motorcyclists, however, riding in heavy traffic can be incredibly dangerous. Here are a few strategies riders can use to help reduce the 
 

Be visible

Before taking to the road,
 
motorcyclists should make sure that they are visible to other drivers and pedestrians, even from a distance. Riders’ attire and gear should always be brightly colored, especially helmets and jackets. Avoid wearing all-black or low-visibility attire.
 

Stay vigilant

Motorcyclists who ride on crowded streets need to stay aware of their surroundings at all times. Riders should always be scanning their surrounding environment, from mirrors and instruments, to the road ahead and blind spots. By staying focused and aware, riders can better react to unexpected moves from other motorists and pedestrians.
 

Cover the brakes

In heavy traffic, reacting quickly can help to avoid a deadly accident. To minimize reaction time, it is helpful for motorcyclists to keep a finger or two on the brake lever. Other drivers often fail to see motorcycles, so keeping a hand near the brake can help riders stop quickly in the event they are cut off by another driver.
 
Motorcyclists face unique dangers and risks that are not present for motorists in passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents have a higher chance of being serious or fatal since riders are exposed. When motorcycle accidents happen as the result of negligence, victims or surviving family members reserve the 
. A successfully litigated lawsuit could end in a much-needed monetary award.

Obtaining compensation in Nevada for spinal cord injuries
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 24, 2014
Some people have had the terrible experience of being at the wrong place, at the wrong time. This unluckiness doesn’t always stem from pulling the short straw. Sometimes, another party is at fault for a misfortune. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, consider all aspects of the accident before you write it off as bad luck.

Spinal cord injuries are a type of injury that can range in severity. A mild injury can consist of symptoms such as moderate pain or even headaches. The more serious injuries could mean complete or partial paralysis. These injuries are life-altering, and the pain and damage done is very significant to the injured and their family.

All accident claims require a high level of legal skill and aggressive advocacy. But when dealing with brain trauma or a spinal cord injury such as paraplegia or quadriplegia, you need attorneys who understand how to deal with the multifaceted complexities of these serious cases. At [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], our firm calls upon more than 50 years of legal experience in personal injury cases. We only focus on accident claims, so our lawyers understand the detailed nuances of injury law, insurers’ defense tactics and how to secure the evidence necessary for a successful settlement.

There are also options related to insurance company claims. We have extensive trial experience, so if the insurance company is not treating you fairly, we have the legal skill to effectively fight for your rights at trial – and win. Do not leave any reparations for your spinal cord injury to chance. Trust the professional at [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] to recover every last dime you deserve.

Hit-and-run causes injuries to elderly Nevada resident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 17, 2014
Car accidents happen so quickly that it can cause a lot of confusion and even put you in a daze if you suffer head injuries in the accident. When a person is involved in a car accident they are obligated by law to stop the car and check for injuries. Recently, a Nevada man did not do this after his Dodge Durango struck a man in a vehicle on Jeanell Drive in Carson City. He is now charged with felony hit-and-run after he fled the scene.

The accident occurred when the man in the Dodge Durango allegedly pulled out in front of the elderly man. When he collided with the vehicle, the elderly man suffered a fractured rib, a fractured right ankle and whiplash.

The man in the Dodge Durango sped off and that’s when the police were called to the area. They discovered the vehicle parked at an apartment building near the accident and that’s where they found the man. He is now held on felony hit-and-run charge on $40,000 bail at the local jail.

When police officers questioned the man and the passenger in the vehicle, they changed their story several times as to what happened. They first said they fled the scene because they were scared — but this is not a legitimate defense. All drivers are required to stop when a car accident occurs. This is for the safety of all drivers and passengers involved.

The elderly Nevada man will likely seek compensation for the serious injuries sustained in the accident. The allegations against the driver of the Dodge Durango involve a serious felony accusation. Car accidents like these would likely not have carried felony charges if the man would not have fled the scene of the accident. Safety and the well-being of others should be the top priority for all drivers.

Source: carsonnow.org, ” Man jailed on felony hit-and-run charge after crash injures elderly driver ,” Jeff Munson, Oct. 12, 2014

Nevada car accidents attributed to distracted driving
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Oct 10, 2014
Distracted driving has been a hot topic recently in Nevada and national news media. Everyone is talking about how dangerous it is to be texting and driving. This is because using a cell phone while behind the wheel can lead to inattentive and dangerous driving. Such inattention has been linked to negligent driving resulting in serious injuries to themselves or others.

However, distracted driving means much more than simply talking or texting on a cell phone. Anything that could take person’s eyes or mind away from the road can be distracted driving. Aside from using a cell phone, fiddling with the radio or even eating and drinking can cause distractions. These distractions imperil both the driver and anyone else on the road. These distractions have been the focus of much research and public attention.

The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration concluded from research that drivers between ages 20 and 29 cause 27 percent of fatal crashes connected with distracted driving. This fatality rate shows how severe the consequences of distracted driving can be. In this respect, a crash can happen quite quickly when someone is distracted behind the wheel. Researchers published a study that suggested that in the five seconds that eyes are off the road while a person is texting (at 55 mph) that driver’s car can travel 100 yards. This is reason enough to believe that texting and driving is a very dangerous activity that endangers the lives of everyone on the road.

As hand held digital devices become more common, it is becoming more crucial to stress the importance of staying attentive while driving. This helps to prevent serious injuries from occurring due to distracted drivers. Many drivers become the victims of distracted driving incidents every year. It is important that all drivers recognize the importance of paying attention to the road and the road alone.

Source: Distraction.gov, “What is distracted driving?” accessed Oct. 6, 2014