Driving at any time of day involves risks in Las Vegas, and this seems to be particularly true during the early morning hours.  Tragically, two people paid an extreme price for being in the wrong place at the wrong time when their vehicle was hit from behind in a suspected Las Vegas DUI accident.  One woman in the vehicle that was hit was killed and another was critically injured.  The driver who rear-ended the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of Nevada DUI, and police are continuing to investigate the matter.

According to authorities, this fatal Las Vegas car accident occurred just after 4 a.m. on Sunday Cynthia Konarksi, 55, of Las Vegas was in the westbound lanes on Tropicana Avenue west of Duke Ellington Way with a passenger in her vehicle.  At that point, a Mercedes being driven by Edris Ghani, 32 and a resident of San Diego, rear-ended the sedan.  An unidentified 21-year-old woman from Michigan was killed in the crash, and Ms. Konarski was critically injured.  The driver of the Mercedes was not injured in the crash.

Nevada Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our sincere condolences to the woman who was killed and offer our hope that the driver who was critically injured is able to survive.  We also hope that justice is obtained in what will likely be a criminal prosecution.  In addition, this suspected Las Vegas DUI accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Nevada car accidents.  Every year, thousands of people are injured and more than 400 are killed, and more than one person per week is killed in a Nevada DUI accident.

Las Vegas DUI Accident Lawyers

Even though it’s likely that the driver of the Mercedes will face serious criminal charges, that does not prevent the estate of the woman who was killed nor the driver from filing Nevada personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.  If these claims are filed and are successful, each plaintiff could recover damages that compensate them for their medical costs, pain and suffering and other losses that are generally part of wrongful death verdicts.

If you have been harmed by a drunk driver, you need to seek the help of Las Vegas DUI accident lawyers who have been holding those who make this terrible decision accountable for the damage they cause for many years.  Contact Jack Bernstein &  Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.

It’s well known that drinking and then driving is never a good decision, and the only way to measure such conduct is by differing degrees of damage that’s done.  We posted last month about a tragic case where a man was killed after being slammed from behind by a drunk driver, killing him.  Now comes word that the woman, who was arrested and charged with several crimes, will enter a guilty plea in the case.

The fatal Las Vegas DUI accident in question occurred on April 9 at approximately 3:20 a.m.  The victim in the case, Paul Maidman, 28, was driving his Buick Century at the intersection of at Cheyenne Avenue and Soaring Gulls.  Suddenly, the defendant, Miranda M. Dalton, 29 sped up to him from behind and slammed her Jeep Grand Cherokee into the back of Maidman’s vehicle.

Maidman was rushed to University Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.  Dalton initially told police that she had consumed two drinks, but later changed her story and told authorities that she had four whiskey and coke drinks during the course of the evening.  Police also found prescription pills in her purse even though she did not have a prescription for them.

In addition to this current situation, Dalton had previously been convicted of a Nevada DUI in 2001.  Recently, Dalton waived her right to a preliminary hearing and will plead guilty to DUI causing death.  She faces a prison term that ranges between eight and 20 years.

First of all, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Maidman.  He was lost at an age that’s far too young, and as difficult as the situation has obviously been for them, hopefully the end of this case will provide those who are suffering with grief even a small measure of closure to this situation.

Nevada DUI Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, Mr. Maidman has also become part of the troubling body of statistics regarding fatal Nevada DUI accidents.  Approximately 150 people per year are killed in Nevada auto accidents where alcohol is listed as a factor, and over time the number of traffic deaths of this type has constituted nearly one-third of all traffic accident fatalities that occur in Nevada on an annual basis.

Las Vegas Wrongful Death Lawyers

It’s also possible that the family of Mr. Maidman could pursue a Nevada wrongful death lawsuit, and if it’s successful damages could be awarded for medical, funeral and burial costs as well as loss of companionship.  If you have lost someone you love to a drunk driver, you need the help of Las Vegas DUI accident lawyers who have years of experience in holding those responsible for these completely unnecessary losses accountable.  Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Motorcycle enthusiasts tend to travel in packs or caravans on Nevada highways, and anyone who’s driven in the area has doubtlessly encountered them from time to time.  Unfortunately, traveling in this manner can be risky, especially when something unforeseen goes wrong and several motorcycles must deal with the situation in close quarters.  Five people were injured recently in just such a crash.

According to the Pahrump Valley Times:

“Six motorcycle riders, some with carried passengers, crashed in a tangle of metal Saturday before noon, in one of the most horrific motorcycle accidents ever seen in Pahrump.

Twenty motorcyclists riding as a group heading north on Highway 160 slowed down as they approached Simkins Road. However, the riders in the back of the group did not notice in time and crashed into the riders in front, hitting a woman passenger and severely injuring her leg.

The woman’s foot was amputated at the scene and she was flown by Mercy Air helicopter to a hospital in Las Vegas, where her leg was operated on again and removed up to her knee cap. Chelita Rojas, a spokesman for the Nevada Highway Patrol, did not have any information about specific accident victims but said “a severely injured woman” was in stable condition.”

Authorities stated that the accident is under investigation, as there was no indication given as to why the riders in the front slowed down as they approached the intersection.  If you or someone you love has been harmed in a motorcycle accident, you need the help of a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who has years of experience in successfully fighting for the rights of those wrongfully injured.  Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.

New Year’s Eve is a night that’s celebrated around the world, and few places are more celebratory and festive than Las Vegas.  People come from around the world to ring in the new year in a place that’s made for action, but unfortunately, many people make bad decisions while taking part in the festivities.  As such, it should be no surprise that the number of DUI arrests in the area increased this year when compared to New Year’s Eve of 2009.

According to KTNV:

“Nevada Highway Patrol reports an increase in DUI arrests as partiers continue to get behind the wheel after a night of partying. Tentative numbers put New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day DUI arrests at 82 and NHP warns that the number will likely rise as all violators are entered into the system.  Last year NHP made 73 DUI arrests.

“They don’t think they’re going to get caught,” says NHP trooper Alan Davidson.  ”They always think it won’t happen to me.”

While some DUI drivers are difficult to spot, Davidson says most are not.

“You know a lot of drunks forget to turn on their lights. They don’t even pay attention. We see that a lot,” says Davidson.”

On the positive side, there have yet to be any reports of serious injuries or fatalities as a result of driving under the influence over the new year, but the increase in the number of incidents remains troubling.  If you or someone you love has been injured or worse in a DUI-related accident, you need the help of Las Vegas car accidents lawyers who have decades of experience in successfully holding those responsible for these injuries accountable.  Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Drinking and driving is all-too-prevalent in the Las Vegas area, and when this behavior occurs, anyone and everyone around such a driver is placed in a situation of danger, many times without any knowledge or warning.  Those who can be harmed unexpectedly even includes police officers, as a motorcycle patrolman was hit from the rear last night and had to be hospitalized for his injuries.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

“The Las Vegas motorcycle officer rear-ended Wednesday night remains hospitalized as of 6 a.m. today, although his injuries are not life threatening, police confirmed.

Evidence at the scene indicates a Jeep, traveling east on Sahara, hit the officer from behind as both vehicles traveled in the left passing lane.

The driver of the Jeep was arrested for DUI with substantial bodily harm.

The officer, a 45-year-old male, was not identified.”

While it’s a relief that the officer is expected to survive, the situation presents a potentially complicated legal question.  When people are injured in the course of work, one of the available remedies involves worker’s compensation law.  However, when someone is simply harmed in this sort of situation, it could also give rise to a civil claim for personal injury.

These are the types of questions that should be answered by an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney.  If this sort of situation has happened to you and you’ve been harmed by a drunk driver, you need the help of an attorney who has the experience necessary to sort out complicated legal matters and to make sure that your rights are properly enforced and protected.  Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Las Vegas has always been known as a place where people like to have a good time.  When you combine that constant with the holiday season, it may create a festive atmosphere, but it also tends to lead to more risk for anyone who’s behind the wheel in the area at any given time.  Unfortunately, two people paid a price for the risks that are inherent on the local roads this time of year when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver and sent to the hospital.

According to KTNV:

“Police arrested a man for DUI after an accident near Desert Inn and Eastern. Police say they tried pulling over a mini van and it wouldn’t stop. Police say the van ran a red light and then hit another car. Two people were taken to the hospital with back and head injuries. The driver of the mini van was arrested.”

Clearly, the man driving the mini van could face a host of criminal charges given the conduct that led to the injuries occurred during what appears to have been a police chase.  Regardless of the criminal charges, however, the driver could also face significant civil liability for the damages and injuries he caused while attempting to flee the police.

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of being hit by a drunk driver, you need the help of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers who understand how to hold those responsible for these types of injuries accountable.  Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sadly, two people in the Metro Police jurisdiction lost their lives in traffic related deaths this week. Metro Police announced that these fatalities bring the total traffic related deaths in 2009 to 46.

On Tuesday evening, tragedy struck a 48 year old riding his motorcycle on Desert Inn near the intersection of Crystal Water Way. Reports indicate that an SUV pulled int othe road from an apartment complex and struck the motorcyclist knocking him into the path of another vehicle. The motorcyclist was transported to UMC where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the SUV fled the scene. However, the police tracked him down and arrested him on Wednesday. Amazingly, the driver was only 15 years old. He has been charged with felony hit and run with a death.

On Wednesday morning, another motorcyclist died in a collision with a 2008 Hummer. According to reports, 75 year old Heinz Ward drove the Hummer north on Durango and proceeded to make a left turn to go west onto Sahara Avenue. The motorcyclist was traveling south on Durango and was unable to stop when the Hummer turned in front of him. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Police reported that no charges have been filed but an investigation is ongoing.

Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of the decedents.  Carelessness in the blink of an eye can alter the course of so many lives.  Spouses can become widows or widowers.  Children can become parentless.  Parents can have to do the unthinkable and bury a child.  The list goes on and on.   Any death is terrible; however, a preventable death is even more tragic. When a person gets behind the steering wheel in a car or SUV, he/she has a duty towards pedestrians, motorcyclists, and fellow drivers to utilize a duty of reasonable care. While it is common sense, drivers need to be reminded that motor vehicles can become deadly weapons and must be treated with respect. Drivers need to maintain a proper lookout and be especially mindful of pedestrians and motorcyclists which may be more difficult to see than other cars. Drivers need to use good judgment in controlling speed based upon the immediate circumstances and conditions which may dictate use of a speed below the limit. Drivers must remember that their time is not any more important than that of another. Drivers that are in a hurry are more prone to be less careful resulting in an accident. Finally, drivers should refrain from talking on cell phones unless “hands free” devices are used. Reading and typing text messages should obviously be forbidden.

If a driver fails to use reasonable care and negligently causes injury or death, the injured person or the survivors of a decedent have a right to pursue monetary compensation for their losses. Damages may include economic losses such as medical expenses and wage losses as well as noneconomic losses to compensate for bodily injury, scarring, pain and suffering, mental damages, loss of companionship, and a reduction in the enjoyment of life.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of vehicular negligence, you should contact a trial attorney with experience handling negligence and wrongful death cases. An experienced trial attorney understands the importance of securing evidence as early as possible not only to prove fault but to also demonstrate damages to fully maximize a recovery.

Las Vegas attorney Jack Bernstein has been helping the victims of negligence for more than 25 years. His partner, Scott Poisson, has been practicing injury law for more than 16 years.  They have helped thousands of people obtain the compensation that they deserve for the injuries suffered as a result of negligent drivers.  You can contact Jack Bernstein & Associates for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights at 702-434-4444 or 888-592-4529.

On June 20, 2009, Dale Criske died while riding his motorcycle when it was struck by an SUV. The Nevada Highway Patrol has reported that Silvano Rodriguez of was driving a Nissan Armada sport-utility vehicle when he swerved across both lanes of northbound traffic and into a motorcycle Criske was driving on the southbound Beltway approaching Ann Road with his wife of only a few weeks . Criske was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized. Trooper Kevin Honea said Rodriguez failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence. Trooper Kevin Honea said Rodriguez failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.

The statistics regarding the number of deaths and injuries caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs is staggering. According to MADD, on average, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 40 minutes. It is estimated that 12,998 people died in drunk driving related motor vehicle accidents in 2007.

The trial lawyers at Jack Bernstein & Associates in Las Vegas are outraged by the deaths, injuries, and mayhem done by drunk drivers and battle hard to send a message on behalf of the victims of drunk drivers that driving while impaired will not be tolerated in this society. The lawyers know that drunk driving destroys innocent lives and families. It is profoundly personal to Jack Bernstein. He witnessed first hand the destruction and grief that is left in the wake of a drunk driving accident. His cousin, Mike Weinberg, was killed by a drunk driver. Accordingly, these cases are vigorously and aggressively pursued. The team at Jack Bernstein & Associates works quickly and efficiently to obtain the crime scene evidence from the police. The police often videotape a drunk driver while he/she performs roadside sobriety tests. These tapes often capture outrageous behavior. Evidence such as this is then presented to the defendant’s insurance company in a manner that clearly shows that a jury will be inflamed by the defendant’s conduct. As a result of their aggressive representation, the accident attorneys at Jack Bernstein & Associates have a highly successful track record of obtaining the maximum insurance limits in drunk driving cases.

If you or a loved one is the victim of a drunk driver, you should immediately contact a Las Vegas accident attorney who has experience representing the victims of drunk drivers.

Wishing you and your family the best,

Scott L. Poisson, Esq.

This morning, I looked at the Las Vegas Sun and read that a 25 year old man was flown by Flight for Life to University Medical Center’s Trauma Center in critical condition last night following a rear end collision while traveling northbound on Rainbow Boulevard. Rear end collisions seem so senseless and so preventable.

As I drive throughout Las Vegas and Clark County, it is a common sight to see two cars stopped in a lane with the front of one vehicle touching the rear of the other following a rear end collision. One of the most common inquiries that we receive is from an individual injured as a result of a rear end collision. Rear end collisions can cause serious injuries as evidenced by the accident reported by the Sun today. We all need to do our part to prevent these unnecessary accidents.

When a driver sits in the driver seat of a motor vehicle, he/she must recognize that a vehicle can become a dangerous instrument when not handled with the respect that it deserves. In this age of blackberries and iphones, people have become far too complacent as they attempt to multitask while driving down the road. Although it is common sense, it seems that people need to be reminded that their eyes need to be maintaining a lookout at the roadway and not at the keyboard on their phones. Another way to reduce rear end collisions and for that matter, all types of car accidents, is for people to remember that their lives are not more important than the lives of others. Far too often, people get behind the steering wheel and drive too fast under the circumstances because they are in such a hurry to get to their next destination. In essence, their actions are screaming that they value their time more than other people’s safety. This common behavior is flat out irresponsible!

There would be far fewer accidents if people would simply pay more attention while driving and if they would drive at a proper speed for the road conditions.

Jack Bernstein of Jack Bernstein & Associates has more than 25 years experience protecting the rights of people injured in rear end collisions. He has helped thousands of people obtain the compensation that they deserve for the injuries suffered as a result of negligent drivers. If you have been injured in a rear end collision, you should contact an experienced accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and options. You can contact Jack Bernstein & Associates for a free consultation at 702-434-4444 or 888-592-4529.

Wishing you and your family the best,

Scott L. Poisson, Esq.

Jack Bernstein & Assoc.