Filing a Lawsuit Against a Distracted Driver in Nevada

Distracted driving is a leading cause of serious car accidents across Nevada. In cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson, heavy traffic and the temptation of mobile devices combine to create dangerous driving conditions. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a second, they put everyone around them at risk.

If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover medical expenses, lost income, and damages for pain and suffering. But to succeed, you must prove that the other driver’s distraction directly caused the collision.

Nevada law prohibits certain forms of distracted driving and provides injured victims with legal tools to hold negligent drivers accountable.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from the task of operating a vehicle. This can include:

• Texting or using a phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio or GPS
• Talking to passengers
• Personal grooming
• Reaching for items in the vehicle
• Daydreaming or zoning out

There are three main types of distractions:

• Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
• Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving

Texting while driving involves all three types of distraction, making it especially dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds—enough time to travel the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour.

For a free legal consultation, call (725) 900-9000

Nevada’s Distracted Driving Laws

Nevada has banned the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.165, it is illegal for drivers to:

• Hold or operate a cell phone while driving
• Text, browse the internet, or check email behind the wheel
• Use a hand-held device at a red light or stop sign

Exceptions are made for voice-operated or hands-free devices, GPS systems, and emergency responders. Violations can result in fines, points on a driver’s license, and increased liability in a civil lawsuit.

Proving a Driver Was Distracted

To succeed in a lawsuit against a distracted driver, you must prove that the driver’s inattention caused the crash. This often requires collecting strong evidence, which may include:

• Police reports indicating distraction as a cause
• Eyewitness statements describing the driver’s behavior
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Cell phone records showing texting or calls at the time of the crash
• Photos of the accident scene
• Accident reconstruction expert analysis

In some cases, drivers may admit they were distracted. In others, your attorney may need to subpoena phone records or GPS data to build a case.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

What to Do After an Accident With a Distracted Driver

If you suspect the other driver was distracted, take the following steps after the crash:

• Call 911 and request a police report
• Seek medical care immediately, even for minor injuries
• Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible distractions
• Get witness information and ask what they saw
• Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible

Prompt action is essential. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies may try to shift blame or downplay your injuries.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted drivers often fail to slow down or react in time, leading to high-impact collisions. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries
• Facial trauma or dental injuries
• Lacerations and road rash

Compensation Available in a Distracted Driving Lawsuit

• Medical bills, including future treatment needs
• Lost income during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Crash

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship or guidance
• Medical expenses prior to death
• Emotional grief and mental anguish

No Legal Fees Unless We Win

• No upfront payments are required
• No hourly billing
• You only pay if we recover compensation for you

Call Van Law Firm Today

If you were injured by a distracted driver in Nevada, do not wait to seek legal help. You may be entitled to compensation, and acting quickly helps preserve your rights and evidence.