Walking is an increasingly common form of transportation for everyday commuters, as well as a common leisure activity. While walking around is generally very safe, accidents do happen.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, a Sparks pedestrian accident lawyer can help. We will investigate your situation, calculate the value of your losses, and pursue full and fair compensation in your case.
Whether you were hit at a crosswalk, in a parking lot, or elsewhere, a Shook & Stone Sparks personal injury lawyer can help. Our firm is committed to fighting for you, having recovered over $1 billion for our clients.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents in Sparks
Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a vehicle, making injuries in these accidents especially severe. The importance of seeking medical attention after a personal injury accident cannot be overstated.
Even at low speeds, collisions can cause life-altering harm due to direct impact or being thrown onto the road. Common injuries suffered by pedestrians include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Crush injuries or limb amputations
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Pelvic or hip fractures
- Emotional trauma (e.g., PTSD)
Medical treatment for these injuries often involves surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and significant expenses. Medical bills usually constitute the bulk of economic damages that may be received in a settlement, along with non-economic damages for mental anguish and suffering.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Sparks can pursue compensation to cover these costs.
Proving Negligence in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Proving fault in a pedestrian accident requires more than just believing another party caused your injuries. The crux of proving negligence is establishing a breach of a duty of care.
Under Nevada law, your advocate will determine liability by examining these four legal elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The driver (or another party) was legally obligated to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicle safely around pedestrians.
- Breach of Duty: The driver failed to uphold this duty, such as by speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving.
- Causation: The driver’s reckless actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, due to the accident.
The at-fault party may try to shift blame, arguing that you were jaywalking or distracted. If they succeed, your compensation could be reduced or denied.
A skilled Shook & Stone pedestrian accident attorney in Sparks gathers evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports, to counter these claims and fight for fair compensation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents frequently result from a dangerous combination of driver negligence, environmental hazards, and infrastructure shortcomings.
In Sparks, local rain increases car crashes significantly, as wet conditions reduce tire traction and driver visibility while making crosswalks more slippery for pedestrians. The most common contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving (texting, navigation systems, or other phone use)
- Failure to yield right-of-way at marked and unmarked crosswalks
- Speeding through school zones and residential neighborhoods
- Driving drunk or under the influence of intoxicants
- Poorly timed traffic signals or inadequate crossing periods
- Insufficient street lighting in high-pedestrian areas
- Vehicle blind spots in larger trucks and SUVs
- Aggressive driving behaviors like illegal passing
Seasonal factors, like winter darkness and summer tourism traffic, can further elevate these risks. The aftermath often leaves pedestrians facing severe injuries, as they have no physical protection against multi-ton vehicles.
Understanding these common causes helps drivers and pedestrians stay alert to potential dangers on Sparks roads.
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Pedestrian Traffic Laws in Nevada
Pedestrians have the right of way in Nevada. Under N.A.C. § 484B.307, vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in intersections or crosswalks when facing green signals, and pedestrians may proceed unless directed otherwise. But pedestrians have responsibilities too. For instance, they are not permitted to suddenly enter the path of cars.
Nevada also imposes a statutory duty of care, N.A.C. § 484B.307. It requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid crashes with pedestrians, including giving audible warnings and exercising caution near pedestrians in specific areas such as school zones or bus stops. Therefore, witness accounts and camera footage may be essential pieces of evidence in your case.
It is essential to determine whether you were following the law at the time of the crash. For example, NAC § 484B.297 prohibits pedestrians from walking on highways where sidewalks are provided, and pedestrians must walk facing traffic on highways without sidewalks. If you are unsure whether you complied with the law, speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Sparks.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accident cases often involve complicated liability questions beyond just the driver involved. Nevada law recognizes that multiple parties may bear responsibility depending on the circumstances of the collision and surrounding conditions. Potential liable parties include:
- Cities and municipalities
- Individual drivers
- Other pedestrians
- Private companies
- Private landowners
While it may be evident that an individual driver can be held liable for hitting you, other parties can be held liable, too. For example, Nevada sets minimum requirements for shelters and benches used by pedestrians waiting for public buses, ensuring that no safety hazards exist.
If municipalities are non-compliant, they may be held liable by your attorney.
Connect with a Sparks Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. The medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma can feel overwhelming. Let Shook & Stone’s experienced legal team fight for justice and compensation while you focus on recovery.
If you have been injured in a crossing, parking lot, or sidewalk accident, reach out to us and take the first step toward your future.
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