The Nevada Highway Patrol recently arrested a suspect that caused a hit-and-run accident resulting in the death of a tow-truck driver on I-215. The tow-truck driver was a 48-year-old male.
The Crash
In the evening, the victim was working on the shoulder of westbound I-215 when the suspect’s car drifted onto the right shoulder. It struck the tow-truck driver. He was transported to UMC Trauma but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Vehicle Accidents
Fatal vehicle accidents are common in Nevada. In 2020 alone, 314 fatalities occurred. Many accidents happen over and over due to the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Under the influence of alcohol, legal prescription medications, or illegal drugs
- Driving while tired or upset.
These are readily avoidable. By driving sober and when not tired, paying attention, and not speeding, motorists can avoid a large percentage of vehicle accidents, both fatal and non-fatal.
What Happens if You Get in an Accident?
This latest accident gives us a chance to review what you should do if you’re involved in a car accident. First, check to make sure you’re not injured. If you are and can do so, call 911 for help. If you’re seriously injured, don’t move, and wait for emergency medical services to arrive. If you can move, get to the side of the road and out of traffic. Use your car if it can be driven. Otherwise, leave it and get to safety. Once safe, call 911 to report the accident.
If both parties are able, exchange relevant contact information, like identification, phone numbers, and insurance information. Take photos of the vehicles and the area where the accident occurred. When the police arrive, ask for their badge ID and request copies of the police report.
Getting Compensated
About ninety percent of motorists in Nevada have auto insurance, so if you’re involved in an accident where the other person is at fault, they should have insurance coverage to pay for it. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always pay what they owe.
Talking to your own insurer or with the insurance company of the other driver is not wise. Insurers don’t look out for your best interest. They care about profits and paying you what they owe hurts their bottom line. You could unintentionally say something and jeopardize your right to receive full compensation. That’s where we at LV Personal Injury Lawyers come in.
We’ll take your case and work hard to ensure that you get fully compensated for your injuries. This compensation includes medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain, and suffering, and other losses. Under some circumstances, you can get punitive damages because of the recklessness of the other driver.
Give Us a Call
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident and are injured, don’t go it alone. At LV Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and knowledge to work with insurance companies and negotiate or litigate as hard as possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to get the help you deserve.