Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen Most?

As a state with several metropolitan areas and significant business and tourist destinations, Nevada sees more than 40 million visitors a year. Reno and Las Vegas are frequent destinations for visitors, incredibly the Strip with its many attractions, including the Bellagio Fountains. These visitors, combined with the already busy Nevada roads, lead to many motor vehicle accidents.

Continue reading to learn more about where pedestrian accidents most often occur in Nevada, some of the common injuries that result from these types of accidents, and how De Castroverde Law Group can help you with your pedestrian accident case.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Most Often Happen?

Pedestrians walking on Las Vegas Strip

In Nevada, a pedestrian is defined as any person who’s afoot, in a manual or motorized wheelchair, or on an electric personal assistive mobility device. Most pedestrian accidents occur in cities and urban areas like Las Vegas, where there are busy highways and many foot traffic. More than 64% of pedestrian accidents occur on roadways or in areas not designated as crosswalks and around tourist destinations.

Pedestrian accidents are common along Las Vegas Boulevard, known as “the Strip,” Fremont Street, and Tropicana Avenue. Other areas such as ample parking lots and major roadways like Boulder Highway are also frequent locations of pedestrian accidents.

Last year proved to be a deadly year on Nevada roads, with 382 traffic fatalities reported, an increase of 18% from 2020. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, accounted for 235 deaths. While most traffic crashes involved drivers and passengers, a growing number of fatal crashes also involved pedestrians. The state saw 85 pedestrian fatalities, with 66 of those fatalities in Clark County.

What Are Some of the Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Many common causes of motor vehicle accidents also contribute to pedestrian crashes, such as distracted or impaired drivers and drivers who fail to obey traffic rules, including failing to yield and speeding. Other frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Walking at Night or in Poorly Lit Areas

According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, more than 60% of fatal pedestrian crashes took place at night between 6 p.m. and midnight. Visibility is limited at night, preventing pedestrians from seeing turning or oncoming drivers and preventing drivers from seeing pedestrians stepping into the roadway or recognizing a pedestrian-only crosswalk. Wearing dark clothing at night also contributes to pedestrian accidents.

Jaywalking and Failing To Obey Traffic Laws

Accounting for more than 35% of pedestrian accidents, jaywalking is a criminal offense in Nevada, defined as walking against motor vehicle traffic whenever no legal right of way to do so exists. If you are injured while jaywalking, you may face hefty fines for violating the law. Not crossing in a designated crosswalk or walking against traffic in the roadway also contributes to pedestrian accidents.

Lack of or Malfunctioning Traffic Lights and Signals

Accidents are common when traffic lights are not present or are malfunctioning. This is because drivers are unsure when to stop or go, and pedestrians are just as confused.

What Are Some Common Injuries That Occur in Pedestrian Accidents?

Injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident vary depending on the accident’s severity. In low-impact pedestrian accidents, such as those where a car was driving under 25 miles per hour, it is common for a pedestrian to suffer a concussion, lacerations, bruising, or soreness.

More serious impact accidents or those involving heavy vehicles frequently cause more severe injuries, including:

  • Broken and dislocated bones.
  • Loss of limbs.
  • Back and neck injuries.
  • Internal injuries and organ damage.
  • Head injuries.
  • Disfiguration.
  • Death.

How Can You Stay Safe as a Pedestrian?

One of the safest things to do is obey all traffic signs and signals as a pedestrian. Although pedestrians have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, you should remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Here are some other tips to keep you safe as a pedestrian:

  • Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing when walking at night to increase your visibility to drivers.
  • Use designated pedestrian walkways, bridges, crosswalks, and passageways.
  • Do not cross the street until traffic has come to a complete stop.
  • Be sure to look both ways before crossing any street.
  • Pay attention to turning traffic, especially at a red light.

What Type of Compensation Can You Recover for Your Injuries?

Depending on your injuries and the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the following:

  • Medical care and expenses.
  • Short- and long-term care.
  • Lost wages.
  • Loss of future earnings.
  • Damage to your property.

An experienced pedestrian accident injury attorney will be able to accurately assess your case to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

How Can De Castroverde Law Group Help You?

Filing a personal injury claim due to a pedestrian accident may seem overwhelming. Still, the personal injury and accident attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group will manage your case with professionalism, clear communication, and extensive knowledge of Nevada personal injury law. Our experienced accident and injury attorneys will handle every step of your injury claim, including:

  • Helping you understand your legal rights and options.
  • Maximizing your damages.
  • Handling all correspondence with the insurance companies and their lawyers.
  • Filing your case with insurance and the court.
  • Obtaining all relevant documentation and evidence.
  • Negotiating settlements with insurance companies and their lawyers.
  • Get compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages associated with your pedestrian accident.

Call us today or contact us online to speak with one of our staff members. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team of over 45 legal professionals and support staff are looking forward to providing you with high-quality, aggressive, and dependable personal injury law representation. With over 15 years of legal experience, we have helped hundreds of personal injury victims in Las Vegas, Nevada, get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys handle various cases, including car and pedestrian accidents, slips and falls, nursing home abuse, and wrongful deaths.