Las Vegas, NV (October 18th, 2024) – More than a month after he was seriously injured in a wreck with an alleged drunk driver, a young man remains in a coma.
On life support, the young man suffered a severe brain injury and a lacerated lung, as well as two fractured shoulders, a fractured clavicle, a fractured back, and a fractured pelvis, in an alleged drunk driving accident. He also had to have his spleen and part of his colon removed. The vehicle the young man was traveling in with a friend was hit by a driver believed to have been under the influence while traveling through the intersection of Desert Inn Road and Boulder Highway. Five other people also suffered injuries in the collision.
Common Serious Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions involving drunk drivers often result in serious and catastrophic injuries due to the inability of the impaired motorists to react quickly or make sound decisions. Some of the most commonly occurring injuries in drunk driving accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries result from blows or jolts to the head that damage the brain or otherwise disrupt its function. They can range in seriousness from mild concussions to severe, life-altering damage. Due to these types of injuries, accident victims may experience cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Trauma to the spinal cord during DUI crashes can lead to spinal cord injuries. Such trauma may cause partial or complete paralysis. Those who suffer spinal cord injuries in motor vehicle collisions with drunk drivers often need lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
Severe Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
The force of DUI-involved accidents can cause broken bones. Multiple or compound fractures may require surgical intervention, and these injuries may result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent disability.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage can result from drunk driving crashes. For example, such accidents may cause injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Such was the case for the young Las Vegas man.
If vehicle occupants suffer such injuries, they may require emergency surgery and other treatment to address the damage and prevent further complications.
Seeking Compensation Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Las Vegas
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your associated losses. An experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer may help you understand your rights, and assess your case to help determine your best course of action.
Establishing Liability in Drunk Driving Cases
To successfully pursue compensation in a drunk driving case, it’s crucial to establish liability of the intoxicated driver. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence is generally considered negligent, and a violation of a motorist’s duty to safely operate their vehicle.
Various evidence is available to help establish a driver was under the influence, and thus, responsible for your accident-associated injuries. For example, law enforcement accident reports, blood alcohol concentration test results, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimonies can all aid in supporting your account of the events that led to your injuries.
Types of Damages Available
Through a personal injury lawsuit, you may seek to recover compensation for the losses you incur due to a collision with a drunk driver. The damages you may receive through a car accident case include economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. You may also recover compensation for your non-economic losses, including pain and suffering.
Statute of Limitations Considerations
Under most circumstances, you have up to two years after your accident to initiate a legal action for damages. Filing outside Nevada’s statute of limitations may result in a dismissal of your case, costing you your right to receive compensation.
Using Private Health Insurance in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
When you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, your private health insurance may play a vital role in the recovery process. Your private health insurance may cover immediate and ongoing medical expenses, allowing you to get the care you need without waiting for a lawsuit to settle.
If you use health insurance benefits to cover the costs of your medical care after a drunk driving accident, be aware of your carrier’s subrogation rights. Depending on the circumstances, your insurer may seek to recover the costs paid for your treatment.
The young man who remains unconscious after a Las Vegas drunk driving accident has health insurance through his employer. However, his mother claims several of the claims for coverage have been denied, complicating getting him the care he needs.
Denials of Insurance Benefits
As in the case of the young man in Las Vegas, you may face claim denials, even with valid insurance. Carriers may deny benefits based on reasons such as:
- Treatment deemed not medically necessary
- Policy exclusions or limitations
- Errors in claim submission
- Pre-existing condition clauses
If your claim for benefits is denied, however, you may still have options. A motor vehicle accident attorney will review your circumstances, the claim denial, and other details of your case to aid in determining how best to proceed.
Appealing Denied Claims
It can seem the end of the road if your claim for benefits is denied; however, you have several options. You may consider working further with a personal injury lawyer, who can guide you through the appeals process and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
In an instant, the actions and decisions of another can drastically alter your life, if you get into a wreck with a drunk driver in Las Vegas. Since 1985, our team at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices has been committed to helping people like you recover the compensation they deserve. Our attorney, George Bochanis, has more than 30 years of experience and has handled more than 50 trials. Call 702-388-2005 to discuss your case today.
