Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable for Accidents in Reno, NV
Being hit by a drunk driver changes everything in an instant. Medical bills pile up, vehicles are destroyed, and the physical and emotional toll can last for months or even years. If you or someone you love was injured by an impaired driver, you deserve more than sympathy. You deserve results. Bradley Drendel & Jeanney has been standing up for injured victims throughout Reno, NV for more than 60 years, and our team is ready to fight for the compensation you are owed.
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating and preventable collisions on Nevada roads. When another person's reckless decision to drive under the influence causes serious harm, the law allows victims to pursue significant financial compensation. From hospital costs and lost income to long-term rehabilitation and pain and suffering, the damages in these cases can be substantial. You should not be left carrying that burden alone./p>
Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Request Free ConsultationWhat Makes Drunk Driving Accident Cases Different
Not all personal injury cases are created equal. Drunk driving accidents carry a unique legal weight because they involve clear, criminal negligence. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking, they are not simply making a mistake. They are making a choice that puts everyone around them at risk.
This distinction matters in a legal claim for several reasons:
- Criminal and civil proceedings can overlap. A drunk driver may face DUI charges from the state while you pursue a separate civil lawsuit. These are two different legal tracks, and you can seek compensation even if the driver is not convicted criminally.
- Punitive damages may be available. Unlike many personal injury cases, drunk driving accident claims in Nevada sometimes allow for punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless behavior and can significantly increase the value of your claim.
- Evidence moves quickly. Blood alcohol content (BAC) records, police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements are all critical to your case. The sooner you speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer, the better your chances of preserving that evidence.
- Insurance companies will push back hard. Even when liability seems clear, insurers look for ways to minimize what they pay. Having legal representation levels the playing field and signals that you are serious about recovering full compensation.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Drunk Driving Accidents
Impaired drivers often fail to slow down, swerve, or brake in time. The result is frequently a high-speed or high-impact collision that causes severe injuries. Victims of drunk driving accidents in Reno, NV commonly suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death in the most tragic cases
Some injuries are obvious right away. Others, particularly brain and spinal injuries, develop or worsen over time. That is why seeking immediate medical attention after any accident is critical, both for your health and for your legal claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Nevada law allows drunk driving accident victims to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working
- Loss of future earning capacity if long-term disabilities affect your career
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Punitive damages in cases involving extreme recklessness
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of the other driver's negligence, and the strength of the evidence. A skilled drunk driving accident lawyer can assess your case and give you an honest picture of what to expect.
Why Reno Residents Choose Bradley Drendel & Jeanney
When you are dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident in Reno, NV, you need a law firm with a track record of delivering real results. Bradley Drendel & Jeanney has represented injury victims throughout northern Nevada for over six decades. Our attorneys understand Nevada law, the local court system, and what it takes to go up against well-funded insurance companies.
Here is what you can expect when you work with our firm:
- Free initial consultation with no obligation
- No fee unless we win your case, so there is no financial risk to pursuing your claim
- Aggressive advocacy from attorneys who genuinely care about your outcome
- Clear communication throughout every stage of your case
- A proven history of substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients
We do not treat cases like numbers. When you come to us, you get a team that listens, strategizes, and fights with everything we have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Reno, NV
Q: How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Nevada?
A: Nevada's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. While that may seem like plenty of time, building a strong case takes preparation. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and weakened legal arguments. It is best to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes it even more important to work with an attorney who can argue your case clearly and effectively.
Q: What if the drunk driver did not have insurance or had minimal coverage?
A: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. In some cases, third-party liability may also apply, such as when a bar or restaurant continued serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person before the crash. These are called dram shop claims, and they can open additional avenues for compensation.
Q: Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle the claim on my own?
A: You have the legal right to handle your own claim. However, insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and attorneys whose primary goal is to pay out as little as possible. Without legal representation, you are at a serious disadvantage, especially in a case involving serious injuries. A drunk driving accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, handle the paperwork, and take your case to trial if necessary.
Q: What should I do right after a drunk driving accident?
A: First, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Document the scene with photos if it is safe to do so, collect contact information from witnesses, and request a copy of the police report. Do not give recorded statements to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then reach out to a legal team as soon as you are able.
Take Action After a Drunk Driving Accident in Reno, NV
You did not ask to be in this situation. A drunk driver made a choice that put you here, and the law exists to make that right. Do not let the complexity of the legal process or the pressure from insurance companies push you into accepting less than you deserve.
The attorneys at Bradley Drendel & Jeanney are here to guide you through every step. Whether you are still in the hospital, still in shock, or simply unsure where to begin, we are ready to listen and ready to act.
Schedule your free consultation today or call us at 775-335-9999. There is no fee unless we win your case, and the first conversation costs you nothing.