Prom is an exciting time for the younger folks. It’s a rite of passage where teenagers get the chance to dress up and shine like a star. It’s not just a glamorous party; prom marks an end of an age as well as a new beginning of another chapter in a young person’s life.

Unfortunately car accidents are quite common on prom night. While it’s an exciting time to be in, drinking and driving usually accompany this special occasion. As a result, many get seriously injured or, worse, die.

Understandably the youngsters tend to be adventurous, willing to explore anything new, even the dangerous stuff. But to make prom night a pleasant and positive experience for them to cherish for the rest of their lives, it is crucial to eliminate drinking then driving.

It’s not just the teenagers that need to understand this. Parents too need to play a critical role in elucidating the very serious risks of underage alcohol drinking and driving on this momentous night.

Facts about Underage Drinking and Driving

By law, teens are prohibited from purchasing and/or consuming alcoholic or intoxicating beverages. In the State of Nevada, there is strict enforcement of this rule.

Perhaps it’s pop culture or what-not, but unfortunately many teens associate prom nights with alcohol consumption. According to statistics, around 6 percent of U.S. students surveyed by concerned citizens’ group and an insurance company have operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol on their prom.

The same group of surveyed students revealed that nine out of ten of them believe their classmates have a strong predilection to drink and drive on that special night.

While 6 percent may seem like a little figure, that number is dangerous high, considering the likely consequences of underage driving while drunk. In many cases, there are serious injuries and deaths that occur on the occasion of teen DUI (driving under the influence) cases.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 85 percent of teens who figured in a car accident resulting from drunk driving admitted to binge drinking. Having at least five drinks in a short period may be considered binge drinking.

Also, about 80 percent of teenagers registered a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level of more than 0.08 percent, which is the limit set by law. Male teenagers are more likely to drive while drunk.

Preventing Teenage DUI

Whether it’s prom night or just an ordinary weekend, preventing teenage DUI is imperative. There have been countless lives lost or irreparably changed as a result of drunk-driving car collisions.

To address the widespread occurrence, intense clampdown was initiated by various law enforcement agencies of each state. Zero-tolerance policies were enforced against teenagers caught drinking alcoholic substances then driving.

Alcohol drinking by persons under the age of 21, in itself, is already prohibited. Thus, a higher penalty is imposed against persons committing underage drinking and driving. In addition, subsequent convictions for the same offense will result in steeper punishment.

Recognizing the Serious Safety Risks of Underage DUI

For parents and guardians, it is important to impose strict discipline against underage drinking and driving. If ever these minors drink, encourage them to open up and call for a ride home instead of risking life or limb.

Remember the life you save may not just be that of your child but also of other drivers who share the road.

If you have been injured as a result of DUI driver, contact our Las Vegas car accident attorney. Look to Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

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Don’t Drink and Drink This 4th of July

This coming 4th of July, there will lots of fireworks, grilling, and booze. But did you know the rate of drunk-driving incidents is also high during this wonderful occasion? It’s an unfortunate fact that needs to be addressed by authorities. But more importantly, it starts with every driver. Road safety is a responsibility and duty of every individual person who operates a motor vehicle on the roadways.

In view of the dangers of and the potential catastrophe arising from drunk driving, the law requires drivers to be sober when operating their motor vehicle.

On the 4th of July, join us in celebrating the momentous occasion. Bring out the picnics, grills, and barbecues. Of course, the salute to our independence wouldn’t be complete without the awesome fireworks. But don’t let your merriment be compromised by an unwise decision to drink then drive. It’s deadly.

Drive Sober

Before you have fun this 4th of July, think safety first. If you’re planning to drink that day, make sure you have a designated driver who’s sober. Because here’s why. Check out these statistics on drunk-driving.

Did you know around 10,400 people died in 2016 due to car crashes related to drunk-driving? That’s about a third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.

On 2016’s 4th of July celebration, there were 188 people who died due to drunk-driving. That accounts for a 28-percent increase from 2015’s 146 fatalities. There were three times more deaths at night that the daytime on the independence day celebration.

Drunk-Driving Is Illegal

Not only is it a dangerous stunt, drunk-driving is also illegal. So for this year’s 4th of July celebration, we urge everyone to steer while sober, not drive while drunk.

This 2018’s independence day celebration, there will be a campaign to put an end to drunk driving. It’s called the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign. On this day, you’ll see a lot of law enforcement elements dispersed throughout the streets to compel observance or compliance of drunk-driving laws.

Police officers will be accepting zero excuses from drivers who drive while drunk. The objective of the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign is ensure the safety of all people who share the roadways. Anyone who will drive while under the influence or otherwise impaired will be taken off the streets and apprehended.

In this year’s 4th of July celebration, we invite everyone to join in our efforts to stop this deadly stunt. Together let’s spread awareness of this life-saving measure in the hopes that this campaign will completely keep our roads safe from drivers under the influence.

Drunk Driving Can Cost Lives

Drunk driving is never acceptable. It puts everyone’s lives, limbs, or properties at risk. This illegal behavior should be stopped. And when it does, it can save countless lives. Who knows, the lives saved may include yours and your family’s.

So for this year’s independence day celebration, commit only to driving when you’re sober. Make sure your senses are not impaired and you have presence of mind behind the wheel. You can still enjoy the festivities. Should you decide to partake in alcoholic beverages, just make sure you have a designated driver who’s sober.

If you see someone who’s under the influence or intoxicated and about to driver, contact your local law enforcement elements. Or if you have a friend or family member who’s about to drive despite drunk, grab the keys and let someone who’s sober and reliable to drive for him/her.

The post Don’t Drink and Drive This 4th of July appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

Do you have family or friends graduating this year? It can be one of the joyous moments in one’s life. It’s a major milestone that’s worth celebrating. For parents, it gives them a sense of accomplishment as their children go to the stage and receive their certificates. On the other hand, it is the beginning of a new chapter in the children’s lives.

Graduation can also mean parties. They bring together families and friends. So if you play host to these shindigs, there may be various considerations to take into account. These factors include the location, size, and style of the party. Budget is another thing to consider. But more importantly, the health and safety of the people attending the party.

The last thing you want to happen in a joyous occasion are accidents. These unfortunate events can happen if you don’t think things through as you plan your graduation party. Here are some tips to help make your special occasion a fun, safe, and memorable one.

Alcohol Consumption

Let’s face it, alcohol is a staple in many parties. To ensure a safe and enjoyable party atmosphere, careful decision must be made with regards to serving alcohol. After all, there may be guests who are not old enough to drink. Should you choose to serve alcohol, make sure it is not given to minors or anyone who may be designated to drive.

You may set the limit of alcohol intake per person. Either you restrict your guests to a maximum amount of alcohol or consider giving specialty drinks with lower alcohol content. As an alternative, you may also offer nonalcoholic beverages to supplement the availability of alcohol.

Alcohol and driving should not mix. There may be designated drivers in the party who may have too much to drink. So you should also be prepared for this eventuality. You could offer the guests rides to their homes or provide taxicab fare. If you have rooms to spare, you could also allow them to sleep over.

There may also be teenage drivers in the guest list. So you should also monitor the young people who may be susceptible to reckless or negligent driving.

Safety Tips for Holding a Party in Your Home

What may seem like harmless elements in your home can contribute to the happening of accidents, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. If you’re looking to throw a house party, check out these safety tips.

Clear the walkways, stairs, and paths of debris. Even a tiny Lego piece can cause a person to tumble down. If you step on it, it may cause one to lose his or her balance then fall. Also, make sure these passages are well lit.

If you have areas in the house that has the potential to cause accidents, keep them off-limits to guests.

Exercise caution when operating a fire pit or grill for your barbecues. And always keep a water source nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Also, make drinking water available for guests, especially on hot days.

If you have pets in the house, make sure you keep them in a safe and comfortable space. There are instances where an otherwise friendly pet may attack guests when agitated.

For your personal injury questions or concerns, get in touch with our highly experienced Las Vegas lawyer. Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post Enjoy a Safe Graduation Party with Your Family and Friends appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

Las Vegas Pregnant Woman Killed in DUI Car Crash

Drinking and driving are not a good mix. This could lead to serious bodily injuries and damaged properties. Or worse, death. Here’s another alcohol-related car accident that resulted in a fatality.

In March 2018, a pregnant woman named Monique Leiwalo was driving on the northbound lane of Rainbow Boulevard around 7 in the morning. Suddenly a man driving an SUV hit another car and rear-ended Leiwalo’s vehicle. The force threw Leiwalo’s vehicle, crashing it into a pole. She died as a result.

But it was not only Leiwalo who perished in the car accident. The unborn child in her tummy also died. According to the deceased’s sister Jasmine, Leiwalo was scheduled to give birth in May. Originally from the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Leiwalo moved to Las Vegas in 2013 with her longtime beau Anthony Cruz.

The suspect, driving the SUV in question, was identified as Timothy Naas. After the car crash, Naas reportedly fled the scene. But he was later apprehended and criminally charged on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The 29-year-old Naas was delivered to the Clark County Detention Center where he faces countless charges. Among the criminal actions filed against him include DUI and hit-and-run.

DUI Car Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death Involving an Unborn Child

Is an unborn child considered a person for purposes applied in wrongful death cases? Yes, according to a 1972 case decided by the Supreme Court of Nevada in Weaks v. Mounter.

In Naas’ case, he may be criminally charged for the death of Leiwalo and her unborn child. Additionally, Naas may also face a civil action for recovery of damages arising from two counts of wrongful death.

Under Las Vegas jurisdiction, tortfeasors like Naas may be held liable for pecuniary losses. They will be required to answer for the decedent’s medical bills on his/her final illness or injury. Upon the latter’s death, these tortfeasors will also answer for the funeral or burial costs.

Tortfeasors will also be held liable to cover for the decedent’s lost future income, paying to the latter’s heirs. The heirs will also receive damages founded upon the decedent’s pain or suffering as well as the lost emotional guidance on the part of the dependents.

Establishing Liability in Las Vegas DUI Cases

To establish criminal and civil liability in wrongful deaths arising from Las Vegas DUI cases, the plaintiff will need to gather direct or circumstantial evidence to prove the fault or negligence of the tortfeasor. To wit, it must be shown to the court that:

the tortfeasor has the duty to observe proper diligence in operating his motor vehicle on the roadways,
(2) there was a failure to observe the requisite degree of diligence,
(3) this failure resulted in a violation of a safety statute; e.g., DUI laws,
(4) the violation of the safety statute involved an injury or death.

Based on the accident report, it can be deduced that Naas is liable for the wrongful death due to his failure to follow the DUI laws. However, from a legal standpoint, this fact needs to be presented and proven before the court.

You Need an Aggressive Las Vegas DUI Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Las Vegas DUI incident, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained. In the case of death, the heirs may be awarded the damages. For this purpose, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation from a highly experienced Las Vegas DUI lawyer.

Get in touch with Dan Lovell of the Empire Law Group.

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DUI Results in Fatality and Multiple Car Crash

It’s never a good idea to drink then drive immediately afterward. Take the case of a Las Vegas DUI incident that occurred in April 2018. A driver had two vodkas before getting into the car. Later the drunk driver was involved in a multi-vehicle accident, resulting in one death, multiple injured individuals, and several crashed cars. Based on the accounts of her arrest, she did not dispute these allegations and admitted her fault, according to an article on the Fox 5 news website.

According to Las Vegas police reports, Sarah Lee drank two vodkas at around 4:30 a.m. at Santa Fe Station. As it followed, the road accident resulted in a car crash, involving six vehicles. The multi-vehicle accident happened on the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Warm Springs Road at around 10 a.m.

Lee’s Apprehension

The police report mentioned that Lee was held by a citizen after the car crash. The Las Vegas police officer who responded to the DUI scene said Lee had the smell of alcohol that early morning.

At the time of contact with the police officers, Lee did not know where she was. She appeared confused and had difficulty complying with instructions for alcohol testing after the incident. The police officers also observed that she had a hard time having her eyes open. She also complained that she was in pain. The report also mentioned Lee had minor bruises and scratches on her body.

Upon an examination on her person, the police officers noticed scarring and other marks on Lee’s arms, which is indicative of repeated needle injection. Lee, on her part, admitted she had been doing IV drug use. Two days prior to the accident, she smoked heroin. But she was on suboxone for relief from heroin cravings, she added.

One Fatality, Several Injuries, Six Cars, One Impaired Driver

Donneka Harris, of North Las Vegas, died as a consequence of the car crash incident, along with three others who were injured. According to the Clark County Coroner, Harris died due to injuries caused by multiple blunt force. She was 32.

Six vehicles were involved in the incident, which includes a black Mercedes, a red Ford, a silver Lexus, a gray Cadillac SUV, a blue Hyundai, and a Chevy Malibu.

Eyewitness’ Account

Victor Johnson was working at a nearby convenience store when the multi-vehicle crash occurred. As he ran out to help the people involved in the collision, he noticed Lee tried to run away.

Based on the report by the Nevada Highway Patrol, Lee’s Mercedes was westbound on Warm Springs Road and ran a red light at the intersection. She crashed her car against a Chevy Malibu, which was traversing on Las Vegas Boulevard’s southbound lane. The collision impacted the nearby vehicles. The driver of the Chevy Malibu was Harris who died at the scene.

Lee Could Face Severe Penalties

Under the laws of the State of Nevada, Lee could face imprisonment between 2 and 20 years in state prison with fines up to $5,000. On top of the criminal charge, a civil action for recovery of damages may also be filed against Lee. Her driving license may also be suspended or revoked.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Las Vegas DUI incident, resulting in injuries or fatality, get in touch with Dan Lovell of the Empire Law Group.

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Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. fall victim to vehicular accidents caused by drunk drivers. What’s even more unfortunate is that most of these accidents are fatal. In Las Vegas alone, there are a considerable number of accidents related to drunk driving. Perhaps this is part of being a party and entertainment city.

Be that as it may, injured parties in drunk driver accidents deserve to obtain compensation for damages sustained. Which is why the state endeavors to dispense justice for the wrongs committed to these unfortunate individuals. On the other hand, drunk drivers shall face the full extent of the law on account of their recklessness, negligence, or failure to observe the rules.

Driving by itself presents many challenges and risks. These challenges and risk are compounded when the driver is intoxicated. With impaired senses, there is a higher risk of accidents under an inebriated state. For this reason, driving while buzzed is already punishable, considering the danger it poses to other drivers on the roadways.

Life may be lost, or properties may be damaged in an instant in drunk driving accidents. Other lives too may be entirely overturned because someone broke the law on drinking and driving.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or incurred losses on account of damaged properties, you deserve to be adequately compensated. You should never stand down for this injustice.

Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

It is not uncommon for drunk driving accidents to have severe injuries on the victims as outcomes, if not fatalities. The extensive bodily harm usually has a long-lasting impact on the lives of the surviving victims. These injuries involve permanent disability, disfigurement, or complete loss of use of the affected limb. What’s more, these injuries are a daily reminder of the gruesome experience.

Here are some of the common injuries that victims to drunk driving accidents suffer:

• Traumatic head injuries or severe concussions that lead to brain damage;
• Fractures, sprains, and strains;
• Crushed limbs, which increase the likelihood of amputations;
• Serious internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or lacerations and injured organs;
• Soft-tissue injuries like twists and torn tendons;
• Serious injuries to the neck, back, and spine;
• Chemical burns and other injuries to the face, resulting from the deployment of the airbag; and
• Psychological trauma on account of the accident, which includes PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Injuries incurred during drunk driving accidents may not heal quickly. This means days of missed work and loss of potential income on the part of the injured victims. There’s also the matter of medical and other hospitalization costs.

As recovery may take months, the injured victims will also fail to do the activities they enjoy doing. This includes doing sports, traveling, going out with friends, etc. The sustained injuries will affect the lives of the injured victims.

What’s more, motor vehicles damaged on account of the drunk driving accident may require repairs. Serious impairment will render these properties out of commission unless they are put back together. To this end, these victims deserve adequate compensation for the injuries and damages sustained.

If a drunk driver caused serious havoc to you or your loved one’s life, limb, or property, you have the right to obtain compensation. To do this, speak with a drunk driving accident attorney who can help pursue your claims against the erring party. Don’t risk losing your right to seek compensation; proceed with your legal action promptly.

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Driving by itself carries many inherent risks to the driver and the public. Drunk driver accident. But driving under the influence of alcohol gravely increases such risk. Its danger and the consequential actual losses to life and property are not only imagined. They happen. Almost everyone has witnessed them happen. Road accidents due to DUI has become part of our collective human experience. Needing a DUI Attorney is not uncommon.

Drinking alcohol remains legal in our jurisdictions. One may bask on alcohol only if he does not bother another, much less the public. One usually has an unbridled right on what he does in private. But not on what he does in public. When public safety is in question, the state reserves the right to restrict one’s actions.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a question of public safety. One’s civil liberties may take a backseat in this instance. Because a higher interest is at play in here. So this is the justification why the state can rightfully pass legislation against DUI.

Really, at what point does alcohol influence a driver?

So, you think people drink and drive then they submit to the chance of getting arrested? No! Not that simple. Drivers would argue that drinking alcohol does not necessarily mean being influence by it. Crap, but it is a legitimate argument.

Therefore, states have standard threshold on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level. In the US, for 21 years old and above, driving with BAC of 0.08% or higher already qualifies as DUI. For under 21 years of age, the BAC state limits range from 0.00 to 0.02%.

The BAC Test and a little challenge

Detecting and apprehending drunk drivers are always a challenge. Why? Because police officers cannot just go around flagging down cars. Much less, they cannot just compel the drivers to be tested on their BAC. Otherwise, people will cry foul for being searched without warrant.

But commercial vehicles or public transportations are different. They are governed by the laws on contract of carriage. Public interest is a little more involved in them. Thus, they can always be flagged down and their drivers randomly tested for DUI violations.

So, when can be a driver of private vehicle be tested for DUI violation? When there is a reasonable suspicion that the driver has just drunk an alcohol.

Police officers may search in plain view for alcohol cans or bottles. Smell of alcohol can also raise reasonable suspicion. The driver’s behavior may also be indicative of being drunk.

The standard operating procedures vary from state to state. In some jurisdictions, they will conduct physical test like standing on one leg. Others require the apprehended individuals to walk on a straight line and turn around; some will be required to count backwards.

In short, police officers would conduct probing inquiries first. If they find reasonable suspicion, they may require the driver to voluntarily submit to physical examination. If the driver refuses, they may use reasonable force to subject the driver to such test. And if they find that the driver reaches the BAC threshold, they may arrest the driver.

Liabilities and Penalties

If drunk driver causes injuries, he may be civilly liable to the injured party. Furthermore, he may be criminally liable for DUI. Thus, on top of having to pay civil damages, the driver may face imprisonment, fines, and revocation of license. It is best for anyone involved in DUI accident to consult a personal injury attorney.

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