Walking in Nevada can be deadly. In 2017, 99 pedestrians died on the state’s roadways, according to figures from the Nevada Department of Transportation. Not surprisingly, pedestrians in busy Las Vegas and the surrounding areas are particularly vulnerable. In Clark County, 78 pedestrians died, in 2017. Pedestrians who survive accidents with cars may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, organ damage, and other debilitating injuries. If you’ve incurred harm in a car crash while walking, you may be facing mounting medical bills. A pedestrian accident lawyer familiar with Nevada state laws can answer your questions about your accident, and fight for you to obtain the compensation you deserve.

At Paul Padda Law, we have years of experience handling pedestrian accidents and other personal injury cases. We can help you understand your rights when you’ve been injured by a negligent driver. Call us today at (702) 366-1888, or reach out online to schedule a free, initial consultation of your case.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas

Distracted driving, distracted walking, driving under the influence, and alcohol use all contribute to pedestrian accidents. Some of the other causes of pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities include:

  • Poor roadway designs
  • Traffic signals that don’t allow enough time for crossing
  • A lack of sidewalks in some areas
  • Poorly marked or unmarked crosswalks
  • Dim lighting at night
  • Higher-than-necessary speed limits
  • Aggressive driving
  • More SUVs, pickups, and other larger vehicles on roads

Pedestrian accidents and fatalities are not only a Nevada problem, but they are also a nationwide issue. In 2018, over 6,200 pedestrians throughout the country died in crashes with motor vehicles, per data from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Reducing Accidents in Nevada

In response to accidents in the state, including those involving pedestrians, law enforcement agencies and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) have partnered to try and reduce traffic fatalities and injuries through the Zero Fatalities campaign. As part of this effort, police agencies have increased ticketing of drivers and walkers who violate traffic laws intended to keep people safe. The DPS has instituted an awareness campaign designed to educate pedestrians and drivers about Nevada traffic laws. Some points to remember when walking or driving in Nevada include:

  • Cars must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Making U-turns in school zones when students are present is illegal.
  • Pedestrians must use crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian bridges and tunnels whenever possible.
  • When no sidewalks are available, pedestrians should walk facing traffic, and as far from traffic as possible.

Drivers and walkers who follow these rules in Nevada and Las Vegas will help to keep everyone safe. Additional safety tips include pedestrians obeying street signs and traffic signals, staying alert to traffic around you when walking, not wearing headphones while walking around, and staying off a phone or another device while crossing a street.

Drivers, on the other hand, can slow down when approaching and entering crosswalks and while turning, never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks, not engage in distracted driving, obey posted speed limits and slow down in school zones, and look extra carefully when backing up to ensure no one has walked behind you.

Contact a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Help

If in spite of your efforts to stay safe while walking, you may still get hit by a negligent driver while commuting around Nevada. At Paul Padda Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to assist you. We will review the facts of your accident, and work diligently to try and get you the compensation you need to move on and recover. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us today at (702) 366-1888.