Spinal cord injury common complaint after car accident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Sep 05, 2014
We have already discussed how another driver’s actions can constitute reckless driving in Nevada. These types of car accidents can result in serious injuries for the passengers involved in the accident. There are several possible injuries that can occur after a car accident. One serious injury that can have lifelong consequences are spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries can affect the lower, middle or upper spine including the neck. The brunt force impact of some car accidents can jolt the spine in such a way that causes serious injury to the area. Results of an injured spine can be paralysis or loss of feeling and movement in certain areas of the body. Car accidents can also result in whiplash which is the sudden movement of the head and neck.

Whiplash is a very common complaint after car accidents, especially after rear-end collisions. The sudden movement of the head and neck causes neck muscle and ligament damage. Pain and swelling are frequent symptoms of whiplash. It is also possible for whiplash victims to experience temporary vocal cord paralysis after a car accident.

If a person was involved in a car accident where a spinal cord injury or whiplash was sustained, it is important to speak with a medical professional about the medical symptoms. It is also crucial to investigate the facts of the crash thoroughly. If injuries sustained during a car accident were due to the negligence of another driver, the affected driver should fully investigate in order to claim any damages owed to him or her. If chosen, the attorney representing the injured will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for the client.

Source: findlaw.com, ” Types of Car Accident Injuries ,” Accessed Sept. 1, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Spinal cord injury common complaint after car accident

What constitutes reckless driving in Nevada?
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Aug 28, 2014
After a car accident associated with serious injuries, many victims have questions about their rights. If the other driver involved in the accident was at fault, the affected party could be eligible for compensation for their injuries. It is important to understand the facts of the accident in order to accuse someone of fault. Car accidents are typically governed by the rules of negligence, however in cases of reckless driving, if the accused can prove evidence of reckless or aggressive driving, negligence need not be proved.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association aims to reduce the number of car accidents. In 2012, they recorded 5,615,000 car accidents reported to the police. That is an astonishing number and many people die or are seriously injured in car accidents every year due to reckless drivers. Legally, an affected party may have a case against a person who is accused of reckless driving.

Reckless driving is defined as a driver who has intentional or reckless conduct. This means that their actions prove that they were not being negligent while driving — in fact, the driver was acting unlawful while driving. Unlawful driving includes speeding above posted speed limits, driving too fast for road conditions, illegal or excessive lane changing and improper passing — such as using the shoulder or without using a turn signal. Driving in this manner is against the law and considered reckless since it endangers the lives of the driver and others on the road.

If awarded damages, the victim could be compensated for medical expenses, loss of wages or pain and suffering due to the accident. Reckless driving laws are imposed in order to keep members of the community safe while driving. It is important to know the details of a crash investigation and how those facts play into state law governing reckless driving. The NHTSA hopes to minimize the number and severity of car accidents around the United States and to make the roads a safer place for all.

Source: findlaw.com, ” Car Accident Basics ,” Accessed August 25, 2014

Source: findlaw.com, ” Car Accident Basics ,” Accessed August 25, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on What constitutes reckless driving in Nevada?

Nevada pedestrian struck by alleged drunk driver
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Aug 21, 2014
Car accidents involving two vehicles can be scary. These accidents are not as terrifying as those between a vehicle and a pedestrian. These types of accidents happen and can cause serious injuries or even death. A Nevada resident was allegedly struck and seriously injured by a drunk driver while pushing his bicycle across Flamingo Road, in Las Vegas.

The pedestrian who was struck was pushing his bicycle across the road — outside of the marked crosswalk when the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro heading eastbound on Flamingo hit him. His injuries are categorized as serious and the pedestrian was rushed to a local hospital. The driver was given a field sobriety test by officers and failed. He was arrested on one count of driving while intoxicated.

The investigation is currently ongoing. Details were not released concerning the driver’s blood alcohol level. It’s possible there could be further charges due to the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries sustained from the drunk driving accident. DUI is a serious offense that has a range of penalties as governed by state law and the severity of the offense in question.

In cases where pedestrians are struck by a drunk driver, it is sad to think that this event could have been prevented. Simply the driver of the Camaro choosing not to get behind the wheel would have prevented this terrible accident from ever happening. Safety of everyone on the road should be the first priority of all drivers on the road today. Especially in a city like Las Vegas where pedestrians are everywhere, drunk driving is highly discouraged — and illegal.

Source: Las Vegas Sun, ” Man arrested on DUI count after pedestrian hit crossing road ,” Aug. 11, 2014

Source: Las Vegas Sun, ” Man arrested on DUI count after pedestrian hit crossing road ,” Aug. 11, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Nevada pedestrian struck by alleged drunk driver

Driver believed impaired at time of rollover crash in Nevada
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Aug 14, 2014
The terrifying thing about impaired drivers is that they could be anywhere at any time. Even if people are the safest driver on the road and aware of their surroundings, they can still become involved in a drunk driving accident. These accidents sometimes cause serious injuries to the sober driver involved in the accident. An event like this happened last week on Nevada’s Jones Boulevard where a man was rushed to the hospital after a car crash involving a suspected drunk driver.

The victim was cruising right along in his Chevrolet, heading southbound on Jones Boulevard, when the crash occurred. The suspected impaired driver came up behind the Chevrolet in his Subaru and while straddling the middle lane, struck the Chevy from behind. This caused the Chevrolet to rollover near the intersection of Jones Blvd and Hacienda Avenue. Witnesses claim the Subaru did not slow down before it struck the Chevy.

The driver of the Chevy is listed in critical condition and the driver of the Subaru is reported as awaiting prosecution under suspicion of impaired driving. It’s possible that the driver could face charges for felony DUI since bodily harm resulted from the accident.

Driving under the influence is a serious crime that can have horrendous consequences, like the serious injuries sustained to the driver of the Chevrolet. Exercising extreme care while driving will help to avoid accidents such as this from happening. It is never wise to get behind the wheel if intoxicated. There are several consequences that can stem from driving while intoxicated.

Source: Las Vegas Sun, ” One in critical condition after rollover accident on Jones Boulevard ,” Adwoa Fosu, Aug. 3, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Driver believed impaired at time of rollover crash in Nevada

Nevada bicyclist killed after run-in with suspected drunk driver
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Aug 06, 2014
Bicyclists are becoming more and more common on Nevada’s roadways. Some people like the exercise of riding, some may be trying to beat gas prices and others just enjoy riding a bike. Drivers in other vehicles must share the road with bicyclists. Sometimes, however, accidents happen between bicyclists and vehicles, which usually end in serious injuries or even death for the bicyclist. Such was the case when a vehicle recently struck and killed a bicyclist near Las Vegas Boulevard.

Details have emerged that suggest the bicyclist’s death was due to a drunk driving accident. According to Nevada Highway Patrol, the man was riding his bicycle on Frias Avenue near Las Vegas Boulevard when a woman driving a Nissan sedan struck him from behind. The man was rushed to University Medical Center where he later died. The state trooper on the case said the woman who caused the accident is suspected of driving under the influence.

DUI is a serious crime especially when it is connected to the death of another person on the road. The woman could face an array of charges related to her liability in the bicyclist’s death. In addition, once the investigation is concluded, the woman could also face a civil lawsuit from the victim’s family.

Driving under the influence is a crime that can have severe consequences. One of those consequences can be the death of another person. When a person is intoxicated it severely impairs their judgment and reaction time. Safety of others should always be every driver’s first priority.

Source: mynews3.com, ” Coroner id’s bicyclist killed by suspected DUI driver by South Point Casino ,” July 26, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Nevada bicyclist killed after run-in with suspected drunk driver

Man on motorcycle dies after hit-and-run by pickup in Nevada
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 30, 2014
Summer is a time where all drivers need to be aware of other drivers on the road. This is especially true because of the increase in motorcycles on the roads during the summer months. Many motorcycle accidents happen when inattentive drivers collide with motorcyclists. These accidents can cause serious injuries or even death.

A pickup collided with a motorcyclist on July 4th and the crash has reportedly claimed the life of the motorcyclist.

According to Nevada Highway Patrol, a man was struck riding his motorcycle on Tyler Way at the intersection of Pyramid Way. A 1998 Ford pickup reportedly turned left from Pyramid Way and into the path of the motorcyclist, which sent him to the hospital with serious injuries that caused his death.

Originally, the driver of the pickup stopped at the accident sight, but later fled the scene. The pickup driver’s cell phone was left behind however, and the police were able to track down the driver. He has been arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.

Felony hit-and-run is a serious charge. The charge was made before the passing of the motorcyclist and according to Nevada state law, the charge does not change in light of the motorcyclist’s death. It is possible that other charges could follow now that the motorcycle crash is fatal. It’s feasible to think that the driver of the pickup could face potential involuntary manslaughter charges due to the death of the motorcyclist.

This story is a harrowing reminder of how dangerous the roads can be. In the blink of an eye, a motorcyclist could be struck and thrown from his bike. Safety should be the number one priority for all drivers, motorcyclists and other drivers alike. The negligent driver will face the pending charge and possibly others for the death of the motorcyclist. In addition, the family of the deceased motorcyclist may pursue civil claims against the driver.

Source: Reno Gazette-Journal, ” Motorcyclist injured in July 4 Sparks crash dies ,” Steve Timko, July 16, 201

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Man on motorcycle dies after hit-and-run by pickup in Nevada

Car driving illegally on shoulder caused Nevada’s I-15 wreck
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 25, 2014
When traffic on the freeway slows, it can be frustrating for the drivers who need to be somewhere at a certain time. Most of the time, traffic jams cannot be avoided and drivers must wait it out until traffic begins to move again. Recently, a driver on Nevada’s I-15 had little to no patience, or so it seemed to Highway Patrol. The driver of a Toyota Camry caused a nine car accident that killed the passenger of the Camry.

After investigating, the Nevada Highway Patrol believes that the accident was caused by the Camry driving illegally on the shoulder of the I-15 when traffic slowed as a result of a different car accident. As the Camry sped up, going faster than the cars in the legal lanes, he did not see the Freeway Service Patrol van parked on the shoulder until it was too late. He swerved, striking a Hummer H2, which then caused the Camry to flip over and land on the roof, screeching across the pavement until it stopped. The accident caused a chain reaction with seven other cars besides the Hummer and Camry, and left the passenger of the Camry with serious injuries that ultimately caused her death.

Highway Patrol believe the reason the Camry was driving on the shoulder was not due to an emergency situation but because of the driver’s “impatience” with the slowing traffic. A trooper reported that the driver could face reckless driving charges for the accident and for the death of the woman.

Reckless driving is defined as driving in a manner that is unsafe, totally disregarding a possible car accident.

The Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash. This is undoubtedly a tough time for the family of the woman killed in the accident. The driver is currently admitted at the University Medical Center for his serious injuries suffered in the crash. If he makes a full recovery, he will likely be subject to charges related to the accident and to civil liability for the damages that he cause to others.

Source: www.lasvegassun.com, ” Highway Patrol: Illegal driving on shoulder preceded deadly I-15 wreck ,” Ian Whitaker, July18, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Car driving illegally on shoulder caused Nevada’s I-15 wreck

Proud to Protect Nevadans
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 22, 2014
It was interesting to see two Lt. Governor candidates toss around the term “personal injury attorney” as a pejorative, especially since one is a lawyer whose website claims to do just that type of work. It’s a shame to see a colleague abandon his professional practice for personal political gain. Let’s take a look at the type of work our candidates feel isn’t good enough for Nevada’s citizens:

Just a few months ago, GM was forced to recall 2.6 million cars and trucks due to faulty ignition switches. Thirteen people were killed while GM ignored the reports of systemic problems, which would have cost just $1 to fix. Further, just this week, GM released five more recalls covering 2.7 million additional vehicles. This was done due to safety concerns. But, how did the dangers come to light?

Through trial lawyers doing personal injury work. Lawyers have been helping people year in and year out, for a great many decades. Flow about the notorious example of the Ford Pinto? The Pinto, first introduced in 1971 by Ford Motor Company, gained nationwide attention after causing injuries and deaths associated with its faulty fuel tank. A cost-benefit analysis titled “The Ford Pinto Memo” became public shortly after, and it revealed not only Ford’s knowledge of the vehicle’s design flaws, but also that it would have cost only an additional $11 per vehicle per year to change. Regardless, Ford figured it was a better decision to pay settlements for “burn deaths” and “serious burn injuries” rather than correct the massive mistake.

Recently, and right here at home, approximately 40,000 Nevadans were put at risk due to the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada’s ridiculous practices of re-using medicine vials, bite blocks, and an assortment of other products. Drug makers were held liable as well, due to their knowledge of the dangerous ways in which their products were sold and marketed.

It is due to trial lawyers doing personal injury work that these types of dangerous practices ended, and that harmful drugs and products are removed from public use. We work each day to defend our citizens against the insurance industry and big businesses when they become wrongdoers that create harm by putting profits over people.

Every day, people walk into my office (those who can) after being harmed by others. You cannot help but be moved by their stories of pain and loss. It is an honor to help them navigate our system and help put their lives back together, while also proactively protecting others from the same fate. Trial lawyers are proud of the work we do for those most in need after being victimized by the wrongful actions (or inaction) of others. We carry that badge with pride. Unfortunately, some political candidates don’t share that same value.

Mark Wenzel, Esq.

Immediate Past President, Nevada Justice Association

Published in the Reno Gazette Journal May 21, 2014 and in the Nevada Justice Association’s July/August 2014 issue of The Advocate

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Proud to Protect Nevadans

Man killed after collision between semi and pickup
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 17, 2014
When driving at night, it is crucial for drivers to pay extra attention to their vehicle and other vehicles around them. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye and at night it can be more difficult to see one coming. Such was the case for a Clark County man last week. He was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, when his car was sandwiched in a multi-vehicle truck accident that claimed his life.

The collision happened around midnight on I-30. The Chrysler that the Clark Country man was driving was in the right lane heading eastbound. In the left lane was an eighteen wheeler who had slowed for upcoming traffic. As the semi-trailer did this he was rear-ended by a 2005 Ford. This collision caused the Chrysler to smash into the eighteen-wheeler, only to be followed by a Chevy truck. This sandwiched the Chrysler between the semi and the Chevy which claimed the life of the man in the Chrysler. Three others involved in the accident were treated for unknown injuries.

As complicated as this accident sounds, it did not take long to unfold. There will be a thorough investigation into this multi-vehicle accident to ensure that police did not miss any evidence or testimony that could be useful to the affected parties. It is not yet clear what caused the Ford to rear-end the semi-truck. Certainly friends and family closest to the Clark County man will inspect this detail of the accident to help discover who was at fault.

Instances like the death of this Clark County man are a reminder of how dangerous the roadways can be. When traveling at high speeds, fatal accidents can happen in a matter of seconds. Awareness on the road could be the difference between life and death. For the man killed in this accident, there may have been nothing he could have done to prevent his death. An investigation will likely reveal whether the negligence of other was the cause.

Source: Picayune-Times, “1 killed, 3 injured in I-30 crash,” July 10, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Man killed after collision between semi and pickup

Head-on collision sends 6 to Vernon County hospital
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 10, 2014
Driving can seem like an everyday mundane activity for many on the roads today. Typically, people are thinking mostly about their destination — not the drive itself. However, more thought should be put into driving these days because car accidents can happen at a second’s notice. Such was the case in Vernon County, Nevada when a car crossed over the median and caused a two-car crash.

According to police reports, an Oldsmobile driving westbound on E Highway carrying two passengers crossed over the centerline. There it struck the eastbound driving Cadillac carrying five passengers. Six of the seven people involved in the car accident were treated for injuries at Nevada Regional Medical Center. Damages to both vehicles were reported as extensive.

It is unknown what caused the Oldsmobile to cross over into oncoming traffic. If after an investigation the Oldsmobile driver is found to be negligent for causing the accident, that person could be liable for damages to person or property. If it was found that the driver of the Oldsmobile failed to use “reasonable care” while driving that driver could owe the affected driver for damages. Only a full investigation will determine if the driver was negligent or not.

When learning about car accidents such as this one, it goes to show how awareness while driving could prevent an accident such as this from ever occurring. Sometimes people involved in car accidents aren’t fortunate to have enough time to react- despite their best efforts. That is why it is best to be safe than sorry when operating your vehicle on the road. Awareness can make all the difference for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Source: www.nevadadailymail.com, ” Two-car accident sends six to hospital ,” June 24, 2014

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Head-on collision sends 6 to Vernon County hospital