Even as these numbers keep climbing, the Nevada Department of Transportation continues fighting toward its goal of “zero fatalities.” With an increased focus on driver education, enforcing traffic laws, and public service announcements, this goal may eventually become a reality. Until that day, though, pedestrian deaths in motor vehicle accidents remain a major problem. Despite Sin City’s appeal to tourists as a vacation hotspot — and as a job opportunity hub for longtime Nevadans — its streets still present a danger to pedestrians and drivers alike.

If you or a loved one was injured as a pedestrian in a motor vehicle accident, you will need the guidance and support of an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer in order to recover compensation at the level you deserve. Whether you were a resident of Clark County or a tourist enjoying time off work at the time of the incident, our team of Las Vegas attorneys can help with your personal injury claim. With their years of experience in local and state law, they can effectively advocate on your behalf at every step of your case.

Are Pedestrian Fatalities Common Throughout Nevada?

The Las Vegas metropolitan region — the most densely populated area in the state — is where the majority of pedestrian accidents and deaths occur. Of the dozens of pedestrian fatalities each year, the bulk occurred in Clark County, the home of Las Vegas and its suburbs. This rate is similar each year. In fact, an average of three out of every four pedestrian fatalities in Nevada happen in the Las Vegas metro area.

These statistics have not gone unnoticed. The Nevada Department of Public Safety has linked safe driving and public education efforts throughout the state to declines in traffic deaths, even when the state’s population increases and tourist numbers go up. However, authorities have maintained a watchful eye over the Las Vegas area, where the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities continues to climb even as all other types of motor vehicle collisions drop in frequency.

Who is to blame for these fatalities? The answer varies from accident to accident, but there are two frequent trends: pedestrians failing to carefully cross roadways and drivers not using safe driving practices. In some of these accidents, both of these issues occurred simultaneously. As we’ll discuss later in this guide, this can play a significant factor in pedestrian accidents. Regardless of who is at fault, though, the outcome is often the same. An average person walking down the street is no match for motor vehicles. That’s why these collisions often result in traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, severe pain and suffering, and even fatal outcomes.

Where Should Pedestrians in Las Vegas Take Extra Precaution?

Pedestrian fatalities in Las Vegas are not necessarily limited to any one environment. Some areas are more prone than others to cause pedestrian deaths — such as Boulder Highway, named Las Vegas’s deadliest road in 2015. However, even areas with low posted speed limits can be home to pedestrian fatalities. The fact is that the human body is not equipped to collide with a metal machine at any speed, so even slow-moving motorists can cause serious injuries.

Gated communities and private streets are common sites of pedestrian accidents, and because these incidents are counted separately from those that occur on public roads, the total number of pedestrian fatalities in Las Vegas and Nevada is no doubt higher than reported. The city’s expansive parking lots, despite the common perception that they are inherently low-speed areas, may also foster pedestrian accidents. When people on foot become lost or attempt to sprint across the asphalt, cars may quickly turn a corner. It’s easy to see how a collision could occur in such a situation.

Even though crosswalks are designed to serve as the safest possible spaces for pedestrians and motor vehicles to share, a significant portion of Las Vegas’s pedestrian deaths happens each year at intersections. Drivers who speed through amber lights and pedestrians who race across crosswalks at the last second can both contribute to major accidents. This brings up a very important nuance in every pedestrian accident case.

What if I’m at Fault in My Pedestrian Accident Case?

Far too many people never contact a Las Vegas pedestrian accident law firm, and one of the most common reasons is they think they’re at fault. This ignores the fact that — in most cases — pedestrians have the right of way. If you were somewhat at fault for the accident, though, it doesn’t mean you can’t receive compensation. This applies even if you told police officers at the accident scene that your mistake led to the incident. That’s because Nevada is a “modified comparative negligence” state. That means you can receive compensation to cover medical bills and other costs even if you are somewhat liable for what happened.

Consider a situation where a pedestrian accident occurs after an intoxicated individual enters the crosswalk — without looking — as a car is speeding by. The police report will likely mention the fact that the pedestrian was intoxicated, but speeding and not stopping at a crosswalk are both still the driver’s fault. Even if the judge decides that the pedestrian was 10% at fault for the accident, the at-fault driver will still have to pay 90% of the eventual court award. While this isn’t the maximum compensation typically allowed under the law, it ensures that individuals still receive some damages after being hit by a car.

If you’ve been struck by a motor vehicle, contact a pedestrian accident attorney before speaking to the insurance company. Insurance adjusters will try to offer low settlements — even if you’ve suffered severe injuries — by convincing you that you have some liability. Considering the potential severity of pedestrian accident injuries, this is their best chance at not offering a large payout. It doesn’t cost you anything to contact Murphy & Murphy Law Offices for a free consultation — and you’ll be able to find out the best way to move forward with your case.

When Should I Contact a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Regardless of the type or severity of your injury, contacting a Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer should be among your highest priorities. In fact, this should be the first step you take after speaking with authorities and getting medical treatment. This is important because there are deadlines for filing a pedestrian accident claim. Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations on such cases, and while this may seem like plenty of time, it can go by in a flash when you’re dealing with serious injuries, medical treatments, and trying to stop your life from going completely off track.

Even if you do hire personal injury lawyers before the statute of limitations expires, proving your claim becomes more difficult the longer you wait. The simple fact is that evidence disappears over time. Things can get lost in evidence rooms. Witnesses can move or change their numbers. Additionally, the insurance company may hire investigators to photograph you in out-of-context situations that make it seem as if your injury is not severe. When it comes down to it, the time to contact a pedestrian accident attorney is as soon as possible.

You will be advised to provide as much documentation as you can. That’s because your attorney will need to know the ins and outs of the accident that led to your injury in order to provide thorough support. If you can’t provide a wealth of information and documentation, though, don’t let this dissuade you from reaching out. A legal professional can gain access to medical bills, police reports, expert testimony, and much more information that’s important in personal injury claims. Get your free initial consultation today at Murphy & Murphy Law Offices.

An Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Can Help

Pedestrian accidents in the Las Vegas area have a high casualty rate and a near guarantee of injury. As such, these cases tend to focus on two factors: who was at fault for the accident and how severely the pedestrian was injured. Craig Murphy is a pedestrian accident lawyer in Las Vegas who is committed to defending injured parties and their loved ones in the courtroom. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a legitimate claim for damages, no personal injury case is unworthy of consideration.

And since Murphy & Murphy Law Offices provides a free initial consultation, you have absolutely nothing to lose. If you have any questions or concerns about the first steps after your injury, our team of pedestrian accident lawyers would be glad to provide comprehensive advice. Contact us today at (702) 369-9696 to learn how we can help.