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

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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

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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

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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

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Two-car crash leaves four people hospitalized in Nevada
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jul 03, 2014
The truth of the matter is that roads and highways are potentially dangerous. Even despite a driver’s best intentions sometimes car accidents do happen. Oftentimes these car accidents are minor and do not result in injuries to the passengers. However, not everyone involved in car accidents are so lucky and they do sustain serious injuries.

Such was the case on a Nevada highway located in the northwest valley last week. A Toyota Corolla and a Chevrolet Malibu collided at the intersection of Durango Drive and Alexander Road. The force of the accident spun both cars southeast where the Corolla slammed into a metal light pole. Passengers in both cars suffered injuries. According to police reports, the passengers of the Corolla were not wearing seatbelts.

All four passengers of the Corolla are now hospitalized for serious injuries.

It is unclear at this time what caused the accident or if there is a negligent driver responsible. Certainly a full investigation of the crash will reveal more details about exactly what happened that day. If an investigation reveals that a negligent driver is in fact responsible, it is important that the injured party explore their legal options. This is especially crucial considering any medical expenses the injured party may have incurred due to the accident.

A car accident can be a real shock with consequences reverberating long after the accident is over. Things like medical expenses can pile up and overwhelm a person’s finances. This is why road safety should be a driver’s number one priority on the road. This will help save the lives of themselves and others on the road.

Source: Las Vegas Sun, ” Four people hospitalized in serious 2-car crash ,” Ian Whitaker and Jackie Valley, June 27, 2014

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Suspect arrested in fatal bicycle accident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 26, 2014
The rules of the road are based heavily on the well-being and safety of everyone who uses it. This is why alcohol is so heavily regulated on the roadways. When the rules of the road are broken, accidents can happen. Such an accident occurred when a drunk driver struck and killed a bicyclist near Reno.

According to Washoe County sheriff deputies, the driver of a car traveling on Seneca Drive crossed over to the wrong side of the road where he then struck a 16-year-old bicyclist. The bicyclist later died at a nearby hospital. The driver of the car was administered a field sobriety test at the scene that he failed. He was then arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Any roadside death in connection with a suspect driving under the influence is subject to a thorough investigation. An investigation will discover if the bicyclist hit by the drunk driver died directly due to a driver’s intoxicated state while driving. Penalties of charges related to DUI’s range from misdemeanor to felony. With any death connected to a DUI the penalties can be severe.

The driver of the car will await his trial for the DUI charge. Only a careful investigation of the facts and evidence will determine how the driver in this case will be charged. In a situation where a young person has died in a tragic accident it is important to look at all the facts to determine exactly what happened. Road safety will always be the number one concern for all who travel on it.

Source: therepublic.com, “Man arrested on suspicion of DUI in accident that kills bicyclist in Reno area,” June 15, 2014

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2 dead in semi trailer crash on Auto Show Drive
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 20, 2014
U.S. Highways stretch from coast to coast carrying people and cargo to their destinations. Traffic laws are put in to effect for the safety of everyone on the road. When these laws are broken, however, car accidents can happen that cause serious injury or even death. Such was the case in a deadly Nevada crash last week.

The car accident occurred when a Chevy van was traveling eastbound on Auto Show Drive. A semi traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 95 took the off-bound ramp and collided with the Chevy van head on after running a red light. Both passengers of the Chevy were killed. A Jeep was also involved in the accident when it slammed into the side of the semi trailer. Both the driver of the Jeep and the driver of the semi were treated for injuries at a nearby hospital.

It is important to note that the details of the crash are still under investigation. However, should the driver of the semi trailer be found negligent for his actions on the road, it would be possible for the affected parties to seek compensation. Compensation could cover the costs of medical expenses or other costs associated with the deaths due to the negligent driver. Although this will not bring back the loved ones lost, compensation can ease some of the financial burden.

Tragedy struck Nevada last week on Hwy 95 when two people were killed in a head-on collision. The recent Nevada accident is a sobering reminder of the possible danger presented on roadways today. Heeding the rules of the road can help to prevent car accidents such as this from ever occurring. Traffic safety should always be a driver’s number one priority.

Source: lasvegassun.com, ” Three-vehicle crash in Henderson leaves 2 dead ,” Brian Nordli, June 12, 2014

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4 dead in car accident in Nevada, 2 others seriously injured
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 11, 2014
Today more than ever, roadways are a bustle of activity. Because of the business, care needs to be taken when driving as a negligent driver could be just around the corner. Every day, people are involved in car accidents resulting in serious injury from negligent drivers. Such an accident happened last week between two cars in Nevada.

According to Nevada Highway Patrol, a Focus and an Explorer were traveling towards each other on Lamoille Highway when one attempted a left hand turn. This is when the collision occurred. The Focus struck the Explorer on the right side, causing it to roll. The driver of the Explorer and one passenger sustained serious injuries while two other passengers were killed. The driver and passenger of the Focus both died at the scene.

NHP troopers stated that alcohol was found in the Focus which could have contributed to the accident. An investigation is ongoing and toxicology reports will determine if the driver was over the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of the accident.

In the case any car accident, negligent parties should be identified so that those damaged by the incident can possibly relieve compensation for their injuries. Through the assistance of an experienced attorney, one can be more confident that all elements of an accident were properly examined, leading to a just outcome. This car accident, the most deadly in the area since 2008, should serve as a reminder that roadway safety should be all drivers’ number one priority.

Source: elkodaily.com, ” Crash on Lamoille Highway kills four, injures two ,” Elaine Bassier, May 28, 2014

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Police: Driver in Reno hit and run crash turns herself in
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jun 06, 2014
Recently, this blog noted the difficulties of tracking down negligent drivers after a hit-and-run car accident. More recently, Reno saw an example of an alleged hit-and-run driver turning herself in to the police more than a week after an accident that left a young man fighting for his life.

According to Reno police, a woman turned herself in for questioning in connection with the serious hit-and-run accident in which an SUV plowed into a man in a crosswalk. Witnesses said the force of the impact sent the victim flying 180 feet. At last report, he remained in intensive care and required partial amputation of one of his legs. He had not regained consciousness since the accident, and doctors said that bleeding on his brain could lead to permanent brain damage.

The SUV driver fled the scene of the accident, but police said that a woman claiming to be the driver had contacted them. At last report, there was no word as to whether the authorities had filed charges against the woman.

After a serious accident, a victim’s family is left with enormous medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. Permanent brain damage tends to lead to a lifetime of lost wages and therapy costs.

When an accident is caused by a negligent driver, victims or the family members of a victim may file a personal injury lawsuit to help with the costs in the aftermath of an accident. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it can interfere with the ability to seek compensation. Fortunately, Nevada police have ways to identify and track down vehicles involved in hit and run accidents. When the media report these accidents, witnesses and the general public can also assist in tracking down those responsible.

A Nevada attorney with experience in personal injury lawsuits involving car accidents can help the injured or their families to understand how the law may apply to their circumstances. It’s important for the injured to be compensated when they are hurt through someone else’s carelessness. It’s also important to show careless drivers that they can’t get away with hurting people.

Source: KRNV-TV, ” Woman turns herself in following hit and run incident in South Reno ,” May 22, 2014

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Pedestrian critically injured by drunk hit-and-run driver
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • May 30, 2014
hit by a drunk driver

Source:

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