What are Nevada’s pedestrian laws? Nevada pedestrian laws require drivers to do all they can to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when they are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Pedestrians must yield the right of way to a vehicle when they are crossing the street or walking in the street outside of a crosswalk. This is called jaywalking.
Understanding Nevada’s pedestrian laws can help you determine if your accident qualifies as a personal injury claim and whether you can recover compensation for it. A Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can assist with your claim.
Critical Factors in Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
When a pedestrian accident happens, police, insurance companies, and your attorney, when possible, will seek data to prove who is at fault. There are several factors under Nevada’s pedestrian laws that will play a role in who is responsible.
That includes:
- Right of way: Determining who had the right of way is at the heart of the process. Pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crossings.
- Pedestrian duty: Pedestrians have a duty to stop and wait before crossing the street in any area outside of a crosswalk.
- Sudden entrance: Pedestrians may be at fault when they run out into the roadway, leaving the driver no opportunity to stop or avoid striking them. That includes children.
- Traffic signals: Pedestrians and drivers must obey all traffic signals, which indicate when to walk or not to walk, when to stop at the intersection, and when to move forward.
- Crossing a single street: Crossing the street diagonally is not typically allowed unless traffic signals permit it.
- Roadway walking: Pedestrians should not walk in the roadway when a sidewalk is present. If there is no sidewalk, the pedestrian must walk facing traffic along the side of the road.
- Cautious driving: If a vehicle has any indication that a pedestrian is at risk, such as a child standing by the roadside, it must exercise caution when deciding whether to stop and wait or proceed through the intersection.
These Nevada pedestrian laws and guidelines aim to keep everyone safe. That is not always easy to do, and sometimes it can be hard to know who has the right of way.
By working with our Nevada pedestrian accident lawyer, you will have a better level of understanding of what your rights are in these situations. Speak with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer today.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2023 Ranking of STATE Pedestrian Fatality Rates indicates that Nevada ranks fifth for pedestrian fatalities, based on population rates, with 106 people losing their lives in 2023.
These accidents happen for numerous reasons in the state, including:
- Driver distraction
- Reckless operation of a vehicle
- Fatigue or impairment behind the wheel
- Lack of visibility
- Failing to abide by roadway laws
It only takes a moment of distraction or carelessness for a tragic Las Vegas pedestrian accident to occur. Therefore, it is in the best interests of all Las Vegas pedestrians to take steps that could help prevent these dangerous accidents.
Critical Pedestrian Laws to Know in Nevada
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and at intersections under Nevada Statute 484B.287. It is important to remember, however, that having the right-of-way does not mean that the pedestrian has the right-of-way under all circumstances.
In fact, that same statute states: “A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.” This means that it is against the law for a pedestrian to suddenly dart into the roadway or jaywalk.
Pedestrians attempting to cross a road without an intersection or crosswalk must remember that they do not have the right-of-way. “Every pedestrian crossing a highway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the highway.”
In general, it is in the best interest of all Las Vegas pedestrians to assume that a driver does not see them. Remaining cautious and vigilant while crossing the road or walking on a roadway can help prevent pedestrian accidents.
How to Know If You Have a Pedestrian Accident Claim
With so many pedestrian laws, it may be hard to know if you can hold the driver who hit you accountable for the injuries you have. Meeting with an attorney is by far the best way to analyze your case and determine if you have the right to seek a claim.
Some of the factors we consider include:
- Where the accident happened and what was occurring at the time of the accident. We need to determine if the driver had the ability to stop or avoid striking the pedestrian, or if there was no warning to do so.
- What was the driver doing that prevented them from seeing the pedestrian? Evidence that shows the driver was using a phone, was intoxicated, or perhaps was fatigued could help to demonstrate the cause of the accident.
- What were your losses? Victims must suffer physical injuries and financial losses as a result of the accident to pursue a claim. If you did not get medical care, you may find it much more challenging to prove your right to compensation.
Setting up some time to speak to our Nevada pedestrian accident lawyer can provide you with better legal insight and guidance about your rights. Even if you are not sure if you have a case, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer who can find out.
Set Up a Free Consultation Now
The experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident injury lawyers at Shook & Stone fight hard to protect the rights of injured pedestrians.
We know how to hold at-fault motorists accountable for the injuries they cause. To obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights after a Las Vegas pedestrian accident, call our offices today.
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