The recent increase in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents has put the spotlight on Clark County. Officials held a town hall meeting to address the issue of how to reduce the high number of pedestrian accident fatalities in the county.
According to an 8 News Now news report, there have been 27 pedestrian fatalities so far this year in Clark County. The most recent fatal crashes include a girl who was struck in North Las Vegas, a trick-or-treater killed on the night of Halloween, and a retired teacher who was struck and killed as she went out to get her mail.
Reacting to these recent pedestrian deaths, The Nevada Office of Traffic Safety has launched a number of public service announcements regarding pedestrian safety and officials are warning pedestrians that they should not have the illusion of safety just because they are in a crosswalk.
References: Pedestrian Safety Projects
Pedestrian Accidents in Nevada – Statistics
The Metro Police Department is attempting to do its part to reduce distracted driving with strict enforcement. The agency has reportedly issued more than 25,000 tickets for failing to yield and other violations just between August and October this year.
According to a statistical report by The Nevada Department of Transportation, there were 2,668 accidents involving injured pedestrian in Nevada between the year 2007 and 2009, which resulted in 3,353 injuries and 143 pedestrian traffic deaths.
Approximately 17.7 percent of those accidents involved a pedestrian crossing improperly and another 9.8 percent resulted from a pedestrian darting into traffic.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents and How to Avoid Them
The common causes of pedestrian accidents include driver negligence, reckless driving, and pedestrians failing to use crosswalks. Some tips to avoid such incidents include:
1. Pay attention when you are crossing the street and make sure you look both ways before stepping into the road.
2. Wear bright clothing when walking in low-light conditions so drivers can easily spot you.
In order to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents, drivers and pedestrians must both take responsibility. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, obey traffic laws, and remain alert for pedestrians who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
Liability and Compensation
When a pedestrian is injured or killed in an accident, the driver may face legal liability for any losses suffered by the victim. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the driver may be held liable for medical care, lost wages, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and other damages related to the incident.
In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also be eligible for compensation. Anyone who has suffered a loss in a Las Vegas pedestrian accident would be well advised to discuss his or her legal rights and options with an experienced attorney.
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Shook & Stone: Your Personal Injury Lawyers
The skilled pedestrian accident attorneys at Shook & Stone have a long history of successfully handling pedestrian accidents in Nevada. If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, please call our offices at 702-570-0000 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
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