Las Vegas is home to bustling streets filled with tourists, locals, and everything in between. In a city filled with round-the-clock distractions for both motorists and others on the public road, traffic accidents are an everyday occurrence. According to statistics and safety experts, Las Vegas is also seeing a rise in accidents involving pedestrians.
Vegas may not be the most dangerous place in the country for pedestrians, but recent trends have local officials concerned. In fact, a recent article from the Los Angeles Times profiled a strange tactic law enforcement uses to test whether local drivers yield to pedestrians as they should. They had someone dressed as a leprechaun pose as a pedestrian. The many drivers who didn’t stop and give the right of way were ticketed.
Here are a few stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas.
- Las Vegas ranked 15th out of 34 major U.S. cities for pedestrian fatalities in 2012. Roughly 2.51 walkers per 100,000 residents were killed.
- So far in 2015, 12 traffic fatalities have occurred in Clark County compared to just 5 during the same period last year.
- In 2014, a total of 50 pedestrians were killed throughout the city.
- Most pedestrian accidents take place outside of the strip at major streets and crosswalks.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in LA
There are a variety of factors that can cause pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas.
- Distracted driving by a motor vehicle operator
- Failure of pedestrians to use designated crosswalks or jaywalking
- Distracted pedestrians not looking for oncoming traffic
- Poor visibility due to weather conditions or low lighting
- Drunk drivers or driving impaired
- Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections
- Excessive speeds that prevent drivers from avoiding pedestrians
How the State is Leading the Charge in Pedestrian Safety?
In response to the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths, local authorities and safety advocates have responded by educating the public, visiting area schools to lecture on crosswalk safety, and handing out day-glow bracelets.
Traffic enforcement is stepping up efforts to ticket drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Detectives are also increasing their efforts to investigate pedestrian crashes. The city is also looking into installing more streetlights, signs, and other safety devices to make walking the streets of Las Vegas safer.
Drivers should also play their part by driving cautiously, following traffic laws, and paying attention to pedestrians in the area. Pedestrians can also take steps to protect themselves by wearing bright or reflective clothing when walking at night, using marked crosswalks, and avoiding distractions such as listening to music or talking on the phone.
Nevada transportation officials have also allocated an additional $10 million to its annual budget to protect pedestrians from distracted drivers.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Nevada
In Nevada, victims of pedestrian accidents have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Victims of wrongful death caused by a pedestrian accident have just one year to file suit.
Failure to do so will mean the victim or their family members are no longer eligible to receive any financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other associated costs.
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Compensation for Pedestrian Accidents in Nevada
If a pedestrian is injured or killed due to the negligence of another driver in Nevada, they are entitled to pursue compensation for their losses. Victims and/or their families can receive monetary damages to cover medical bills from severe injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other associated costs.
In addition, if it is found that the driver was acting recklessly or with intent to harm the pedestrian, then punitive damages may also be awarded.
How Shook & Stone Can Help?
At Shook & Stone, we know that Las Vegas roadways can be dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists, and our personal injury lawyers are available to anyone who has suffered preventable harm. If you have questions about pedestrian accidents and filing a personal injury claim, contact our firm for a free case review.
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