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The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas 

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Car accidents happen every day in Las Vegas, often leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and ongoing emotional distress. While some collisions are unavoidable, most occur because of preventable driver negligence or hazardous conditions. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents in Las Vegas can help you recognize risks, stay safer on the road, and know when to seek legal help if you’ve been injured.

Below, we break down the 12 leading causes of crashes in Las Vegas and what you need to know about each.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents in Las Vegas. With tourists navigating the city, busy intersections, and constant activity, it’s easy for drivers to lose focus. Common distractions include texting, adjusting GPS devices, eating, or even looking at casino billboards. A few seconds of inattention is all it takes to cause a rear-end crash or intersection collision.

2. Speeding

Speeding remains a serious problem on Las Vegas roads. Whether drivers are rushing down I-15 or racing through local streets, speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a crash. In a city with heavy traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings, speeding can easily lead to devastating accidents.

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Las Vegas is known for its nightlife, and unfortunately, this contributes to a higher rate of DUI-related crashes. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce coordination. Even one drink can affect driving ability, making DUI a leading cause of fatal accidents in the city.

4. Drowsy Driving

With the city’s 24/7 atmosphere, many people drive while tired or even nodding off at the wheel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, leading to impaired decision-making and delayed reaction times. Long shifts for hospitality and service workers in Las Vegas also contribute to fatigue-related accidents.

5. Failure to Yield the Right of Way

Failure to yield is especially common at busy intersections along the Strip and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether merging onto highways, turning left across traffic, or entering crosswalks, drivers who fail to yield often cause dangerous side-impact or T-bone collisions.

6. Tailgating

Following too closely is a frequent issue in congested traffic areas. Tailgating reduces the space drivers need to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. This behavior is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions, which can result in whiplash and other serious injuries.

7. Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving, such as weaving between lanes, ignoring traffic signals, or speeding excessively, is a growing problem in Las Vegas. Road rage incidents also occur when frustrated drivers take unnecessary risks. These reckless behaviors significantly increase the chances of multi-vehicle crashes.

8. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Intersections in Las Vegas are busy and often dangerous. Drivers who run red lights or roll through stop signs put themselves and others at serious risk. Side-impact collisions from red-light running are among the deadliest crashes because of the direct force applied to vehicle occupants.

9. Inexperienced Drivers

Las Vegas attracts many new residents and tourists who may not be familiar with local traffic patterns. Inexperienced drivers often misjudge distances, speeds, or right-of-way rules, contributing to preventable accidents. Teen drivers and those with limited practice behind the wheel are especially vulnerable.

10. Poor Weather Conditions

While Las Vegas is known for its dry climate, sudden rainstorms can make roads slick and dangerous. Drivers unaccustomed to wet conditions may hydroplane or fail to brake properly, leading to collisions. Dust storms and reduced visibility can also make driving hazardous in the area.

11. Defective Vehicles and Equipment Failures

Sometimes accidents are caused not by driver behavior but by defective vehicle parts. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning steering systems can cause drivers to lose control. In these cases, liability may extend to auto manufacturers, mechanics, or other responsible parties.

12. Unsafe Lane Changes

Changing lanes without signaling or checking blind spots is another frequent cause of accidents in Las Vegas. On crowded highways like U.S. 95 or I-15, unsafe lane changes can trigger serious multi-vehicle pileups. Truck drivers, in particular, must use extra caution given their limited visibility.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in Las Vegas

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, the steps you take afterward are critical. Seek immediate medical attention, report the accident to law enforcement, and gather evidence such as photos or witness information. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer, as insurers often try to minimize payouts.

An experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer can:

  • Investigate the cause of your crash.
  • Gather evidence to prove fault.
  • Calculate the full value of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
  • Take your case to trial if necessary.

With the right legal advocate by your side, you can focus on healing while your lawyer fights to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Protecting Yourself on Las Vegas Roads

While not every accident can be prevented, understanding the most common causes helps drivers stay alert and cautious. Always follow traffic laws, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. If another driver’s negligence causes you harm, remember that you have the right to pursue compensation.

Contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation 

Car accidents in Las Vegas are often caused by negligent behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield. These crashes can leave victims facing overwhelming medical expenses and long-term challenges. By recognizing the risks and working with a skilled attorney, you can protect your rights and secure the financial recovery you need after an accident.

If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, or the surrounding Nevada area and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.

We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.

De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999

De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806

De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455


About the Author

Attorney De Castroverde at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers in 1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.

Office Location: Las Vegas, NV

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Areas We Serve

At De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers our personal injury attorneys serve the following localities: Angel Park, Anthem, Boulder City, Downtown Las Vegas, East Las Vegas, Gibson Springs, Green Valley, Henderson, Lake Las Vegas, MacDonald Ranch, McCullough Hills, Mission Hills, Paradise, Peccole Ranch, Queensridge, Reno, Seven Hills, Smoke Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, The Lakes, The Strip, Whitney, and more.
We also represent accident victims in Oakland, CA.

About Our Firm

De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers, located in Las Vegas, NV, is a personal injury law firm established over 30 years ago.
We have 100+ years of combined experience securing hundreds of millions for injured people throughout Nevada. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today to discuss your case.

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