What Percentage of Car Accidents Are Caused by Drunk Drivers?
Published on February 5, 2025, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Car Accident
Drunk driving is a dangerous and preventable issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities every day. Whether you are attending a late-night party or an after-work happy hour, getting behind the wheel after drinking can have traumatic consequences. But what percentage of car accidents are caused by drunk drivers? In this blog, we will look at the numbers and see what makes intoxication dangerous behind the wheel. What the Numbers Say The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 32% of all fatal traffic crashes in the [...]
What Are Punitive Damages?
Published on January 28, 2025, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Personal Injury
When a negligent act causes injury or death, the victim or surviving families are entitled to seek a remedy for their losses. Those losses are considered compensatory or exemplary. The compensatory damages are qualified as medical expenses and lost wages. They also have an amount to compensate you for the level of pain and suffering that has impacted your life. Exemplary damages are also punitive damages, and they are meant to accomplish two things: punish the at-fault party and prevent someone else from engaging in the same type [...]
Tactics Trucking Companies Use to Avoid Paying Truck Crash Victims
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 156,553 large truck accidents throughout the United States in 2023. Those affected have the right to pursue compensation if there were injuries and damages. While many trucking companies act ethically and responsibly, others employ questionable practices to minimize their costs and push accident victims into difficult situations. When an unscrupulous trucking company is involved in an accident, they often try to avoid paying the victims. Unfortunately, some companies use a variety of tactics to reduce or eliminate their financial [...]
What Is the Three-Second Rule When Driving?
Published on January 14, 2025, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Car Accident
As a Nevada motorist, you take caution when navigating our roadways because you don't want to get into an accident. This is likely especially the case when following behind others, especially in heavily congested traffic. You also likely regulate your speed even when no cars are ahead of you to ensure you have ample time and space to brake if someone or something darts out in front of you. There is likely more that you can do to enhance your safety when traveling around Reno and anywhere else [...]
What If I’m in a Car Accident in Another State?
Published on January 7, 2025, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Car Accident
Car accidents are stressful no matter where they happen, but dealing with one in another state adds an extra layer of complexity. From unfamiliar laws to out-of-state insurance policies, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The US Department of Transportation reports that 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2023, with millions more being injured, many permanently. Understanding the steps to take and how state laws affect your claim can make the process go smoother and more quickly. Regardless of whether you’re on the road for work, [...]
Are Indoor Playgrounds Safe for Kids?
Published on December 27, 2024, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Civil Litigation
There were roughly 15,000 indoor playgrounds in the United States, per 2020 Family Entertainment Center data. This number included inflatable and trampoline parks as well as climbing centers. Indoor playgrounds offer kids a chance to socialize, play, exercise, and explore in a contained, supervised area, which is why they’ve become a popular choice for family fun, school field trips, and children’s parties. Festooned in bright colors and offering elaborate climbing structures and slides, these playgrounds certainly look like a kid’s paradise. Still, parents may be left wondering: Are indoor playgrounds safe [...]
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Nevada
Published on December 17, 2024, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Driver laws
Driving a commercial vehicle in Nevada requires special certifications depending on the type of vehicle you are planning to operate. There are three main classes of commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state, broken down by the weight of the vehicle and trailer you are driving: Class A: Required when driving a combination vehicle (tractor-trailers, double-trailers, livestock transporters, etc.) with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more and the towed trailer or vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or [...]
How Weather Can Affect a Car Accident Case
Published on December 17, 2024, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Car Accident
You recently had an auto collision, and as you're thinking back on the factors that could have contributed to causing it, you've identified the weather. As you are aware, we get all types of weather here in Reno and Nevada at large. This includes rain, ice, snow, sunny days, and more. So, how does weather affect a car accident case? Different Types of Weather Patterns and the Potential Impact They Can Have on Your Crash Some climate issues create mayhem on the roadways, giving way to crashes. Some [...]
Nevada Window Tint Laws
Published on December 10, 2024, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Driver laws
Tinted windows are extremely popular across the country. Not only can they be aesthetically pleasing, but high-quality window tints can help protect you and your car. Reducing the amount of light that can get inside a car can protect the interior from fading, reduce glare, and help keep the temperature inside your vehicle from soaring on hot days. However, Nevada law, which was first enacted in 1993, restricts how much tint you can apply to each window of your car. How Dark Can I Tint My Windows Without [...]
Nevada Car Seat Laws
Published on December 10, 2024, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Driver laws
The number crunchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the birth rate in Nevada is 53.2 births per 1,000 women. That translated to over 31,000 new Nevadans coming into the world in 2023. Although those babies were part of a diverse range of families, they all shared one thing in common: When they left the hospital, those babies were secured in a child seat. That doesn’t just keep the baby safe; it’s also the law. The official Nevada car seat laws dictate the [...]
