Overview
Seeking Justice After a Drunk Driving Crash
Being hit by a drunk driver is more than just an accident; it is an infuriating, completely preventable act of recklessness that has suddenly derailed your life. Right now, you are likely facing the overwhelming stress of mounting medical bills, physical pain, and the anxiety of missing work. Instead of trying to navigate complex insurance claims and uncooperative adjusters while you heal, you need a dedicated advocate to step in and protect your family immediately.
At Paul Padda Law, we offer relentless, compassionate legal representation specifically for victims of impaired drivers. We help you right away by taking over the entire legal burden—managing all communication with the insurance companies, securing crucial evidence like police breathalyzer reports, and fighting to recover the maximum financial compensation you need to cover your expenses and your pain. Our goal is to handle the legal fight so your only focus can be on your physical and emotional recovery.
You can confidently trust our team because we have a long, proven track record of holding negligent drivers fully accountable in high-stakes injury cases. Furthermore, our deep local roots give your case a distinct advantage. We know how the Clark County court system works, we routinely coordinate with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol to gather vital DUI evidence, and we know exactly how local insurance adjusters operate.
When you need a skilled Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer who truly understands your community and your struggle, we are here to fight for the justice you deserve. Call Paul Padda Law today at (702) 707-7000 or via our online form to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.
The Leader of Your Recovery Team
"Being a lawyer allows me to be a voice for the voiceless."
- Paul Padda, J.D.
More About Paul
Table of Contents
If an intoxicated driver caused your accident, call Paul Padda
Fight back if you were in a drunk driving car accident. Hold drunk drivers responsible for their actions. Contact Paul Padda Law. Our tenacious team vigorously fight for the rights of victims of drunk driving accidents in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. When you contact us, you get a team of experienced lawyers who know how to find the facts and uncover the truth about DUI accidents. We obtain the driving record of the drunk driver, investigate the case and determine the extent of the injuries, pain and suffering and potential future medical issues. We can also help your family file a wrongful death lawsuit or claim if a loved one died in a drunk driving accident.
Knowing what to do after a drunk driving accident can be confusing. Even knowing where to start can be overwhelming. We know that the process of recovering is difficult enough. Leave the rest to us. You don’t have to deal with your drunk driving accident on your own. We can guide you, step by step, and help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. We know what to do because we have been fighting for justice for people just like you for decades.
Before he founded Paul Padda Law, Mr. Padda was a federal prosecutor, dedicated to upholding the law. Such valuable experience provided us with unique insights you won’t find at many other law firms. We know how the legal system works from the inside. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, but Paul Padda also will determine if punitive damages against the drunk driver are necessary. This is monetary compensation that exceeds regular damages and is typically awarded to deter others from engaging in such reckless behavior.
Free Case Review
Experience guidance from a lawyer who knows Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident claims.
Get a free consultation
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Don’t underestimate the seriousness of your drunk driving accident. Too many people think they don’t need a lawyer for their drunk driving accident. The other driver broke the law. It should be an open and shut case, right? Don’t be so sure that you can get the same results on your own. Often, many drunk driving accidents end up being much more complicated than people initially thought. The driver might deny any wrongdoing or challenge his DUI arrest. Witnesses change their stories. Evidence disappears. But most of all, insurance companies can be extremely difficult to deal with after an accident. That’s because most insurance companies only care about one thing: paying injury victims as little as possible.
At Paul Padda Law, we’re more than your lawyers. We’re the allies you want to help set things right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
Does a drunk driver’s criminal DUI case affect my personal injury claim?
Yes, but it is important to understand that criminal cases and civil claims are completely separate in Nevada. The criminal case (handled by the Clark County District Attorney) is meant to punish the driver with jail time, license suspension, or fines. Your civil personal injury claim is designed to secure financial compensation for your damages. While a criminal DUI conviction serves as powerful evidence of negligence to help you win your civil case, you can still successfully sue a drunk driver even if their criminal charges are reduced or dismissed.
Can I get punitive damages if I was hit by a drunk driver in Las Vegas?
Yes. In many standard car accident cases, compensation is strictly limited to covering your actual losses (like medical bills and lost wages). However, under Nevada law, drunk driving is considered a form of gross negligence. This means victims of impaired drivers are often entitled to pursue punitive damages. These are additional financial awards specifically designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter others from doing the same.
Can I sue the bar or casino that overserved the drunk driver in Nevada?
Generally, no. This is a very common question, but unlike many other states, Nevada has very strict protections for businesses that serve alcohol. Under Nevada law, there is generally no "dram shop" liability. This means you typically cannot sue a tavern, bartender, restaurant, or casino for overserving a patron who later causes a DUI crash. The legal liability for the accident rests almost entirely on the impaired driver, making it crucial to maximize your claim against their specific auto insurance policy.
What should I do immediately if I suspect the driver who hit me is drunk?
Your immediate safety and the gathering of police evidence are your top priorities. First, call 911 immediately and specifically tell the dispatcher you suspect the other driver is intoxicated. Do not confront the driver, as they may be erratic or aggressive. Wait for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) or Nevada State Police to arrive so they can administer a breathalyzer or field sobriety test. Finally, seek immediate medical attention for yourself, and contact a Las Vegas drunk driving accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance companies.
What happens if the drunk driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
Drunk drivers often flee the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) out of fear of arrest, or they may be driving without valid insurance. If this happens to you, you are not out of options. An experienced attorney can help you file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is specifically designed to step in and pay for your medical bills and suffering when the at-fault driver cannot.
What kind of compensation can I recover after a drunk driving crash?
Victims of DUI accidents in Las Vegas are entitled to claim both economic and non-economic damages. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses, physical therapy, lost wages from missing work, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and significant compensation for your physical pain, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the drunk driver’s insurance company?
Absolutely not. Insurance companies know that when their driver gets a DUI, they are at massive financial risk if the case goes to trial. To avoid paying punitive damages or facing a jury, the insurance adjuster will often call you within days of the crash offering a quick, lowball settlement. Accepting this money requires you to sign away your right to sue for future medical complications. Always have a qualified brain injury or car accident attorney review your case to calculate the true, long-term value of your claim before signing anything.
Talk to a Las Vegas Injury Lawyer
Start your case review with a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident lawyer now
Get a free consultation
Discover what we can do for your drunk driving accident claim in Nevada
Insurance adjusters and insurance company investigators don’t intimidate Paul Padda Law. We know their tricks and know how to stay one step ahead of them. That’s why we’re not afraid of taking a strong stance against insurance companies after a drunk driving accident. The facts are on our side. It’s simply a matter of building a strong case based on the evidence. That might sound simple. But it’s often harder than many people realize.
Call our office today at (702) 707-7000 or via our online form to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.