Whether it's alcohol or any other dangerous substance, trying to drive a car or motorcycle under the influence is extremely dangerous. Sadly, it's often other people like cyclists, pedestrians, or passengers in other cars who end up seriously injured or killed if an accident happens.

Both driving under the influence of drugs and DUIs are illegal, and yet many crashes record drivers who appear to be under the influence or "buzzed" at the time of the crash. These accidents are more likely to leave victims with severe or fatal injuries, and they can all be prevented if no one ever gets behind the wheel under the influence.

Driving under the influence has long been known as a common cause of far too many vehicle accidents and fatalities. New research, however, indicates that drug related incidents maybe on the rise. The new trend with fatal drug related accidents is now out-pacing those deadly crashes involving alcohol.  As more states legalize marijuana, in conjunction with the existing opioid epidemic across the country, experts believe that there has been a major jump in the percentage of drivers who were killed while on drugs. In a new report evaluating data from 2016, alcohol was involved in nearly 40% of driver deaths, whereas 44% of drivers who were killed tested positive for drugs.

That was a jump from 2006 numbers. The evaluation of this data also shows that more than half of the drivers had marijuana, opioids or a combination of both inside their system. Police officers are also cracking down on how to catch people who may be driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both. Anyone who has been injured in an accident in which the driver of the other vehicle appears to have been under the influence of alcohol, should present this information in the accident report and to their own personal injury attorney. It can be very difficult for someone in this position to figure out how to move on with their life but the support of a dedicated attorney is extremely valuable.

Hit and run accidents often have significant consequences, and often lead to fatality.  Unfortunately, a recent analysis identifies that Nevada comes in fourth across the country for fatal hit and run accidents.  That’s according to results captured and analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Nevada had 32 hit and run crashes in 2016 that ultimately involve at least one death.  According to AAA, that was the highest in the last 10 years between the 10 years.  Of 2006 to 2016, there were more than 240 hit and run accidents involving at least one fatality.  The states with the highest rate of fatal hit and run accidents per capita were New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida.

Nationally, hit and run accidents led to more than 2,000 deaths in 2016.  Unfortunately, a vast majority of hit and run fatalities were bicyclists and pedestrians who may have less opportunity to protect themselves from an oncoming accident where as someone inside a vehicle has the benefit of a seatbelt and other protections such as air bags.  A bicyclist or pedestrian has a much higher risk of being struck and thrown into traffic, ultimately suffering devastating consequences.  A person who is seriously hurt in an accident like this may not be able to ever recover.  Many people are killed at the seen of the incident.

Any hit and run accident carries a high cost for the victim. A victim might be pushed into a coma immediately and have a lot of trouble remembering information that could be used to identify the person who hit them. When evidence cannot be gathered in order to show who was responsible, a person hit may have to rely on their own options for recovery. The medical bills linked to a hit and run are often catastrophic because of the severe injuries sustained in the accident; it can quickly become overwhelming for a victim to figure out what to do. Thankfully, hiring the right hit and run lawyer can make this difficult process a little easier. A hit and run accident victim must file a legal claim if the responsible party can be identified.

Being involved in a car accident anywhere is an unfortunate and overwhelming experience for the victim but certain roads in Nevada may be more likely to serve as the home site for an accident than others. Residents and tourists alike should be aware of these risks and pay extra attention when on these busy roads. There are numerous reasons why a road could be classified as dangerous and why these roads in particular, see a higher number of vehicle accidents that lead to catastrophic injury or death. Failing to wear a seatbelt, distracted driving and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs are three of the most common causes of car accidents across the country. Numerous different types of injuries can be sustained by a victim in a Nevada vehicle accident. Retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical for anyone who has already been hurt in such an accident. The most dangerous roads across Nevada include;

• The Las Vegas strip. One portion of I-15 that runs through the city of Las Vegas has been shown to be dangerous because of people who drive under the influence of alcohol and the high risk of pedestrian accidents.
• Interstate 15. AAA classifies that Interstate 15 is extremely dangerous because it is a long stretch of road that has numerous points of interest, and this can lead to sleepy or tired drivers behind the wheel.
• Nevada intersections. The Las Vegas Metro Police have categorized that Tropicana Avenue and Pecos Road, Tropicana Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard, Sahara Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard, and Charleston Boulevard and Lamb Boulevard are some of the most deadly sites for accidents.
• Highway 50. Highway 50 has long been referred to as the loneliest road in America and it has minimal service stops and stations along the way. This makes it much more likely to serve as the home for a critical vehicle accident.

If you’ve already been hurt in an incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need the support of an attorney.  Gather your evidence and speak directly with an attorney when you are concerned with protecting your rights going forward.

Speeding might seem like the easiest way to get somewhere, but it comes at a high cost. Especially if you already have a problematic driving record, or if you're involved in a car accident that also comes with speeding tickets or moving violations, the consequences can be serious.

The law enforcement officers across the state of Nevada are cracking down on speeding. They are now participating in what is known as the Joining Forces Program that works to keep roads safer by watching out for drivers who appear to be exceeding the speed limits. The Joining Forces enforcement specifically targets drivers between March 2nd and March 18th, 2018.

Speeds can turn a near miss incident into a crash or even into a fatal incident. The Nevada Highway Patrol has been monitoring excessive speed accidents for some time, identifying that these preventable wrecks are causing a significant cost for the local economy. Even going one mile over the speed limit constitutes a violation of the law and could lead to someone being stopped.

Speeding endangers the lives of everyone on the road, according to research completed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2015, excessive speeding was tied to more than 9,500 accidents. Speed limits are in place to protect drivers and everyone on the road, but speed can also affect safety when someone may be driving the speed limit but going too fast for road conditions such as rain or fog.

Arriving at a destination safely is much easier when the speed limit is monitored closely by the driver and when it is adjusted based on adverse traffic or weather conditions. Excessive speed accidents could lead to someone being named as liable for the injuries that result. A significant accident could also cause fatalities or a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the surviving family members in Nevada. An experienced personal injury lawyer may be the only person who can help the family recover from such an incident and help a victim who has extensive costs and years of rehabilitation.

What Is the Difference Between Felony Charges in Custody and Out of Custody in Nevada?

Being accused of any felony in the State of Nevada is an overwhelming experience and one that should prompt you to hire a lawyer. If you are in custody, a 48-hour hearing and a 72-hour hearing may be held to determine whether or not you can be released and how much the bail bond will be. If you stay in custody after this point, a preliminary hearing is then scheduled within 14 days of the 72-hour hearing.

This preliminary hearing will have a significant impact on your case and you should have a criminal defense attorney at your side to help you. It is important that you have a knowledgeable felony lawyer at your side as soon as possible after you have been accused to walk through all the options and to get a better understanding of what is involved. Preliminary hearings can be extremely fact intensive. When you are out of jail, the court will set a felony court return date or an arraignment that could be weeks or months into the future.

This is handled quite differently from an in-custody event. After the arraignment, the court then schedules a preliminary hearing to identify whether or not the probable cause exists to move the case into district court. District court is where the official jury trial for felony charges take place. Felony trials occur at the district court for the county in which the charges were filed. A Clarke County district court is the most common place for people who have been accused of felonies in Las Vegas to end up. Negotiating felony cases can be extremely complex, but there are options, the sooner you take action with the help of an experienced lawyer.

If you wait too long to get help from an attorney, you could expose yourself to a number of different risks and mistakes that could ultimately compromise the outcome of your case. You are far better off to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable felony attorney at the outset of your case and to explore all possible options including plea bargains and reduced charges. Felony charges and convictions can have a significant impact on your future.

Anyone who has been arrested in Las Vegas can report that this is an unnerving experience, but there is good news indicating that the use of body cameras may become more prevalent not just in other cities, but for the Las Vegas police as well.

You may have noticed that an officer who stopped you recently was wearing a body camera. In various situations, knowing that there’s a camera recording what is happening, the person accused of a crime may feel more confident that the entire scenario was captured on film in case you want to reference it later.

More cities around the country are considering the use of these and similar tools in order to reflect back on evidence when officers are accused of crossing the line or even engaging in police brutality. In light of all these allegations, body-worn camera are more common overall.

A study conducted by CNA Corporation in conjunction with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the University of Las Vegas, found that officers using body worn cameras would lead to a 37% reduction in the number of use of force incidents and a 30% drop in the number of officers affected with at least one complaint against them. For those officers that were not equipped with a camera and included in the control group, use of force increased by 4%.

The Las Vegas survey also identified that body-worn cameras could simplify the complaint resolution process and therefore, drive down the costs at the Las Vegas Police Department.

This positive pilot indicated that the decision for the LVMPD to purchase body-worn cameras, because they had had numerous use of force incidents reports ending in the death of the subject and officer involved shootings, could have benefits for people who are accused of a crime and asked to stop by the police. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, understanding your rights is important. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to learn more.

The beautiful weather and great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors make Las Vegas a popular place to ride your motorcycle. Unfortunately, however, this also means that there’s a higher chance of being hurt in a serious motorcycle accident. If you or someone you know has already been struck while riding your motorcycle because the driver of another vehicle wasn’t paying attention or was engaged in reckless behavior, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.

Motorcycle Accident Injury

When a motorist is responsible for your injuries, it's natural to wonder who will pay for your medical bills. You have so much to think about that choosing an attorney is very important, but it might even be a concerning situation if you don't know what to do next. Thankfully, a personal injury lawyer who represents motorcycle accident victims can help you with your questions.

Negligent car drivers are a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. It is usually the motorcyclist who suffers severe injuries like lacerations, TBI, whiplash, broken bones and burns and a motorcyclist faces an 80% chance of being seriously injured in an accident whereas drivers face only a 20% chance. Hiring the right Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney is vital to the pursuit of a full claim. A personal injury attorney can review, gather and organize medical records, accident reports and testimony from eyewitnesses. When recreating the cause of the accident and illustrating this for insurance purposes and in court, it is necessary to show how such a devastating accident has affected your lifestyle and your health.

Motorcycle Accidents and Severe Injury Recovery Planning

Motorcycle accidents that lead to severe injuries often lead to recovery planning and long-term care. A personal injury attorney will be involved as soon as possible to investigate the many ways that this accident has shaped your life and to prepare a full and fair demand for the compensation you need to put the pieces of your life back together. With so many questions you are likely to have in the wake of a motorcycle accident, you should schedule a consultation immediately with an injury attorney- choosing to call today could help start the wheels of justice.

Whether you are a resident, or someone in the midst of a fun weekend gone wrong, being arrested in Vegas is an unnerving experience. Trying to handle it on your own because you are embarrassed or confused is a huge mistake, whereas, consulting directly with an experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can help you avoid consequences and get you out of jail sooner rather than later. Making a minor mistake could end up costing you later on in your defense, so it's better to remain calm even in the midst of a nerve-wracking situation. When the police suspect that you've broken the law, you still retain rights that cannot be violated by the police. If your rights are violated, your lawyer may use this in your defense.

Thousands of people are unfortunately arrested every single year in Las Vegas, including tourists and residents. Felonies with strict penalties should always encourage you to contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney but even a minor misdemeanor is a situation that warrants insight from an attorney. The right lawyer can help you avoid the maximum punishments. Being arrested can be a frightening experience and there are a number of different types of penalties that may apply based on the offense you are charged with. Misdemeanor penalties, as an example, can lead to up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. Gross misdemeanors, however, are elevated situations that can include a jail sentence of up to a year in jail or a fine as high as $2000.

The more strict the penalty, the more important it is that you have an attorney who has protected others. Solicitation, DUI, and casino markers and fraud are all a common example of crimes charged in Las Vegas. But regardless of the charges you are currently facing, it is in your best interest to have an attorney who will work as hard as possible on your behalf. Knowing that someone is stepping in immediately to protect your interests and help you to avoid further consequences is crucial. The right lawyer is a major asset to you.

As a resident of Las Vegas or as somebody visiting as a tourist, you need to know about some of the things you should do to avoid getting arrested in a Vegas casino. Sometimes people assume that because the motto of the area is “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” that they can engage in whatever types of behavior or activities that they want. This is a misconception that could lead you to face being arrested.

There are several different things to keep in mind, whether you’re making a trip out there or showing some friends visiting you a good time. This includes:

•       Don’t get overwhelmingly drunk. Becoming intoxicated may not be illegal in Vegas but disturbing others is.
•       Stay away from illegal drugs. You should never try to sell, use, buy, or possess illegal drugs because this is a class E felony in the state of Nevada.
•       Don’t try to cheat. Counting cards is illegal even if you’re only using your intelligence and your winnings can be confiscated.
•       Video recorders and cameras may be forbidden in casinos because they may be used to help people cheat. Make sure that you comply with any casino rules.
•       Messenger apps may not be used in any of the casinos. There are rules in place that prevent cheating and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity.

Avoid underage drinking or gambling. It is against the law to gamble or drink if you are under the legal age to do so and casino workers have been trained how to spot fake IDs and may request that you leave immediately if you are found out. It is also illegal for any adult to allow a minor to stand by and watch on the casino floor. Minors are not allowed to collect any money or to win casino games.

•       Ensure that you always have your photo ID. In order to verify your own identity, make sure that you carry your ID card with you at all times. Failing to produce a valid driver’s license, passport or ID card could lead to you being removed from the facility. You need to ensure that you have this with you especially in the event that you do get arrested because this could help to verify your identity and decrease the chances of a situation escalating too quickly.

Talking with a criminal defense attorney is strongly recommended if you find yourself in this situation of trying to figure out the next steps you need to take to protect yourself. A criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas will be familiar with many of the tactics engaged in by the prosecution or the casinos when it comes to arresting someone.

Injured In A Car Accident In Las Vegas? Here’s What You Need To Know!

A car accident, or what is most commonly referred to by Law Vegas Law Enforcement as a “Car Collision” can be a harrowing experience. Not only is it possible to suffer life-changing injuries, in the midst of such an incident, but it’s also important to follow a few basic, self-imposed rules in order to make sure that you document everything for future reference. Here are some of the most important steps you should take:

• Pictures or videos: It’s important to record any and all damages to your vehicle and person at the time of the accident. You’ll want to make sure that you take pictures and or video footage of the accident. Luckily, the latter is easy to accomplish with today’s cell phone technology and we can rest-assured that most of us will always have our cell phone devices at the ready.
• Insurance: Always keep a copy of your Registration and Insurance Card in your glove compartment and a backup copy in your wallet. You will need to provide these items to the responding officers when they arrive to document and report your accident.
• Less is more: You do not yet know who is at fault in the eyes of the law so, it is best to answer basic questions about the accident, while also complying as best as possible with any instructions provided to you by the responding officers.
• Other drivers information: It is best to exchange information with the other driver at the onset because you will need to provide that information to your insurance company.
• Report the accident: You will need to report the accident to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles under NRS 484.229, you are obligated to complete an SR-1 Report immediately if a report has not been taken by a responding police officer. The SR-1 Form is available at www.dmvnv.com.
• Get a copy of the police report: If an officer responding to your car accident takes a report, a copy of the accident report will be available within 7-10 days. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report for your records. Once you have the copy, make an additional copy for your insurance company.

Most importantly, try to remain calm after a car accident so that you can document as much as possible and assist the police with any items that they may need from you. Last but not least, get medical assistance right away. You will need to document your injuries and see to your health. It can be a trying time, and your health and well being is of utmost importance.

If you are in need of legal advice, feel free to contact the Gowdey Law Office for assistance.