What If You Are Hit By A Drunk Driver in Reno?

• November 4 2025
• |   Car Accidents

If you are hit by a drunk driver in Reno, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses through a personal injury claim.

However, the legal process is ripe with challenges threatening to diminish or deny the compensation you may be eligible for under Nevada law.

Legal professionals can help keep your case on track, fighting against obstacles and advocating for the maximum compensation available.

Yet, even with the potential for a more favorable case outcome, many people hesitate to hire a car accident injury lawyer due to misconceptions about the legal system or underestimations about the severity of their injuries.

Are you struggling to recover full and fair compensation after a drunk driver crashed into you?

Schedule a free case evaluation with Leverty & Associates to explore the following legal insights further. With their guidance, you can understand how a lawyer can help protect your financial future after someone else’s reckless actions cause harm.

Key Takeaways About What If You Are Hit By A Drunk Driver in Reno?

• The cost of catastrophic injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other severe injuries from drunk driving accidents can cost victims millions of dollars over a lifetime. You could be left on the hook for these expenses without legal support.
• Leverty & Associates understands Nevada personal injury law: The Reno personal injury law firm leverages statutes like NRS 484C.110, which prohibits driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, and NRS 42.010, which allows for punitive damages, to build strong cases and pursue maximum compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents.
• Fighting for full compensation: Legal professionals can help you pursue damages for medical expenses, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
• Drunk driving accidents in Reno: According to recent statistics, drunk driving is a leading cause of severe car accidents in Nevada, with Reno seeing a significant share of these incidents each year.
• Challenging common legal assumptions: Many victims assume that compensation is limited to immediate medical bills, but Nevada law allows for recovery of damages like lost future earnings, long-term care, and emotional distress. Leverty & Associates ensures no potential compensation is overlooked.

What Reno Law Says About Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions, often resulting in severe injuries and significant property damage.

Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484C.110 prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Violations can lead to civil and criminal charges.

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, partnering with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options and take action.

Schedule a free case evaluation with experienced auto accident injury lawyers who can analyze:

• The driver’s level of impairment: Evidence such as BAC test results, police reports, and witness statements can establish whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
• Negligence and liability: Drunk driving is a clear act of negligence. Lawyers can gather evidence to prove the driver’s fault and hold them accountable for the harm they caused.
• The impact of the accident on your life: Medical records, property damage estimates, and other documentation can demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and losses.
• Insurance coverage and compensation options: Lawyers can identify all available sources of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Drunk driving accidents often leave victims facing significant challenges, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Legal professionals can guide you through the complexities of your case, protect your rights, and work to hold the negligent driver financially accountable for their actions.

Is It Possible To Recover Compensation After A Drunk Driver Hits You IN Reno, NV?

While many legal resources emphasize steps like documenting the scene, the reality is that the chaos of a crash can make this difficult or even impossible. This doesn’t mean your case is at a disadvantage.

Lawyers can address these gaps, uncover evidence, and build a case that reflects the full extent of harm you’ve suffered. Speak to a car crash attorney from a Reno personal injury law firm for assistance with critical steps such as:

• Filing or supplementing a police report: Police reports often capture details like BAC test results, witness accounts, and descriptions of the driver’s behavior. If you didn’t file a report immediately, a lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure important details are documented.
• Investigating the accident: Lawyers have the tools to gather evidence you may not have access to, such as surveillance footage, traffic camera recordings, or additional witness statements. They can also analyze the police report for insights that support your claim.
• Linking injuries to the accident: Medical records are essential for connecting your injuries to the crash. If there was a delay in seeking care, legal professionals can work with medical experts to demonstrate how the accident caused your injuries and the impact on your life.
• Managing insurance negotiations: Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. Lawyers can help you handle all communication, challenge low settlement offers, and prepare your case for litigation if necessary.

Even when the crash circumstances are overwhelming, legal professionals can help position your case for success and hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions.

What Compensation Can a Reno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help Recover?

Many people accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company, thinking it will cover all their accident costs.

These offers often only account for the immediate expenses you’ve considered—not the full scope of damages you may be entitled to under Nevada personal injury law.

Without the help of experienced personal injury attorneys in Reno, you may need to pay for injuries and other costs that someone else caused.

The legal team at Leverty & Associates leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of compensation for:

• Future medical expenses: Beyond hospital bills and surgeries, catastrophic injuries often require long-term care, physical therapy, and specialized equipment.
• Lost earning potential: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to work, lawyers can fight for compensation that reflects your lifetime earning losses.
• Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional toll of a drunk driving accident can be immense. Legal professionals can help quantify these damages and include them in your claim.
• Property damage: From vehicle repairs to replacing personal items damaged in the crash, lawyers ensure these costs are accounted for.
• Punitive damages: In drunk driving cases, Nevada law may allow additional compensation to punish the at-fault driver for their reckless behavior.

Don’t let an insurance company dictate the value of your case. Legal professionals can help you understand the full extent of compensation available under Nevada law and fight to secure the resources you need to rebuild your life.

Who Pays For Accident Injuries Caused By A Drunk Driver in Reno, Nevada?

Recovering compensation after a drunk driving accident often involves more than just filing an insurance claim. Initial offers rarely cover the full cost of your injuries. Lawyers can identify all possible sources of compensation to help you recover what you need:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance: Liability insurance may not fully cover your damages, especially in severe accidents.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: Your own policy can provide additional compensation if the at-fault driver’s coverage falls short.
• Employer liability: If the driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may also be responsible.
• Third-party liability: In some cases, other parties, such as vehicle owners or those who negligently entrusted a vehicle, may share responsibility.

Leverty & Associates can help you navigate these options and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Explore how much your case could be worth and who might be responsible for covering those damages during a free case evaluation.

Do’s and Don’ts After Getting Hit By a Drunk Driver

Do Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical records also strengthen your case and connect your injuries to the accident.

Don’t Assume Your Case Is a Slam Dunk

Insurance companies will look for ways to minimize or deny your claim even when the other driver is clearly at fault. Work with a lawyer to build a strong case and avoid costly mistakes.

Do Be Cautious About Social Media

Anything you post online can be used against you. Avoid sharing details about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery. Even seemingly harmless posts can be misinterpreted by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.

Don’t Ask AI For Legal Advice

AI tools may sometimes provide general legal information, but they don’t understand the specifics of your case or Nevada law. Relying on AI for legal advice can lead to costly errors. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance.

Do Document Everything

Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep copies of medical bills, police reports, and correspondence with insurance companies. This documentation can be critical for your lawyer to build your case.

Don’t Wait to Contact a Lawyer

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better they can protect your rights and gather evidence. Delays can weaken your case and limit your options for compensation.

Reno Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

What is the legal BAC limit in Nevada for drivers?

In Nevada, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%. If you suspect the at-fault driver exceeded these limits, a lawyer can help gather evidence, such as BAC test results, to strengthen your case.

Can a drunk driver’s criminal conviction help my civil case?

A criminal conviction can support your civil claim by establishing negligence, but it’s not the only path to compensation. Even without a conviction, lawyers can use other evidence, like police reports and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a DUI accident claim in Nevada?

You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in Nevada. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. A lawyer can ensure your case is filed on time and meets all legal requirements.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Nevada’s comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. A lawyer can help minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.

What should I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover my damages?

If the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short, you may have other options, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing claims against additional liable parties. A lawyer can identify all potential sources of compensation and fight for the full amount you may be eligible for under the law.

Can I pursue a claim if the drunk driver was uninsured?

Yes, you may still pursue compensation even if the at-fault drunk driver was uninsured. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your injuries and damages.

What if the drunk driver fled the scene of the accident?

If a drunk driver fled the scene, it can complicate your claim, but it does not make it impossible to recover compensation. Law enforcement will investigate to identify the driver.

Your attorney can also work with investigators to gather evidence, such as witness statements or surveillance footage, to help identify the responsible party. If the driver gets away, your uninsured motorist coverage may still apply.

How long does it take to resolve a drunk driving accident claim?

The timeline for resolving a drunk driving accident claim varies significantly based on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of all parties to negotiate. While some cases settle relatively quickly, others may take longer, especially if they require litigation.

An experienced attorney can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing the specifics of your case.

Injured By A Drunk Driver in Reno, NV? Contact Leverty & Associates for a Free Case Evaluation

Drunk driving accidents create financial and emotional challenges that can feel impossible to manage alone. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing payouts, leaving you without the resources to recover.

Leverty & Associates is ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

Don’t let hesitation or misconceptions about the legal process stop you from taking action.

Call a drunk driving accident injury lawyer from Leverty & Associates online or at (775) 322-6636 to schedule a free case evaluation exploring your legal rights and options.