Critics of new policy fear more serious drunk driving crashes
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Mar 13, 2014
Everyone in Nevada is watching what’s happening in Las Vegas now that Metro Police have stopped responding to minor traffic accidents. The new policy has raised a wide variety of concerns about matters from public safety to insurance rates. One of the most serious concerns is that it could lead to more serious drunk driving accidents.

In a cost-saving move, Metro Police recently announced that they would stop sending patrol cars to investigate traffic accidents in which no one was injured. Instead, drivers involved in fender-benders are supposed to handle the exchange of insurance information and other matters themselves. Police and emergency personnel will still respond to accidents in which someone has been injured.

Critics of the policy say that the policy will allow more people to continue driving while intoxicated. Before the policy change, police often arrested drivers on suspicion of drunk driving after finding them at the scene of non-injury accidents. If police do not respond to fender-benders, critics say, drunk drivers who are involved in these accidents will be free to keep driving while still intoxicated and perhaps to get into another accident. The next accident may be something much more than a fender-bender, and could lead to someone else being seriously injured.

Police say that by freeing police from responding to minor accidents, they will be able to send more officers to patrol the streets and monitor traffic safety. They say that people who see a suspected drunk driver should contact police.

When Nevada residents are injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the injured may file a personal injury lawsuit in order to be compensated for medical expenses and other damages. Drunk driving is strong evidence to show negligence. A Nevada attorney with experience in personal injury law can help the injured to understand their rights and guide them through the process.

Source: Las Vegas Sun, ” 3 injured in crash; man arrested on DUI count ,” Brian Nordli, March 4, 2014

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Trial in fatal Nevada crash highlights different types of justice
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Mar 07, 2014
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Reno motorcyclist killed in two-vehicle accident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Feb 27, 2014
Because motorcyclists are so much more exposed than people in cars or trucks, they are much more likely to die or suffer catastrophic injuries in an accident. Statistics suggest that motorcycles are more likely to be involved in accidents, as well, simply because the two wheel design makes them less stable. However, there is another factor that makes motorcycles more vulnerable: car and truck drivers are less likely to see them.

A Reno man was killed on his motorcycle recently in a collision with a car. Police said the 29-year-old man was heading north on Stead Blvd. when a sedan tried to cross the road in front of him to head south. The motorcyclist could not stop in time and struck the side of the car. He later died from his injuries at a nearby hospital.

The scenario is all too common to motorcyclists and people who are familiar with motorcycle accidents. According to some studies, two-thirds of all accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle were caused by the driver violating the motorcyclist’s right of way.

When a motorcyclist is injured due to another driver’s negligence, compensation for medical expenses and other damages may be awarded from a personal injury lawsuit. In the case of a fatal accident, the victim’s family may seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

A Nevada attorney with experience in personal injury law can help the injured and their families by going over the facts of the accident. An attorney can then assess their case and help them understand their legal options.

Source: KTVN.com, ” Reno Police Identify Motorcycle Rider Killed in Crash ,” Feb. 19, 2014

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Four vehicles involved in fatal Nevada truck accident
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Feb 20, 2014
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In 1 morning, ice a factor in 26 car crashes in Reno area
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Feb 13, 2014
Icy roads have been cited as a contributing factor for a heavy concentration of car accidents in the Truckee Meadows. On Feb. 3, 26 motor vehicle accidents occurred that morning alone, with four individuals hospitalized as a result.

Officials have used local news outlets to urge drivers to slow down and exercise caution when traveling on roadways during dangerous winter conditions. However, Reno drivers should be aware that Nevada law also requires that drivers use reasonable and proper speed on the roadways during inclement weather.

Driving at a reasonable and proper speed does not always mean simply following the posted speed limits. Rather, drivers are legally obliged to take into account slowed traffic, road construction and the conditions of the road, including the presence of ice, fog, sleet, rain or snow.

Driving at the posted speed limit may in fact be a violation of the law if a driver has not adjusted his or her driving speed for dangerous conditions.

When a collision occurs, drivers who fail to operate their motor vehicle at a reasonable and proper speed in dangerous weather conditions may be liable to victims because of driver negligence. Victims may have legal options for obtaining compensation in the aftermath of such a crash. An attorney with experience in personal injury law can help victims determine the best course of action given the specific circumstances of the case.

It’s no secret that winter weather conditions make driving more dangerous. But implementing safety precautions such as slowing down, wearing a seatbelt and allowing more distance for braking can help prevent serious auto accidents.

Source: 2News, ” Dozens of Accidents Caused by Icy Roads ,” Paul Nelson, Feb 3, 2014

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Nevada doctors required to report drivers’ seizures
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Feb 05, 2014
Currently, Nevada laws can regulate the driving rights of individuals with epilepsy. In fact, doctors in our state are required to report epileptic seizures to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, and the DMV will revoke the patient’s driver’s license for a time in an effort to prevent seizure-related auto accidents.

While five other states have a similar mandatory reporting law, all states require doctors to recommend that patients wait three to 12 months after a seizure before driving again. Studies have shown that these requirements greatly reduce the risk of seizure-related crashes, but studies also show that the requirements can place restrictions on drivers with epilepsy who would not have crashed.

Doctors don’t know about a patient’s seizures unless the patient seeks medical attention. A person with epilepsy may be less likely to report a seizure for fear of losing his or her driver’s license, even temporarily.

Of course, epilepsy isn’t the only health issue that can impair a driver. A study done by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry indicated that the crash risk for drivers with epilepsy is not significantly greater than the risk for drivers with other medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, either of which could also cause a sudden loss of attention when driving.

If death or serious injury results from a car accident caused by a health issue, several parties could face liability for compensation. The driver or even a doctor who failed to disclose medical information to the DMV could end up as the defendant in a lawsuit.

A personal injury attorney can assess whether any of these parties are responsible for damages. Compensation for serious injury or other losses can ease the burden on those affected by accidents related to medical conditions.

Source: AOL Autos, ” Laws Determining Whether Epileptics Can Drive Raise Thorny Questions ,” Erin Marquis, Jan. 31, 2014

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Speed, inexperience factors in fatal motorcycle crashes
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jan 29, 2014
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Nevada residents meet to discuss reducing number of fatal crashes
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jan 22, 2014
Reno residents are no doubt aware of the high number of traffic fatalities that happen every year. These unfortunate occurrences are avoidable, however, and in the southern part of our state, citizens and officers are working together to bring education about traffic safety to the forefront.

In 2013 Nevada executed a “Zero Fatality” campaign, but the results were not as successful as they could have been. The number of fatal accidents was still high in our state, and this fact suggests that drivers and pedestrians are still not taking basic safety precautions on Nevada roads.

The Southern Nevada Traffic Safety Committee recently met and agreed to continue emphasizing that law enforcement officers should remain closely involved in the safety of drivers and pedestrians, and that community members should also play a part. The committee focused on three key areas: pedestrians, motorcycles and seat belts.

Many motorists and pedestrians who are victims of auto accidents find it necessary to prove that the other driver was negligent in some way. This proof is often the key to an injured party’s receiving compensation for medical bills and other costs resulting from a collision.

However, many families who have been affected by auto accidents are not aware of the available legal options for alleviating the financial burdens caused by a crash. In addition to pain and suffering, the monetary cost of an auto accident can be extreme. A motor vehicle accident attorney can suggest courses of action to help victims or their families to move forward.

Source: The Las Vegas Sun, ” Group hopes education efforts will cut down number of traffic deaths ,” Brian Nordli, Jan. 14, 2014

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Police: 7 teens involved in rollover; none wore seat belts
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jan 15, 2014
Car accidents are the major cause of death for Americans under 30, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2009, more than 33,000 people were killed in auto accidents , with another 2.2 million injured. Of those casualties, more than 70 percent occurred in passenger vehicles.

Although seat belts are the most effective tool in preventing serious injury and death in an accident, more than half of those killed were not wearing a restraint, according to the CDC. Many people disregard seat belt laws, which was reportedly the case on Jan. 8 when seven teens were unrestrained in a rollover accident in Spanish Springs, Nevada.

The teenagers were riding in a car on a gravel road after 1 a.m. when authorities say the teens were involved in a rollover. The driver was reported to be ejected from the vehicle, and five of the passengers then reportedly fled the scene. The driver was flown to a hospital for treatment. One passenger remained at the scene, and deputies found another passenger hiding in the brush; both were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Law enforcement officers later located the other four passengers and checked them for injuries.

The accident investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending. Police believe that alcohol may have been a factor in the rollover.

The teens involved in this accident were undoubtedly frightened, but there can be serious legal repercussions for leaving the scene of a crash. Of course, underage drinking and driving is another violation that puts lives at risk.

Passengers who have been injured because of a drunk driver’s negligence may find it necessary to negotiate with an insurance company or sue the driver in order to receive due compensation for medical bills and other costs resulting from the crash. To prove liability in these situations, it is a good idea to consult with a legal professional with experience in personal injury law.

Source: KTVN TV, ” Rollover Accident Sends 3 Teens to the Hospital ,” Jan. 8, 2014

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Policy Impact: Seat Belts,” Jan. 20, 2012

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Police: Fernley child killed when hit by drunk driver
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Jan 08, 2014
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