Drunk Drivers & DUI Accident Attorneys in Reno

A crash caused by a drunk driver can change a person’s life in seconds. Victims are often left dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and long-term emotional trauma. In the most severe cases, families are forced to cope with the wrongful death of a loved one.

If you were hit by an intoxicated driver in Reno or anywhere in Northern Nevada, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. A civil case is separate from any criminal DUI charges the driver may face. Even if the driver is arrested or convicted, you still need to protect your own financial recovery.

At Brent Harsh Law, we help injury victims pursue claims against drunk and impaired drivers throughout Reno and Washoe County. Our firm handles serious injury and wrongful death cases involving alcohol-related crashes, drug-impaired driving accidents, and repeat DUI offenders.

Drunk driving accident claims often involve more than ordinary negligence. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, that decision can create additional legal exposure beyond a standard car accident case.

Nevada law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for losses caused by impaired drivers, including:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital bills and rehabilitation
• Future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death-related damages for surviving family members in fatal crash cases

In most cases, Nevada courts may also allow punitive damages against a drunk driver whose conduct showed a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Because these claims can involve serious injuries and aggressive insurance defense tactics, it is important to work with a Reno DUI accident lawyer who understands how to investigate impaired driving crashes and build strong evidence early.

Reno sees a high number of impaired driving crashes involving:

• Late-night and weekend traffic
• Casino and entertainment districts
• Interstate 80 and U.S. 395
• Holiday weekends and special events
• Drivers impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs

Many DUI crashes involve excessive speeding, wrong-way driving, red-light violations, or head-on collisions. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries because impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment.

Even when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is over the legal limit, insurance companies may still dispute parts of the injury claim regarding what injuries are accident related. That is why evidence collection is critical after a drunk driving accident.

The steps you take after a DUI-related crash can affect both your health and your injury claim.

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Always prioritize medical treatment after an accident. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your injury claim. Some injuries, including brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.

Medical records also help document the connection between the crash and your injuries.

Report the Crash

Call law enforcement and make sure an official police report is created. In DUI accident cases, officers may conduct field sobriety testing, obtain breath or blood test results, or arrest the impaired driver.

These records can become important evidence later.

Preserve Evidence

If possible, gather:

• Photos of the scene
• Vehicle damage
• Witness information
• Dashcam footage
• Medical documentation

Avoid repairing or disposing of damaged property before documentation is complete.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance companies often move quickly after serious crashes and may pressure victims into accepting low settlement offers before they understand the full extent of their injuries. Adjusters may request recorded statements or attempt to minimize the value of your injuries.

Before accepting a settlement offer, it is important to understand the full extent of your medical condition and future losses.

A drunk driver may be held financially responsible for injuries caused by impaired driving. Nevada law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs under Nevada DUI laws in NRS Chapter 484C. However, liability investigations are not always straightforward.

Our firm may investigate:

• Police reports and DUI evidence
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Witness statements
• Toxicology reports
• Cell phone records
• Crash reconstruction evidence
• Prior DUI history
• Potential third-party liability issues when supported by Nevada law and the facts of the case

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Compensation may be reduced if an injured person is found partially at fault, and recovery may be barred if the injured person is found more than 50% responsible for the crash. Insurance companies sometimes attempt to shift blame even in DUI cases, which is one reason legal representation matters.

Punitive damages are different from compensation for medical bills or lost wages. Their purpose is to punish especially reckless conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Drunk driving cases may support punitive damages under Nevada law when the facts show conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Factors that may impact punitive damages include:

• Extremely high blood alcohol levels
• Repeat DUI offenses
• Excessive speeding
• Hit-and-run conduct
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Prior reckless driving history

Not every case qualifies for punitive damages, but they can significantly increase the value of a Nevada drunk driving accident claim in the right circumstances.

Impaired driving crashes frequently cause life-altering injuries because intoxicated drivers often fail to brake or avoid impact before collision.

Our Reno DUI injury lawyers handle claims involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Severe fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Burn injuries
• Permanent disability
• Facial trauma and disfigurement

These injuries can require years of treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Some victims are never able to return to work or regain their previous quality of life.

A thorough injury claim should account for both current and future damages.

Families who lose a loved one in a drunk driving accident may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Nevada law.

A wrongful death case may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Pain and suffering of the individual who died
• Medical expenses before death
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members

Fatal DUI crashes are emotionally overwhelming, especially when the death was completely preventable. Our firm works to help families pursue accountability while handling the legal process with care and professionalism.

Many injured victims assume insurance companies will automatically offer fair compensation after a drunk driving crash. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.

Insurance carriers may:

• Dispute the severity of injuries
• Delay claims
• Argue pre-existing conditions
• Push for early settlements
• Minimize future medical needs
• Contest lost income claims

Some DUI accidents also involve uninsured or underinsured drivers. In these situations, victims may need to pursue compensation through their own UM/UIM coverage.

A Reno drunk driving accident attorney can evaluate all available sources of recovery and negotiate directly with insurers on your behalf.

After a serious crash, many victims are dealing with medical appointments, missed work, and financial stress. An attorney can help manage the legal and insurance process while you focus on recovery.

Our firm assists clients by:

• Investigating the crash
• Preserving evidence
• Obtaining police and toxicology records
• Calculating long-term damages
• Handling insurance negotiations
• Working with medical experts
• Filing lawsuits when necessary
• Preparing cases for trial if needed

Every DUI accident case is different. The severity of injuries, insurance coverage, and available evidence can all impact the value and timeline of a claim.

If you were injured by a drunk driver in Reno, Sparks, or elsewhere in Northern Nevada, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone.

The team at Brent Harsh Law helps victims and families pursue compensation after serious DUI-related crashes. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand the next steps after a Nevada drunk driving accident.

Can I file a civil claim if the drunk driver faces criminal charges?

Yes. A criminal DUI case and a personal injury claim are separate legal matters. Even if prosecutors pursue charges, you may still need to file a civil claim to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured?

You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance policies. An attorney can review all available avenues for compensation.

How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim in Nevada?

Nevada law places time limits on personal injury and wrongful death claims, typically two years. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover compensation, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.

Can punitive damages increase my settlement?

Potentially. Punitive damages may apply in certain Nevada DUI accident cases involving especially reckless conduct.