Get Compensated by Hiring an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a truck accident, such as those involving a truck weighing at least 10,000 pounds, you know they can cause significant damage. Often, the image that comes to mind is a semi-trailer truck, though smaller trucks can pose risks as well. Semi-trailer trucks (also known as semis, tractor-trailers, or eighteen-wheelers) are integral in the transportation of cargo shipments. These massive vehicles are capable of transporting incredibly large quantities of products. However, because of their size, they can also be very dangerous.

Serious Accidents

Even the largest passenger vehicles are small in comparison to transport trucks, such as semi-trailer trucks. As a result, accidents involving passenger vehicles and trucks often involve immense damage to the vehicle and serious or fatal injuries to the driver and passengers. Some of the ways that a truck driver may be at fault for causing an accident include, but are not limited to:

1. Fatigue
2. Distraction due to texting or other cell phone use
3. Failing to maintain the truck properly
4. Improperly secured cargo
5. Driving too fast

If the driver of the truck was negligent, it is possible for you to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the injuries you have sustained as well as the damage to your property, namely your vehicle. An injured person may seek recovery from the driver or the driver’s insurance company, as well as the company the driver works for or that company’s insurance company.

Compensation

These accidents may give rise to personal injury lawsuits claiming economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, property damage (often significant to the vehicle involved), lost wages due to time missed from work, and, in the most severe cases, funeral expenses. If the accident causes someone to die, a wrongful death lawsuit may also be initiated.

Non-economic damages include claims for disfigurement, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Pain and suffering includes the pain and discomfort related to a person’s actual physical injuries, as well as emotional reactions such as mental anguish, emotional distress, fear, and shock. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and may be significant. However, they are less often awarded.

It is important to keep in mind that any insurance company you make a claim against will be represented by experienced attorneys. It is common for them to attempt to reach a settlement agreement with you. With experienced legal representation on your side, you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether the settlement offer is fair in relation to the injuries you have suffered and the damage to your property.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a large transport truck, such as a semi-trailer, and would like more information about your legal options, you should speak with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney. The legal team at De Castroverde Law Group can answer all of your questions.

What Does a Car Accident Attorney Do?

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is likely you are considering hiring an attorney to attempt to recover compensation for injuries you sustained or for damage to your vehicle. This is particularly true if the accident was serious. A car accident attorney can provide a number of benefits in assisting you after you are involved in an accident.

Legal Advocacy and Settlement

First, and foremost, an attorney will be an advocate for you throughout the entire period of representation. The attorney will actively support your case, whether during settlement negotiations or a civil trial. Further, the attorney will act in your best interests to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

An initial consideration is the statute of limitations, which is the time a plaintiff has to file a claim before the right to it is lost. Under Nevada law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. As a result, it is critical that you speak with an attorney as quickly as possible after being involved in an accident.

For minor accidents that did not result in injury or significant damage to your vehicle, you can probably speak with the insurance company yourself. For more serious accidents, it is likely that the insurance company will attempt to come to a settlement agreement with you in order to avoid litigation. Further, the insurance company will probably not initially offer you a satisfactory settlement amount.

For you, this may be the first time you have been in an accident, especially one significant enough to require legal representation. It is important to note that it will not be the first time the insurance company has been involved in negotiations like this. This makes having an experienced car accident attorney critical to help you obtain a fair settlement. An attorney can help in estimating the value of your injuries and the cost to repair the damage to your vehicle. With this estimate, you can make a better decision as to whether the insurance company offer is satisfactory to you.

Filing a Lawsuit

If a settlement cannot be achieved, an attorney can handle the initiating of a lawsuit. The process of a lawsuit includes the filing of a complaint, filing motions for court action, completing discovery, and the trial itself. Discovery is a very important, and often the longest, part of the process. The discovery phase of a lawsuit involves the parties asking each other questions about the case. Information is gathered through the use of written questions (interrogatories) and the questioning of witnesses under oath (depositions).

As part of the litigation process, the attorney will gather, among other items, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and lost wage information. In addition, your attorney will be able to respond to any requests the defendant makes, while protecting your legal rights.

For more information about legal issues related to car accidents or to discuss the potential of a claim you believe you have, speak with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney. The legal team at De Castroverde Law Group can explain your legal options to you.

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!

Truck Accidents – Common Causes

When passenger vehicles are involved in collisions with big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial trucks, the damage is usually severe. Because of the great weight and size of these vehicles, truck drivers must meet tougher requirements to get their commercial licenses and are held to higher standards.

Despite this, truck accidents are often caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that truck drivers are ten times more likely to be the cause of crashes than other factors like road and weather conditions or vehicle performance. A study by the FMCSA also determined that truck driver action or inaction was the critical cause of 88% of accidents.

While there are various factors involved in any truck accident, some of the most common causes include:

Driver Fatigue
Truckers work long hours and are usually under intense pressure to meet scheduling deadlines. Despite the FMCSA’s strict regulations for the number of hours that drivers can spend on the road at a time, many truckers violate these rules and stay behind the wheel for extremely long time periods. Fatigue can have the same impact upon a driver as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and often severely impacts a driver’s ability to safely operate the truck.

Driver Impairment
The legal intoxication limit is much lower for truck drivers, and they can be charged with DUI for having a BAC of just .04%. Despite the fact that their vehicles can cause far more damage in a collision, some truckers still choose to drink and drive. Substance abuse has also become very common among truckers because of the pressure to stay awake for long periods of time and the isolation and monotony of the job.

Improper Maintenance/Equipment Problems
The FMCSA has strict guidelines for the maintenance and upkeep of commercial trucks and their shipping equipment. However, many trucking companies fail to impose these standards or cut corners on proper maintenance in order to save money. Faulty equipment and improper use of equipment, such as incorrectly securing a load, can cause very serious accidents.

Unsafe Driving
The weight of commercial trucks makes it very difficult for truckers to slow down or stop abruptly if they are traveling at a high speed. Additionally, the large containers raise the center of gravity on trucks and can cause rollovers if they take turns too fast. Collisions can also occur when truckers fail to follow proper passing techniques and change lanes without carefully checking blind spots, using their signals, and making sure there is enough room to pass.

If you or a loved one was harmed in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be able to recover rightful compensation for your injuries and losses under personal injury law. Our family-run Las Vegas law firm proudly represents accident victims in Nevada, and we may be able to help you obtain justice. Visit the Truck Accidents page on our website for more information.

Driver’s License Suspension in Nevada

The Nevada DMV has the ability to suspend or revoke an individual’s license if they commit certain driving offenses or are convicted of certain crimes. The amount of time that the driver’s license is suspended will depend upon the specific offense and their driving record.

Losing your driver’s license for any amount of time will seriously impact your ability to get to work, take care of your family, and your insurance rates. In light of these consequences, it’s important to discuss your options with a lawyer right away so that you can fight a possible license suspension.

When is a driver’s license suspended?

The Nevada DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privileges if you commit certain offenses. Common types of suspensions include:

• Point Suspension – you accumulate 12 or more demerit points on your driving record within a 12-month period.
• DUI – you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or breath, blood or urine tests show that you were driving under the influence.
• Street Racing – you were involved in an illegal speed contest on a public highway or road.
• Collision with a Pedestrian or Bicyclist – you caused an accident involving a pedestrian or bicyclist.
• Failure to Appear – you don’t pay the fine for a traffic ticket on time or do not appear in court when required.
• Failure to Maintain Auto Insurance – you are convicted of failing to maintain insurance, you have repeatedly failed to have vehicle liability coverage, or you failed to maintain SR-22 insurance after having your license previously suspended or revoked.
• Failure to Properly Secure a Child – you are cited and convicted three or more times of failing to correctly restrain a child in your vehicle.
• Child Support – you are in arrears for payments for court-ordered child support.
• Graffiti – you are convicted of committing a graffiti offense.
• Drugs and Alcohol – you are a minor and are found guilty of possessing, using, distributing, or selling drugs; or you are found guilty of possessing, drinking, or buying alcohol.

If the Nevada DMV suspends your license, you will be notified of the length of time of your suspension by law enforcement or by certified mail. You will also be notified of whether or not you are entitled to an administrative hearing. To learn more about driver’s license suspensions and revocations, visit the DMV’swebsite.

If you are at risk of having your license suspended in the Las Vegas area, don’t wait to enlist the help of our experienced defense attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group. Contact our team today to discuss your charges and to learn about your possible defense options. 

Prevent Intersection Accidents

Countless intersection accidents occur in Nevada and across the country each day on busy streets and in quiet neighborhoods. Intersection accidents typically involve head-on or T-bone collisions, which often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.

Intersection accidents are largely preventable, and most are caused by drivers speeding, driving recklessly, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence. Although you cannot predict what other motorists will do, we have provided a number of safety tips that can help you protect yourself and avoid intersection accidents.

• Obey all traffic lights and traffic signs.
• Stop completely at all stop signs.
• Slow down when the light turns yellow; don’t try to beat the light.
• Don’t assume that other drivers will stop just because of a stop sign or traffic signal.
• Before passing through an intersection, carefully check both ways for drivers running the light or stop sign. Watch out for drivers speeding through the intersection, trying to beat the light.
• Don’t hit the gas as soon as the light turns green; make sure it is the light for your lane, so that you don’t accidentally go when the turn arrow changes to green.
• Don’t speed through intersections. Driving at the designated speed will better equip you to notice and react to unexpected situations, such as another vehicle crossing through your path, a pedestrian crossing the street, or an object in the road.
• In residential areas, always be on the lookout for children crossing the street.
• If you are making a left-hand turn, look carefully for vehicles, motorcycles, or bicyclists that are traveling straight down the lane.
• Always use your signal when turning, and pay attention to other vehicles’ signals.
• Make sure you use your headlights at dawn, dusk, and night so that you are visible to other drivers.

If you were involved in an intersection accident caused by another driver, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our team at De Castroverde Law Group to learn how we can assist you with filing a car accident claim.

Tips for Riders: Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

A few months ago we discussed some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States. Although the majority of motorcycle crashes are caused by the actions of passenger vehicle drivers, there are precautions that riders can take to protect themselves.

Take a professional training course. Some studies show that more than 90% of the riders involved in motorcycle accidents are self-taught or taught by friends. Get training from a professional to learn the safest ways to operate your bike and methods to avoid collisions.

Always wear a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37% of riders killed in motorcycle accidents would have survived if they had simply worn a helmet. In Nevada, all riders and passengers are required to wear helmets that meet the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Wear full protective gear. Motorcycles don’t offer any of the protection provided by passenger vehicles. In the event of a collision, your clothing is the only thing protecting your skin from the ground. Wearing close-fitting and abrasion-resistant materials, such as leather, can help prevent severe road rash and lacerations if you are thrown from your bike. Protect yourself by wearing a jacket, long pants, boots, and gloves.

Maintain your bike. Make sure your bike’s engine, brakes, tires, turn signals, headlamps, and other parts are working properly before you hit the road.

Be defensive. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers’ failure to see riders. Always be aware of what is happening in the lanes around you, make sure that you don’t tailgate, and leave yourself plenty of stopping distance.

Follow traffic laws. Obeying the laws, such as using your signals, not speeding, and not splitting or sharing lanes can reduce your risk of being in an accident.

Avoid road and weather hazards. Be on the lookout for pot holes and debris in the road, and if you cannot avoid them, slow down as much as you can before encountering them. If you must drive in the rain, drive slower, leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles, and be gentle when steering and using your brakes or throttle.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle collision in the Las Vegas area, our experienced personal injury lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group can assist you with seeking compensation for your losses. Visit our Motorcycle Accident page for more information.

Know What to Do After a Car Accident

Hundreds of car accidents occur in Las Vegas every year, and thousands more throughout the country. However, many drivers do not know what they should do after being involved in a collision. To make sure you are prepared, read our list of basic steps to take after a car accident:

Make sure everyone is okay.
Check on yourself for injuries, then check your passengers and the motorists in the other vehicles involved in the collision. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.

Pull to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and turn off your engine.
Moving your vehicle out of the path of oncoming traffic can help prevent further collisions. Turning on your lights can warn other motorists of your stopped vehicle.

Wait for help in a safe location if you are injured.
If you or a passenger is seriously injured, wait in a safe location for emergency responders to arrive. Do not try to move someone who appears to have a neck or back injury or who is unconscious.

Exchange information with the other driver.
Get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle identification number of the other motorist, and provide them with the same information. If the driver has a different name than that listed on the insurance, ask what their relationship is to the insurance policy holder and ask for that person’s the name, address, and phone number.

Don’t discuss the accident with the other driver.
Make sure the other motorists are okay and exchange information with them, but don’t discuss the collision further. The other driver’s insurance company could try to use anything you said after the accident against you to avoid paying out your claim.

Document the scene.
Use your camera to take multiple pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved. You may also want to take a video of the scene of the accident. Write down the make, year, color, and license plate number of any vehicle involved in the collision.

Talk to witnesses.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information so that they can verify your side of the story if the other driver tries to dispute what happened.

Call your insurance company immediately.
Explain to your agent what happened and ask what you need to do next. Your agent may also instruct you to file an accident report.

Keep track of accident expenses.
Hold on to any receipts or bills from doctor visits, prescriptions, and auto repair shops. Also keep track of the dates of your medical appointments and the doctor’s diagnosis of your injuries.

Consider hiring an attorney.
If your case is complicated or you have not been receiving proper attention and help from your insurance agent, hiring an attorney could be beneficial. Your attorney can protect you from being taken advantage of and help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries and property losses.

Don’t speak with the other driver’s insurance company.
If the other insurance company calls or emails you to discuss the accident, do not respond to them until you have spoken with your insurance agent or attorney. Your agent and attorney can advise you of what to say and who to speak with.

Don’t accept an offer automatically.
Insurance companies will often offer a low settlement early on, hoping that you will accept it without realizing your options.  Your agent and attorney can evaluate your losses to determine an appropriate settlement and then negotiate for the best offer.

Have you been involved in a car accident in Clark County, NV? De Castroverde Law Group’s team of Las Vegas injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and options, and assist you with filing a car accident claim. Contact our team or visit the Car Accident section on our website for more information!

Car Accidents – Understanding the Causes

Millions of people are harmed in car accidents across the United States each year, and sadly, the majority of these tragic crashes could have been prevented if the drivers had acted differently. Although every incident is different, there are a number of different factors that are commonly involved in auto accidents.

We encourage you to read about some of the most common causes of collisions so that you can learn what steps to take to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.

• Distracted Driving – By some estimates, distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the U.S. Texting, talking on the phone, taking your hands off of the wheel, taking your eyes off of the road, and other such actions can drastically increase your risk of being involved in an accident. (Read more about Distracted Driving)
• Speeding– The faster you drive, the more difficult it becomes to control your vehicle and avoid a collision in the event that the driver in front of you slams their brakes, another car veers into your lane, a child or animal runs into the road, or an object appears in your path.
• Reckless Driving – Reckless driving can include changing lanes abruptly, cutting off other vehicles, tailgating, and any other behavior that puts motorists and pedestrians in danger. Similar to speeding, driving recklessly can make it hard to respond safely if circumstances on the road suddenly change.
• Teenaged Drivers – Although not true in every case, statistics show that teenaged drivers are at far greater risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents than adults. Most experts attribute this increased risk to the young drivers’ lack of experience. Teach your teens to be diligent and careful drivers, and you may want to consider banning cell phone and radio use in the car until they have more experience on the road.
• Driving Under the Influence – Drivers who choose to operate their vehicles while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs put themselves, other motorists, and pedestrians at risk of serious injury and fatality. Do your part to prevent these needless accidents by always taking a taxi or riding with a designated driver if you are intoxicated.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals – While highways are often the locations of major pile-ups or dangerous rollovers, thousands of serious collisions occur in surface street intersections each year. These accidents can typically be prevented by stopping at red lights and stop signs and by taking a few moments to look both ways for pedestrians or other vehicles before entering into an intersection.

If you have been involved in a car accident in the Las Vegas area, we encourage you to call our firm to learn about your legal options. You can also visit our website for more information about car accidents.

Get the Facts on Hit & Run Charges

In the state of Nevada, drivers involved in collisions have a responsibility to stop and render reasonable aid to any injured victims and to give their information to the other drivers (NRS 484E.010). The failure to do so will result in charges for fleeing the scene, more commonly referred to as hit & run. 

Regardless of whether the accident resulted in property damage, injury, or fatality, any drivers involved are required to exchange the following information at the scene:

• Name
• Address
• Vehicle registration
• Driver’s license (if someone requests to see it)

If you are involved in an accident and fail to stop and give aid or provide your information to other drivers, you will face either misdemeanor or felony charges.

Misdemeanor Hit & Run – Property Damage

You will be charged with a misdemeanor offense if you flee from an accident that only resulted in property damage. If you hit and damage an unoccupied vehicle or other property with your vehicle, you have a duty to try to find the owner or leave a note with your name and address, and to also inform law enforcement about the accident.

If you are convicted of misdemeanor hit & run, your penalties will include:

• 6 points to your driver’s license;
• Fines up to $1,000; and/or
• Incarceration in county jail for a maximum of 6 months.

Felony Hit & Run – Bodily Injury or Death

Hit & run is charged as Category B felony offense when the accident results in bodily injury or death to a victim. If you are convicted of leaving the scene of an accident that involved injury or fatality, your penalties will include:

• Fines between $2,000 and $5,000;
• Incarceration in state prison for 2 to 15 years; and
• Possible suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

Charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Clark County? Our defense team at De Castroverde Law Group is experienced in fighting all types of misdemeanor and felony charges. Visit the Hit & Run page on our website for more information.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Unfortunately, it seems like motorcycle accidents make the headlines every week in the Las Vegas area. These collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries, and the tragic truth is that most motorcycle accidents are preventable. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Cars Making Left Turns
Drivers making left-hand turns cause approximately 42% of all motorcycle accidents. Passenger vehicles making left turns often hit motorcycles when the rider is:

• Passing the turning vehicle
• Trying to overtake the turning vehicle
• Going straight through the intersection when the vehicle turns

Sudden-Stops
The small size of motorcycles means that they can stop more quickly than larger passenger vehicles. If a car is following a motorcycle too closely and the rider has to stop abruptly, a rear-end collision will likely result. The impact caused by a car striking a motorcycle can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike onto the ground or the car in front of them, leading to severe injuries.

Failure to Yield
Much like left-hand turn collisions, failure to yield accidents are often the result of drivers failing to notice motorcycle riders. Failure to yield collisions can occur if a driver does not yield to a motorcycle when:

• Merging onto a highway
• Changing lanes
• Leaving or entering a parking lot or garage
• Making a right-hand turn
• Crossing through an intersection that is controlled by a traffic signal or stop sign

Open Doors
Open door accidents often occur in urban areas when drivers parked on the side of the road throw their car doors open into the immediate path of oncoming motorcycles. These collisions are typically caused by drivers failing to check for oncoming traffic before opening the doors of their parked vehicles.

Drivers of passenger vehicles can help prevent injuries to motorcycle riders by operating their cars safely and checking carefully for motorcycles before making any maneuvers on the road. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, our lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group can assist you with seeking rightful compensation. Visit the Motorcycle Accidents page on our website to learn more. 

Stay Safe While Driving During the Holidays

The holiday season is a busy time for travelers, and increased traffic on the roads, combined with poor weather, typically leads to more accidents. If you and your loved ones plan to travel by car for the holidays, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidents.

Before Your Trip

• Take your vehicle to the shop for routine maintenance and to have your tires inspected.
• Check your windshield wipers and pack chains if you will be driving through an area that could get snow.
• Pack chargers for your phone and GPS and put them in an accessible place in the car, so that you won’t have to take your eyes off of the road to search for them.
• Plan out your route in advance and also have a map marked out, in case your GPS is unreliable.
• Have a list of emergency numbers on hand, such as AAA, in case of an accident.
• Pack snacks and drinks for yourself and passengers.
• Inform your relatives or friends of when you plan to leave, the route you are taking, and when you should arrive.
• Plan to leave early to avoid the heaviest traffic times.

While on the Road

• Get plenty of sleep before hitting the road, so that you are well-rested and alert.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and plan for traffic and other delays.
• Make sure you and your passengers wear seat belts at all times and that children are properly restrained.
• Stop every few hours so that you can stretch your legs and take a break, or plan to share the driving responsibilities with another person.
• If you start to feel sleepy, go to a hotel or pull off the road into a safe area to rest.
• Follow the speed limit and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles at all times.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted by your phone, passengers, or anything else while driving.
• Stay calm and avoid getting frustrated if you get stuck in traffic.
• Watch for objects in the road or stopped vehicles, so that you have time to respond.
• Slow down and be extra cautious if it starts to rain or snow.
• Be sure to use your headlights when needed.
• Drive courteously and safely; be sure to use your signal, be patient, and don’t cut off other drivers.

If you are involved in a collision, try to move your car onto the side of the road and call 911. Remain inside your vehicle if possible and turn on your hazard lights. If it is safe to do so, get the other driver’s information and take pictures of the scene. Although being involved in an accident is frightening, try to remain calm so that you can think clearly and stay in control of the situation.

De Castroverde Law Group represents clients in all types of injury and insurance claims in Clark County. Visit our Car Accidents page to learn about your options if you are involved in a collision during the holidays.

What is Distracted Driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2010, approximately 1 out of every 5 car accidents that occurred in the United States was caused by distracted driving. That same year, distracted driving accidents injured approximately 416,000 people and led to 3,000 fatalities.

Although many people consider distracted driving to be synonymous with texting while driving, this dangerous habit can involve much more than cell phone use while behind the wheel. There are three main types of driver distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive.

Visual Distractions

A driver is visually distracted when they take their eyes off of the road, either for a few seconds or a longer period of time. Common forms of visual distraction include:

• Reading or composing a text message
• Looking at a cell phone
• Looking at something on the side of the road or in the distance, such as a collision
• Reading a map or GPS

Manual Distractions

Manual distraction occurs when a driver takes one or both hands off of the wheel for a few seconds or a number of minutes. This type of distraction commonly occurs because the driver is:

• Eating or drinking
• Writing a text message
• Answering or making a phone call
• Adjusting the stereo
• Reaching for something in another part of the vehicle
• Grooming, such as applying makeup or using an electric razor

Cognitive Distractions

A driver is cognitively distracted when their mind is completely or partially unfocused on driving safely. Although the driver’s hands may be on the wheel and their eyes on the road, they can still be cognitively distracted if they are driving while:

• Exhausted
• Emotional
• Extremely stressed
• Talking to passengers
• Conversing over the phone
• Composing a text message

Many drivers do not realize that they are allowing themselves to be distracted while on the road, or the risk that they are placing themselves and other motorists in. Be mindful of your actions while you drive and make the choice to practice safe driving.

De Castroverde Law Group represents accident victims in the Las Vegas area. If you were injured by a distracted driver in Clark County, visit the Car Accidents section on our website to learn about your options.

High Wind Warning in Clark County - Protect Yourself on the Road

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for all of Clark County this morning, and forecasters say that the winds could gust up to 80 miles per hour in some locations. These extreme winds have already caused power outages throughout the state of Nevada.

Strong winds increase the risk for car accidents, so it is important that Las Vegas drivers operate their vehicles carefully in these weather conditions. Be on the lookout for objects and branches that could be blown onto the roadways, as well as downed power lines. Also remember that powerful winds can kick up dust and sand, causing limited visibility.

According to Las Vegas officials, drivers of high-profile vehicles, such as large trucks and SUVs, should be particularly careful of crosswinds. Strong gusts of wind can sometimes push against the sides of taller vehicles and cause them to tip or rollover, which can lead to serious injuries and property damage. Drivers of high-profile vehicles are advised to take extreme caution when traveling through areas that are experiencing high winds. 

If you need to be on the road in Clark County while the wind advisory is in place, make sure you take precautionary steps to reduce risk to yourself and others. 

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Never drive over downed power lines, and be especially cautious if there is water near a downed line.
• Be aware of a possible sudden calm in the middle of a windstorm, and know that the winds could pick back up suddenly.
• Do not drive faster than the speed limit and maintain a speed that is appropriate for the conditions.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel so that you are prepared if a gust of wind hits your vehicle.
• Focus on driving and do not allow yourself to be distracted by your phone, GPS, or passengers.

De Castroverde Law Group represents victims of accidents in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County. Visit the Car Accidents section on our website to learn more. 

Toddler Hit by Car After Climbing Out of Moving Vehicle

The Las Vegas Sun reported that a two-year-old boy was struck by a car on Sunday after he climbed out of a moving vehicle. The toddler, whose name was not released, was taken to the Sunrise Trauma Center with serious injuries. Metro Police said the boy was improperly restrained and got out of the vehicle and ran across the street near Russell Road and Palm Street. The child was hit by a Chrysler minivan that was traveling through the intersection.

The incident is under investigation by Metro Police, and it is possible that the child was not restrained inside of the vehicle at all. If that was the case, the parent or the caretaker who failed to correctly restrain the child could be held liable for the accident.

Under the law children are required to be properly restrained in age-appropriate safety seats or seat belts when traveling in motor vehicles. Because of the child’s young age, he should have been safely restrained in a car seat designed for toddlers. LVMPD is working to determine what led to the tragic incident and if any negligence was involved on the part of the child’s parent or caretaker.  

Our thoughts are with the little boy and we wish him a full and quick recovery. De Castroverde Law Group represents clients in personal injury and criminal cases in Las Vegas, NV. Visit our website for more information.