Las Vegas, NV (December 1st, 2025) – Nevada law enforcement agencies conducted a major coordinated operation over the weekend, resulting in 38 DUI arrests during a two-day enforcement campaign. The second annual “Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Felix” DUI Blitz honored two fallen Nevada Highway Patrol officers while working to remove impaired drivers from Nevada roads.
For anyone injured by a drunk driver in Nevada, understanding your legal rights is critical. If you’ve been hurt in a DUI accident, consulting with an experienced DUI accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. To discuss your rights and next steps, contact George Bochanis Injury Law Offices at 702-388-2005.
Major DUI Enforcement Operation Across Nevada
The statewide effort produced 818 traffic stops, 414 citations, and 49 total arrests. Law enforcement agencies from Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Reno, Carson City, and other Nevada communities participated in the coordinated anti-drunk driving operation held on Saturday evening through early Sunday morning.
The operation was named in memory of Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix, who were killed on November 30, 2023, by an impaired driver while responding to a call on Interstate 15 in Las Vegas. The annual blitz serves as both a memorial to these fallen officers and a powerful deterrent against drunk driving throughout the state.
Participating agencies included Nevada Highway Patrol, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Henderson Police, North Las Vegas Police, Boulder City Police, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and California Highway Patrol.
The Impact of Drunk Driving in Nevada
Drunk driving accidents continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities on Nevada roads. These crashes are entirely preventable, yet they destroy lives every year. When an impaired driver gets behind the wheel, they put everyone at risk—other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and even law enforcement officers working to keep our communities safe.
The victims of drunk driving accidents often face catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and permanent disabilities. Beyond the physical trauma, victims and their families endure emotional suffering, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertain futures.
Your Rights After a DUI Accident in Nevada
If a drunk driver injured you or a loved one, Nevada law provides important protections and pathways to compensation. Understanding these rights is the first step toward recovery.
Civil Claims Against Drunk Drivers
Even if criminal charges are filed against the impaired driver, you have the right to pursue a separate civil claim for damages. A DUI accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses stemming from the crash.
Nevada law allows victims to pursue both economic damages (quantifiable financial losses) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life). In cases involving drunk driving, courts may also award punitive damages designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct.
Insurance Considerations
Dealing with insurance companies after a DUI accident can be complex. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame, even when the other driver was clearly impaired and arrested. An experienced DUI accident lawyer understands how to navigate these challenges and fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Nevada follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident (and their insurance company) must pay for damages. When that driver was operating under the influence, liability is typically clear, but insurance companies may still resist paying appropriate compensation.
Time Limits for Filing Claims
Nevada law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline, making it critical to consult with a DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, so prompt action is essential.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
When someone makes the reckless decision to drive while impaired, they must be held accountable for the harm they cause. Civil lawsuits serve an important purpose beyond compensating victims. They send a message that drunk driving will not be tolerated in our community.
Last year’s inaugural DUI blitz led to over 30 arrests, demonstrating law enforcement’s continued commitment to removing impaired drivers from Nevada roads. While these enforcement efforts are crucial, many drunk drivers still evade detection until they cause a serious accident.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, or anywhere in Nevada, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. George Bochanis Injury Law Offices has fought for accident victims throughout Nevada for years, securing compensation that helps families rebuild their lives after serious crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation can I receive after a DUI accident in Nevada?
Compensation varies based on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and other factors. Cases involving drunk driving may also include punitive damages. A DUI accident lawyer can evaluate your specific situation and provide a realistic assessment of your claim’s value.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?
Nevada requires drivers to carry insurance, but some don’t comply. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney can explore all available options for recovery.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A drunk driver will almost always bear primary responsibility, but insurance companies may try to shift blame, making legal representation essential.Don’t wait to protect your rights. Call George Bochanis Injury Law Offices today at 702-388-2005 for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
