Almost every auto accident can ultimately be traced to a particular cause. In the case of a tragic accident in a Laughlin casino last week, there were few indications as to what could have led to such a disaster. Now comes word that the 70-year-old driver of the vehicle that crashed through the entrance of the property had a history of blackouts and medical problems that would seem to make him a serious liability behind the wheel.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“The 70-year-old man charged in the deaths of two people after driving a car through a casino entrance in Laughlin told police he had a history of blacking out and was taking medication for seizures, an arrest report released Friday said.
As he sat on the driver’s seat of the 2007 Pontiac Vibe that barreled 100 feet past the main doors of Edgewater Hotel & Casino, Walter McGie of Kelso, Wash., said he was unaware he drove into the building, the report said.
Nevada’s driving laws, some of the toughest in the country, might have prevented McGie from legally getting behind the wheel in the Silver State.
Nevada is one of a handful of states that requires both drivers and doctors to report a medical condition that can affect a person’s ability to drive. Failing to report is a misdemeanor.
Motorists are not supposed to drive for three months following a seizure and may have to surrender their license during that time, according to state law. The driver’s license will also have medical restrictions clearly marked.”
The man was licensed in Washington state, which appears to have less stringent requirements for these types of situations. Regardless, if you or someone you love has been harmed by someone who should not have been driving in the first place, you need the help of Las Vegas car accidents lawyers who have a long history of successfully fighting for the rights of their clients. Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Mon, Feb 8, 2010
Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death