Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

As one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, Las Vegas has heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the year, especially around the casinos and hotels. Las Vegas and Clark County rank higher than any other part of Nevada for their rates of pedestrian accidents.

No one is more vulnerable in a traffic collision than a pedestrian. There’s nothing to shield them from the blunt force of impact with another vehicle. As a result, their injuries tend to be severe, catastrophic, and far too often fatal.

At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, our Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorneys have experience fighting for the rights and interests of injured victims. We know the physical, financial, and personal challenges you may face after being hurt in a pedestrian accident. Let our dedicated legal team take on your case while you focus on your recovery.

Our Nevada lawyers have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We’ll leverage our collective skills and resources to help you get the money you need to rebuild your life and move forward. Throughout your case, we’ll be by your side to answer your questions, connect you with quality medical providers, assist with transportation, and help with whatever difficulties may arise during your recovery.

From start to finish, you’re our priority. We can meet wherever and whenever is most convenient for you, whether that’s at home, by your bedside, or in our office. Call or contact us now for a free consultation.

Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas

According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Nevada Department of Transportation, there were 376 fatal pedestrian crashes over a recent five-year period. In those collisions, 387 pedestrians died. This tragic number represented over 24 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state during that time. Most of these accidents occurred in Clark County.

The statistics also show that approximately 70 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. In addition, around half of all fatal pedestrian accidents occur from Thursday through Saturday. November is the deadliest month for people on foot, according to the data.

The majority of fatal pedestrian accidents (63 percent) during the study period happened on the road, not at an intersection or crosswalk. Another 17 percent of accidents occurred in marked crosswalks at intersections or in the street. Five percent of accidents happened on a sidewalk, while three percent occurred in an intersection but not in the crosswalk.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers visiting Las Vegas can quickly become distracted by the city’s famous sights, particularly along the Vegas Strip. Any driver can be tempted by various distractions in their vehicle, including a cell phone, navigation device, adjusting the radio or climate controls, eating, or interacting with passengers. When a driver’s full attention is diverted from the road, they may overlook pedestrians in their path.
• Poor visibility: Pedestrians may be obstructed from a driver’s view by adverse weather conditions, heavy smoke/smog, or low lighting at night.
• Speeding: Driving too fast gives drivers less time to react if pedestrians cross in front of their vehicles. Pedestrians may also misjudge whether it is safe for them to cross when an approaching vehicle travels above the speed limit. Speeding also increases the forces involved in a collision, increasing the chances of severe or catastrophic injuries.
• Drugs, alcohol, or medication: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a motorist’s perception, reaction time, and judgment, making it hard for them to operate their vehicle safely. Drunk or drugged drivers may be more likely to speed, black out, or fall asleep behind the wheel, all of which puts nearby pedestrians in harm’s way.
• Vehicles making left turns: Cars turning left at intersections can hit pedestrians if they are focused on oncoming cars and neglect to look for pedestrians in the intersection where they plan to turn.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signs and signals can catch pedestrians off guard in the roadway and result in deadly collisions.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks: Drivers who do not stop at marked pedestrian crosswalks can cause tremendous harm to people on foot.
• Drowsy or fatigued driving: Like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while tired can impair a driver’s reaction time, reflexes, perception, and judgment.
• Inexperience: New and inexperienced drivers may focus on looking for other vehicles on the road and neglect to look for pedestrians in their path.
• Unsafe intersection or crosswalk design: Poor road and intersection design increase the risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians. In those cases, government or municipal agencies may be liable for any injuries caused by hazardous road conditions.
• Road construction: Signs and equipment can block make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see each other and take steps to avoid a crash.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

When walking out in Las Vegas, you should remember the following safety tips to help keep yourself safe when crossing intersections, crosswalks, and driveways:

• Always walk on the sidewalk or off the paved road whenever one is available. If a street doesn’t have a sidewalk, walk as close to the side of the road as possible on the left side, facing traffic.
• Always cross at intersections or marked crosswalks. Avoid crossing in the middle of the street or road (also known as “jaywalking”). Many pedestrian accidents involve pedestrians crossing outside of an intersection or crosswalk, where drivers may not expect to encounter them in front of their vehicles.
• Watch the signals. When crossing at a signal-controlled intersection, always obey the traffic lights and/or pedestrian signals.
• Look left-right-left before crossing. Stopping at the curb at an intersection or crosswalk and looking for traffic lets drivers know that you intend to cross the street.
• Wear bright or lightly colored clothing, even during the day, and have reflective materials on your clothing at night. If walking in the dark or a poorly lit area, carrying a lit flashlight will also help make you more visible to motorists.
• Avoid walking in a driver’s blind spot. Pedestrians are tiny compared to cars, so do your best to stay out of blind spots.
• Always assume that an approaching vehicle will not slow down or stop for you to cross. Wait before you move.
• Confirm that drivers can see you by making eye contact with them. For example, a small wave can acknowledge that you see them and confirm they see you.
• Avoid distractions. Cell phones and headphones can prevent you from noticing traffic around you.

Drivers can also take steps to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Follow these tips:

• Always slow down when approaching intersections or crosswalks.
• Wait for pedestrians to clear the intersection or crosswalk before proceeding.
• Never attempt to run red lights or stop signs.
• When turning left or right at an intersection, look for any pedestrians who may be crossing the street.
• Look carefully for pedestrians, especially children, when backing up.
• Slow down or stop when approaching a vehicle stopped in a travel lane until you can determine if that vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian.
• Turn around to visually confirm that no pedestrians are crossing behind your vehicle when backing out of a parking space or driveway. Don’t solely rely on your mirrors or backup cameras.
• Avoid any distractions while behind the wheel.
• Avoid driving if you feel fatigued.
• Always stay within the speed limit or slow down if road or visibility conditions require it.
• Never drive while intoxicated.

Contact a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, call or contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys for a free, no-obligation case review with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer. Call or contact us now.