Smart Tips for Winter Driving

If you are planning to take a long distance trip this winter, it’s important that you properly prepare before leaving and make smart choices while on the road. Read our tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe while traveling during the winter season!

Preparing for Your Trip

• Perform routine maintenance on the car and get your tires checked
• Get your windshield washer fluid and antifreeze refilled before leaving
• Charge your cell phone battery and pack a charger that can be used in the car
• Put an emergency kit in the trunk that includes a flashlight and extra batteries
• Pack extra blankets, jackets, boots, and gloves
• Pack chains if there is a chance that snow could fall on your route
• Have a list of emergency numbers, including AAA
• Map out your route and plan for traffic and inclement weather
• Inform someone of your destination, planned route, and estimated arrival time
• Pack plenty of snacks and water bottles for you and your passengers
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before leaving
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination

Stay Safe While Driving in the Snow

• Check weather reports before leaving and delay your trip if especially bad weather is expected
• Try to have at least half a tank of gasoline at all times
• Before leaving, clear all snow and ice from the vehicle’s windows, mirrors, lights, hood, and roof
• Never text or use your phone while behind the wheel
• Reduce your speed any time you are driving in wintry conditions and take turns slowly
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly when driving in the snow
• Increase the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you
• Be sure to turn on your headlights when necessary
• Stay extra alert to other vehicles hitting the brakes or changing lanes and give yourself plenty of space so that you have time to react
• Do not use cruise control when driving on icy or slippery roads
• Keep in mind that exit ramps may be slicker than the highways, and be cautious when exiting
• If your car stalls or you are snowbound, stay in your vehicle for shelter, turn on your hazard lights, and tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna
• Make sure your exhaust pipe is never blocked by snow, ice, or mud

Read our additional tips for staying safe while driving during the holidays!

If you are involved in a collision during your travels, turn on your hazard lights and try to move to the side of the road. Call 911 and if it is safe to do so, take pictures of the scene and get the other driver’s information. It is important to stay calm so that you can think clearly and make smart decisions.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-run law firm in Las Vegas that provides outstanding representation to accident victims in Nevada. Contact our firm to learn about your legal options if you were hurt in a car accident. 

An Overview of Felony Crimes in Nevada

The most serious criminal offenses in Nevada are charged as felonies. Felony crimes carry much harsher sentencing than misdemeanors and are punishable by a minimum term of 1 year in prison.

Felonies are classified into five categories, with Category A crimes being the most serious offenses and Category E offenses being the least serious type of felonies. Examples of the various crimes charged under the different felony categories include:

• Category A: First and second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, use or promotion of a child in pornography, and sexual assault
• Category B: Voluntary manslaughter, home invasion, robbery, and second-degree kidnapping
• Category C: Grand larceny of goods valued between $650 and $3,500, violating an extended order of protection, and a third offense of battery domestic violence
• Category D: Involuntary manslaughter, third-degree arson, unpaid casino markers, and forgery
• Category E: Criminal gang recruitment, peeping with a camera or recorder, and soliciting a child prostitute

Penalties for Felony Offenses

Each category of felony carries a different set of possible penalties according to state law. Regardless of the specific crime, anyone convicted of a felony in Nevada will be sentenced to a minimum of 1 year in prison, though the maximum sentencing will differ depending on the offense.

According to NRS 193.130, standard sentencing for a felony conviction is as follows:

• Category A Felony: the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or life in prison with the chance of parole
• Category B Felony: a minimum term of 1 year to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine
• Category C Felony: a minimum term of 1 year to a maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
• Category D Felony: a minimum term of 1 year to a maximum of 4 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000
• Category E Felony: a minimum term of 1 year to a maximum of 4 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000; in some cases the court may suspend the sentence and grant probation

As with any crime, felony charges must be brought against a defendant within the statute of limitations. The length of time allowed for prosecution of a felony will vary depending upon the crime, although certain offenses, such as homicide, have no statute of limitations.

Having any felony conviction on your record can negatively impact all areas of your life. Prior felony convictions could be used against you in future cases and result in additional penalties under Nevada’s habitual offenders law (NRS 207.010). If you are accused of a felony offense in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Clark County, retain the defense of De Castroverde Law Group as soon as possible.

Our experienced and accomplished Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have successfully handled felony cases throughout the state and can aggressively fight your charges. Call (702) 222-9999 to learn how you can benefit from the defense of De Castroverde Law Group.

Orlando De Castroverde Selected for The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Our firm is proud to announce that Orlando De Castroverde has been chosen for The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers. This is an immense honor which highlights Attorney De Castroverde’s legal skill and professional accomplishments.  

The National Trial Lawyers is a respected organization that operates on an invitation-only basis. It is comprised of the top trial lawyers from each state and membership is extended only to those who meet rigorous qualifications. The acceptance process is extensive and uses peer nominations and third-party research to ensure that only the most qualified attorneys are chosen for the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.  

The members of this prestigious organization display exceptional leadership, reputation, influence, and stature qualities. The National Trial Lawyers serves as a fundamental resource for accredited trial lawyers in all of the 50 states. Members receive invaluable advantages over their competition by way of networking opportunities and CLE programs.

Attorney Orlando De Castroverde is more than deserving of inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers. In 2014, he was included in Desert Companion Top Lawyers for criminal defense and was also awarded the Legal Elite Seal by Nevada Business Magazine.

Early in his career, Attorney De Castroverde was part of the defense team that achieved the first ever Not Guilty verdict for a casino marker case in Las Vegas, a result which set a precedent for similar cases. Attorney De Castroverde has continued to provide excellent representation to clients throughout Clark County and focuses his practice on the areas of Criminal Defense and Personal Injury.

In 2005, he partnered with his brother, Attorney Alex De Castroverde, to form De Castroverde Law Group. In less than a decade this family-run firm has grown from three attorneys to seven and nearly twenty support staff. With more than a decade of legal experience, Attorney De Castroverde provides every client with the effective and resourceful representation needed to achieve the best possible case result.

Congratulations to Attorney Orlando De Castroverde on being chosen for the prestigious group of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers! To learn how our Las Vegas firm can help with your case, visit www.decastroverde.com

Who is Liable in an Uber Accident?

Over the last year Uber has become a very popular mode of transportation in Las Vegas for residents and visitors alike. Uber is a ride-sharing service that contracts drivers to use their own personal vehicles to pick up passengers hailing their services through the use of a smartphone app.

Uber drivers must meet certain standards upheld by the company before being contracted, and must operate in a standard outlined by Uber. The company’s app is easy to use, drivers arrive quickly, and the pricing is straightforward. However, given the unique nature of its services, who is liable for damages in the event of a collision?

The Impact of ‘Ride-Sharing’ on Insurance Coverage

The practice of ride-sharing used by Uber means that a passenger is held to the standards of the driver’s insurance company for compensation in an accident. In contrast, a traditional taxi service provides the passenger with the comfort of knowing their driver is covered by the taxicab company’s insurance policy. Uber drivers are independently contracted and not required to use the ride-sharing company’s insurance.

In the event of an accident, Uber passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians could have their claims denied by the insurance companies. The reasons why compensation may be denied can include:

• Most personal insurance policies do not cover ride-sharing
• Personal insurance policies may not cover the injuries that were sustained
• Additional coverage touted by ride-sharing companies often does not cover all types of injuries
• The company’s policy may not cover drivers that are involved in accidents when they are not carrying passengers, because they are not actually “on-the-clock”

While it should be the responsibility of Uber to cover damages and injuries that result when a contracted driver causes a collision, there is no guarantee that the company will cover the victims’ expenses. In many instances, victims can be left to deal with costly injuries on their own while their personal insurance providers and Uber’s insurance providers argue over who should pay. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in Las Vegas or Clark County, it’s important to know that you have legal rights. At De Castroverde Law Group we believe that Uber should take responsibility when their drivers cause collisions, and we can help you fight for fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Get in touch with our Las Vegas personal injury law firm today to discuss your legal options - call (702) 222-9999. 

The Danger of Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing can sometimes occur on vehicles with attached trailers, such as semi-trucks and commercial trucks with hitches. When a vehicle jackknifes, the wheels on the truck lock due to severe braking or sudden deceleration. The trailer then swings out to one side, often crossing through many lanes of traffic and hitting other vehicles.

When a truck jackknifes, there is also a high risk that it will rollover and cause even further damage to other vehicles. Jackknife accidents can be caused by a number of different factors, including:

• Skidding on the roadway
• Failure of vehicle parts
• Improper use of the brakes
• Dangerous road conditions
• Truck driver error

Compensation for Victims of Jackknife Accidents

Due to the vast size and weight of commercial trucks, victims of jackknife accidents often sustain severe injuries. In many cases, these accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. Victims and their families are able to seek compensation for their losses and hold the responsible parties liable under personal injury law.

Depending upon the circumstances involved in the accident, numerous parties could be held liable, such as:

• The truck driver
• The owner of the truck
• The shipper of the cargo
• The company that leased the truck for use
• The maker of the truck and the truck components
• The mechanic or maintenance company that worked on the truck

If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident in Nevada, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

De Castroverde Law Group is a family-fun law firm in Las Vegas that is dedicated to recovering the full compensation accident victims need and deserve. Contact our team as soon as possible to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for you!