UPDATE – July Las Vegas Drunk Driver Suspect Arrested For DUI in May

On August 3, 2011, In Uncategorized, By admin

By Farhan Naqvi, Personal Injury Lawyer in Nevada

Readers of this blog may recall the tragic story about a southwest valley auto accident which killed a Brazilian woman and injured three other people. The wreck was apparently caused by a 21-year old Las Vegas resident who ran a red light at the intersection of Jones Boulevard and Harmon Avenue last Wednesday evening. Now, there are reports that the red-light runner was intoxicated at the time of the crash – and it wasn’t her first time.

After last week’s deadly collision, Metro Police gave the 21-year old a blood test to determine if she had alcohol in her system. But police records indicate that the woman was arrested for DUI back on May 22, posted bail, and was released, with her arraignment date scheduled for later this month. Toxicology results have not yet been received in connection with last week’s incident.

However, if evidence indicates that the 21-year old was driving drunk both in May and last week, it could have serious repercussions for any wrongful death lawsuit that may be filed by the family of the 51-year old (a mother of three young daughters) who perished in the crash. This fact would have a similar impact on any personal injury lawsuits filed by the 50-year old Brazilian woman and the 40-year old California woman who were also in the vehicle with the decedent (as well as for the 26-year old male passenger in the car alongside the 21-year old). A second DUI might increase the odds that all of these lawsuits might involve punitive damages being leveled against the defendant, since a case could be made that she didn’t change her behavior after receiving her initial DUI.

Check back for more updates on this blog as the case unfolds.

o   About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in motorcycle accidents, car accidents, drunk driver crashes, auto pedestrian accidents, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongfuldeath cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, BoulderCity, Green Valley,  or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation

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DUI Killer Gets Maximum Sentence In Rebel Girl Case

On May 6, 2011, In Uncategorized, By admin

By Farhan Naqvi, Personal Injury Lawyer in Nevada

Many of you may remember the heartbreaking story of the death of an 18-year old dance team member at UNLV in 2009. Lindsay Bennett, who was a member of the school’s Rebel Girl squad, was killed by a drunk driver traveling the wrong way on an Interstate 215 exit ramp. Vladimir Legerev reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .20 when he crashed head-on into Bennett’s car.

This week, Lagerev received the maximum sentence from a Clark County District Court judge. The now 47-year old Ukranian immigrant will spend the next 8 to 20 years in prison for his actions. There were some other less-publicized parts of the sentence handed down by Judge Jessie Walsh. In addition to his incarceration, Lagerev must also pay a $5,000 fine as well as restitution costs of $18,368 to Bennett’s family.

Some people may be confused about this latter sum, especially in light of how this blog discusses large settlements or judgments in wrongful death cases. The $18,368 is court-ordered restitution which will be paid by Lagerev to the family. The idea behind restitution is to reimburse the recipients for any previously-incurred financial costs related to the criminal act.

But since it is part of the sentence issued by a criminal court, it is not related to any civil court proceedings or verdicts which may occur in the future. Therefore, the Bennett family can still choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Lagerev in a civil court if they choose to do so. Wrongful death judgments encompass not only reimbursement for financial costs, but also compensation for lost future wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. These costs are not addressed by court-ordered restitution (although restitution amounts are often deducted from civil court judgments so the plaintiffs are not effectively reimbursed twice for the same costs).

If a wrongful death lawsuit is indeed filed in this case, be sure to check this blog for news on how it is progressing.

o   About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in motorcycle accidents, car accidents, drunk driver crashes, auto pedestrian accidents, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.

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DUI Accident from 2001 Reaches Nevada Supreme Court

On January 4, 2011, In Nevada Personal Injury Information, By admin

This week, the Nevada Supreme Court has a case on its docket that involves the death of a woman at the hands of a drunk driver. The case illustrates the financial consequences which can stem from such a tragedy.

Back in 2001, ETT Inc., a slot machine company based here in Las Vegas, was in the process of consolidating its assets and operations into a single warehouse after purchasing a competitor. As a result, ETT hired temporary workers to help with the move. One of these temporary employees was Darwin R. Ellison, who drove an ETT truck that was allocated for the consolidation.

But instead of working, Ellison and another temporary employee drove around the city for a couple of hours while drinking. Then Ellison crashed the truck into the vehicle of Rosa Delegado as she was getting into it on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Delegado was killed and Ellison’s blood alcohol level was found to be .29 – which is over 250% of the legal limit. Ellison was convicted of DUI and went to prison, but is now out on parole.

Delegado’s husband Juan filed a wrongful death lawsuit against ETT which went to trial in 2006. He was awarded an $8.2 million judgment, and ETT was found to be 75% responsible for the DUI accident. But ETT appealed the verdict, and the Nevada Supreme Court will hear that appeal this week. ETT claims that evidence was excluded from the civil trial and that Delegado failed to prove his claims.

It remains to be seen whether the judgment will stand. But this incident does show what can happen to a company financially if one of its employees (even temporary ones) causes a fatal DUI accident. If you or a loved one has been killed or injured by a drunk driver who was drinking on the job, contact a drunk driving attorney. He or she can help determine whether the company should be held responsible for the drunk driver’s actions.

o   About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.

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DUI Accident Claims Life of Young Woman

On December 16, 2010, In Nevada Personal Injury Information, By admin

By Farhan Naqvi, Personal Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

There are few circumstances more tragic than the death of a person at the hands of a drunk driver. It’s even more heartbreaking when the victim was killed in a DUI accident without warning.

That’s what happened to a 21-year old woman from Michigan early Sunday morning near the Strip. She was a passenger in a 2004 Mercury Sable that was traveling on Tropicana Avenue just west of Duke Ellington Way, not far from the MGM Grand and the Hooters Casino Hotel. At about 4am, a man driving a 2009 Mercedes Benz rear-ended the Sable, killing the unidentified victim at the scene.

A 55-year old Las Vegas resident was driving the Sable and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The Mercedes’ driver was arrested and booked on DUI charges at the Clark County Detention Center.

Not only will the at-fault driver probably be indicted for a crime, but he could very well be sued for wrongful death by the family members of the victim. In cases of this type, the grieving family could ask the court for reimbursement of burial expenses as well as compensation for mental anguish and/or pain and suffering.

Another category of damages which could be sought is lost future wages. Basically, this is the estimated amount of money that the victim would have earned in her lifetime had the accident not occurred. 

A qualified DUI accident attorney can answer any questions you might have about being victimized in a drunk driver accident.

About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.

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Fatal DUI Car Crash Case Set for Trial

On December 4, 2010, In Nevada Personal Injury Information, By admin

By Farhan Naqvi, Personal Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

If someone tells you that they think they may be too drunk to drive, they probably are. However, that statement is useless if it is made after a fatal car accident occurs. Furthermore, if a person’s judgment is so impaired that he makes such a statement to police officers – well, then the chances of him being really drunk are high.

That’s exactly what happened to Metro Police officers on the morning of April 4 of this year. According to reports, a man told police, “I can’t drive home. I’m too drunk” after he crashed his PT Cruiser into a Mercedes in Las Vegas. The collision, which killed 52-year old Robert Childress, Jr., happened at the intersection of Charleston Street and Main Street when the at-fault driver reportedly ran a red light.

The at-fault driver registered a blood alcohol level of .149 on a preliminary breath test, which is about 87 percent above the legal limit. The at-fault driver also informed police that he had consumed four or five vodka tonics at a club earlier.

This week, a judge set a criminal trial date for the at-fault driver, who will face charges of DUI-death. There’s no word on whether a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Childress’ heirs. However, if such a lawsuit were to be (or already has been) filed, the plaintiffs could receive compensation for Childress’ lost wages and burial expenses, as well as for their own pain and suffering or mental anguish. 

If someone you love has been hurt or killed by a drunk driver, contact a qualified drunk driving accident attorney who can represent your interests in court.

About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.

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Helping Your Personal Injury Claim against a Drunk Driver

On August 12, 2010, In Nevada Personal Injury Information, By admin

By Farhan Naqvi, Car accident lawyer in Las Vegas

Drinking too much in the privacy of your own home is not against the law, but when people consume too much alcohol and get behind the wheel, they are putting everyone else around them in danger. All too often, drunk drivers get into car accidents leading to serious injuries or loss of life.

Drunk driving accidents can happen anywhere – from Green Valley sidestreets and Las Vegas freeways to Henderson thoroughfares and unpaved roads in Clark County. DUI offenders face stiff penalties including fines, incarceration, and license suspensions – but that doesn’t mean much to the innocent victim who was hurt in the accident.

If you are involved in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is get the proper medical attention. However, if you are able to function without worsening your injuries, or if another occupant in your vehicle is unhurt, there are some steps that can be taken to bolster a future personal injury claim against the drunk driver.

  • Watch the suspect. Note what he or she says and does before authorities arrive. Look for signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, a stench of alcohol, or a severe lack of balance.
  • Find witnesses. Get the statements and contact information of people who saw the accident happen. Remember that there could be witnesses watching from windows of buildings.
  • Take photos. Even if you just have a camera phone, you can photograph the accident site, your vehicles, and any non-auto related damage (like crushed garbage cans or knocked over signs). You should also photodocument your injuries starting from the time you sustain them and then periodically until they are healed.

Then take all this data to your initial consultation with your personal injury attorney. It will help persuade a jury that you deserve compensation for the toll a drunk driver has taken on your life.

About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, Green Valley, or Pahrump, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.

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Drunk Drivers May Pay More in Personal Injury Cases

On May 7, 2010, In Nevada Personal Injury Information, By admin

By Farhan Naqvi, Summerlin Personal Injury Attorney

In 2008, roughly 33 percent of all car accident deaths in Nevada involved a drunk driver (i.e. someone who has a blood alcohol concentration of higher than 0.08). In total, 324 people in Nevada were killed in car wrecks involving drunk drivers, according to alcoholalert.com.  Thousands more suffered serious injuries in these types of accidents.

There’s a good chance some of these drunk drivers were in Las Vegas looking to have a good time. Maybe they came to town ready to cut loose and paint the town red. Nevertheless, having a good time doesn’t excuse someone from drinking and driving. It is one of the most reckless and dangerous decisions a driver can make.

car, accident, wreck, crash, Summerlin, Las Vegas, Clark County, accidentIf you were hurt in a car crash in Las Vegas or Clark County, maybe on Interstate 15 (I-15) or I-215, and it was determined the at-fault driver was drunk, consider giving my office a call. You could be facing thousands of dollars worth of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You shouldn’t have to struggle with these expenses when it’s clear the other driver was reckless and irresponsible.

In addition to the compensation for your medical bills, there is something called “punitive damages.” This is money awarded to you in order to reprimand the at-fault driver and try to dissuade other drivers from engaging similar reckless driving behavior.

I have handled personal injury cases involving drunk driver accident victims where punitive damages were awarded. If you were seriously injured by a drunk driver, I will pursue punitive damages, if possible. Why? Because you were the victim of a major car accident that may have been prevented if the at-fault driver acted more responsibly.  You deserve that additional compensation considering the trauma associated with a major car crash can take months, or even years, to fully recover from.

About the Editor: Farhan R. Naqvi is a Nevada personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims injured in car accidents, drunk driver crashes, truck wrecks, slip and falls, taxi cab accidents, and bicycle crashes. He also has experience handling spine injury, product liability, underinsured/uninsured driver, and wrongful death cases. If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident, give Farhan a call at 702-553-1000 for a free, no-hassle consultation.

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