Pedestrian Laws in Las Vegas
Las Vegas can be an incredible city to explore on foot, with its dazzling lights and endless attractions. But it’s also a busy, high-traffic area. Unfortunately, far too many pedestrian accidents happen here every year. In fact, Nevada faces a statewide problem: nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities involve pedestrians, according to recent Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts.
Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians don’t always have the right of way. Whether you’re crossing at an intersection, walking immediately adjacent to a highway, or even considering crossing an intersection diagonally, you must follow Nevada’s rules of the road. Taking these precautions is not only safer but also strengthens your claim if you are ever involved in a Las Vegas personal injury case.
If you are hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention right away and obtain a police report. These steps, along with collecting valuable evidence from the scene, can make a major difference in proving your case and maximizing compensation.
A skilled Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
What are the Pedestrian Laws in Las Vegas?
It’s crucial for all pedestrians in Las Vegas to understand the laws they must follow. This is not only so they can take the appropriate measures to keep themselves safe, but also so they are not found partially liable in the event of a crash.
Under Nevada Statute 484B.287, pedestrians usually have the right of way when they are in a crosswalk or at an intersection. The only time a pedestrian does not have the right of way is when they dart out in front of a vehicle and do not provide the driver with enough time to brake and come to a complete stop.
The law is also very clear that when pedestrians are trying to cross the road and there is no marked crosswalk or intersection, they must yield the right of way to oncoming motorists. This means that pedestrians must wait on a sidewalk or at the side of the road until there is a large enough gap in traffic that allows them to cross the street safely.
The Nevada statute is also very clear that when a pedestrian is crossing a highway with an overhead crossing or pedestrian tunnel, they must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the road. These structures are there to protect pedestrians, and when people on foot use them, they are generally out of the way of traffic and can walk much more safely.
While not a legal requirement, pedestrians should always try to make eye contact with drivers before attempting to cross the street. Drivers do not always watch for pedestrians in the same manner they watch for other vehicles. Making eye contact with drivers prior to crossing can help increase the likelihood that the driver will stop when the pedestrian leaves the safety of the sidewalk.
Is the Driver Always Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
Drivers are not automatically liable for every pedestrian accident. Liability depends on whether the driver or the pedestrian acted negligently and whether traffic laws were followed. If a pedestrian is lawfully in a crosswalk or pedestrian crossing and the driver fails to yield, the driver is usually at fault. This is especially true when traffic signals clearly give pedestrians the right-of-way.
However, pedestrians also have a duty to obey traffic signals and use reasonable care. If a pedestrian runs into the street outside an unmarked crosswalk or darts between adjacent intersections against the light, they may share responsibility. In many jurisdictions, this is referred to as comparative negligence, which can reduce or even bar recovery in a personal injury claim.
Accidents near cross streets or in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic can complicate liability. Investigators often review surveillance footage, traffic signals, and witness statements to determine who had the legal right-of-way. Ultimately, fault is based on whether each party acted reasonably under the circumstances.
When is a Pedestrian Liable for an Accident?
A number of actions can lead to a pedestrian being found liable after an accident in Las Vegas, such as:
Jaywalking
Jaywalking occurs any time a pedestrian dashes into the road or does not cross the street using a crosswalk or intersection. In Las Vegas, this is against the law, and pedestrians can face substantial fines for engaging in this behavior.
Failing to look both ways before crossing a road
Most people are taught from a very young age to look both ways before they cross the street, and for good reason. When pedestrians do not look both ways before crossing, they won’t know whether it is safe to do so.
Negligently or intentionally throwing items into the road or near the lane of travel
Pedestrians may not think that dropping food wrappers or other debris into the road is cause for concern. However, these items cause an obstruction for drivers, which could result in an accident. While the driver cannot prevent these obstructions, pedestrians can, so they may be found liable for tossing items into the road.
Walking or crossing the street while intoxicated
Just as drunk drivers can be held liable for their actions, so too can intoxicated pedestrians. Drunk pedestrians may inadvertently wander out into the road, run out in front of cars, or stumble off sidewalks into oncoming traffic.
Rushing into the street to retrieve an item
Pedestrians may drop an item while they are walking, or simply see something in the street they want, such as money. Hopping into the street to retrieve an item is extremely dangerous behavior, particularly if the pedestrian forgets to check if the path is clear of vehicles.
Walking while distracted
People on foot can also be held liable when they walk while distracted. Most of the time, a distraction for a pedestrian comes in the form of a smartphone. Walkers always need to look where they are going, just as drivers do.
Entering a crosswalk when traffic signals indicate to wait
Pedestrians have the right of way in most cases when they are in a crosswalk. However, people on foot are also expected to follow traffic signs and signals. When pedestrians cross the road before the signal indicates it is safe, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents.
Determining who is liable for a pedestrian accident is not a simple process. Many cases may involve some shared fault on both the part of the pedestrian and the driver. To improve your chances for maximum compensation, it’s best to talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer if you’ve been injured.
Proving Liability After a Pedestrian Accident
After being injured in a crash, it is critical that you prove who was liable so you can claim the full damages you deserve. To prove someone was liable after a pedestrian accident, you must prove four elements of your claim. These include:
- Duty of care: You must prove the other party owed you a duty of care, or that they were expected to act in a reasonable manner at all times to keep others safe.
- Breach: You must also show the other party breached their duty of care by behaving negligently in some way, such as running a stoplight.
- Causation: A negligent act is not enough to claim damages in a pedestrian accident. You must also prove that the action, or failure to act, caused the accident.
- Damages: Personal injury lawsuits are intended to compensate accident victims for their injuries. You must show that you suffered damages that can be restored through an award of compensation.
Proving liability is important so you can recover the full amount of compensation that you deserve. If you are found even partially liable for the accident, it could greatly reduce the amount of money you are able to recover.
Under Nevada’s comparative fault laws, you can claim compensation if the other party was at least 50 percent at fault for the accident. When you are also partly at fault, but less than 50 percent, you can still claim damages, but the amount you receive is reduced by your same percentage of fault.
Evidence is crucial when proving liability in your claim. Examples of evidence in these types of cases can include:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- The police accident report
- Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to property
- Video footage from nearby surveillance cameras
- Expert testimony
A Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer will understand the most important types of evidence in your case and collect it while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Pedestrian Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents
Preventing pedestrian collisions starts with simple steps. Always cross at designated crosswalks or use pedestrian bridges and pedestrian tunnels where available. Wait for pedestrian signals and never assume a driver will stop without first making eye contact.
At night, wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see you. Stay alert in school zones and areas of heavy foot traffic. Avoid distractions and always look both ways before starting such crossing movements.
If you must walk where there are no sidewalks, stay on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic. Move to a safety zone or well-lit spot when possible. These pedestrian safety tips help enhance pedestrian safety, lower the risk of pedestrian deaths, and protect everyone sharing the road.
How Can THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Help Me?
If you have been hurt as a pedestrian, don’t hesitate to call the Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers at to schedule a free consultation. Our knowledgeable attorneys can explain the laws governing pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas and how they apply to your specific case. Then we’ll fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible for you.
Our legal team will work to restore your financial security and ensure your long-term well-being. Let’s get started immediately. Call or contact us for your free case review.