Motorcyclist Joshua Yokley, 43, Killed in Crash Involving Alleged DUI Driver Edward Dukes Near Rainbow Boulevard and Lone Mountain Road in Northwest Las Vegas
Driver arrested for suspected DUI in deadly motorcycle crash in northwest Las Vegas
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan police, the motorcyclist, identified as Joshua Yokley, 43, was traveling on Lone Mountain Road near Rainbow Boulevard when he was struck by a driver in a car who turned onto the road from the parking lot of the Santa Fe Hotel and Casino.
Las Vegas driver admits to a ‘few drinks’ before deadly crash: report
Edward Dukes, 28, was arrested following the Tuesday afternoon crash near Lone Mountain Road and Rainbow Boulevard.
Las Vegas judge denies lower bail for driver in suspected DUI motorcycle crash
Judge Suzan Baucum set Duke’s bail at $250,000 and said his actions pose a threat to the public.
A fatal collision claimed the life of 43-year-old motorcyclist Joshua Yokley following a crash with a suspected impaired driver in northwest Las Vegas on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred on Lone Mountain Road near its intersection with Rainbow Boulevard, adjacent to the Santa Fe Hotel and Casino. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Yokley was traveling on Lone Mountain Road when Edward Dukes, 28, turned onto the roadway from the casino parking lot, striking the motorcyclist. Emergency responders transported Yokley to a nearby hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Dukes exhibited signs of impairment at the scene and was subsequently arrested on DUI charges. He was scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday, April 8. This tragedy marks the 50th traffic-related fatality within Metro's jurisdiction this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about roadway safety in the Las Vegas Valley.
DUI Statistics in Nevada
Recent data reveals a concerning trend in Nevada DUI incidents, with Las Vegas being particularly impacted. Between 2018 and 2023, drunk driving accidents increased by 35.25% statewide, with Las Vegas recording 8,580 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 197 deaths and 7,337 injuries during this period. According to the National Highway and Safety Commission, driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Nevada, alongside speeding. The situation has worsened since the pandemic, with the percentage of fatal crashes involving impairment rising from 53.5% in 2018 to 58.3% in 2021. Between 2018 and 2022, Nevada recorded 790 DUI-related deaths, averaging 158 fatalities annually—significantly higher than the national average. In response, Nevada has implemented prevention initiatives including enhanced DUI deterrence through improved criminal justice system response and high-visibility enforcement efforts coordinated through the state's Zero Fatalities program.
Location and Infrastructure
The collision occurred at a critical junction in northwest Las Vegas where Lone Mountain Road intersects with Rainbow Boulevard, a major north-south arterial roadway. This area experiences substantial traffic volume due to its proximity to the Santa Fe Hotel and Casino, which generates frequent vehicle entries and exits onto Lone Mountain Road. The intersection features standard traffic control signals, but the casino parking lot exits create additional turning movements that can increase collision risks, particularly for motorcyclists who may be less visible to drivers. This northwest valley location sits within a rapidly developing area of Las Vegas that has seen increased traffic congestion in recent years as residential and commercial development has expanded outward from the central Las Vegas corridor.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Nevada law, driving under the influence that results in death constitutes a category B felony carrying potential imprisonment of 2-20 years and substantial fines (NRS 484C.430). Surviving family members of fatal motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver, potentially recovering damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Nevada's comparative negligence statutes (NRS 41.141) may affect compensation if multiple parties share responsibility, though DUI cases typically assign primary liability to the impaired driver. The state's statute of limitations requires personal injury and wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of the incident date. Victims' families should also be aware of potential claims against establishments that may have over-served visibly intoxicated patrons under Nevada's dram shop liability provisions.
Related Resources
- Emergency Services: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (702-828-3111), Las Vegas Fire & Rescue (702-383-2888)
- Traffic Safety Resources: Nevada Department of Transportation Safety Division (702-432-5300), NDOT Zero Fatalities Program (zerofatalitiesnv.com)
- Victim Support Services: MADD Las Vegas Chapter (702-456-6233), Nevada Victims of Crime Program (702-486-2740)
- Legal Information: Nevada Revised Statutes - Traffic Laws (leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-484C.html), Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (dmvnv.com/safety)
What you need to know after a serious Las Vegas injury accident
When someone has been seriously injured in Las Vegas, they must deal with medical bills and lost wages while on the road to recovery. Whether the injury happened in a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, or some other kind of accident, injured people need help to recover.
After a serious injury, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of recovering. Getting help in handling the personal injury insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are serious, it is best to contact an experienced Las Vegas DUI attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation. Serious injury accident claims are hard to handle without the help of a good attorney who understands the process. Learn more about the help you can get from an experienced Las Vegas drunk driving attorney.
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