Originally posted on https://sweetlaw.com/increasing-pedestrian-accidents-las-vegas/

 

Whether you are walking on the sidewalk, across the street, or just from your parked car to your house, you are a pedestrian everyday. Like all modes of travel, traveling on foot carries some risk. Especially in high traffic areas, such as Las Vegas. Although pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas are often unintended, these kinds of accidents are occurring more often than ever before. Sweet Lawyers’ Las Vegas office has an experienced team of pedestrian accident lawyers ready to help you when you are injured.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident is when some kind of vehicle hits a pedestrian, bicycle, skateboarder, or animal. It can also be an accident involving a pedestrian and any other forces outside of their control.

While many pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas are fatal and result in a wrongful death, accidents can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal accidents can result in injuries that lead to unexpected medical bills, loss of wages, and even disability.

Pedestrian accidents are most commonly associated with traffic accidents. But they can also be when you trip – or slip – and fall (this can be due to a number of things: cracks in the sidewalk, debris left in walkways, wet or icy pavement, unexpected holes in your path), or are struck.

These unexpected accidents can leave you with broken bones, torn muscles and ligaments, painful bruises, lacerations, organ damage, internal bleeding, and more.

How Pedestrian Accidents Happen

More pedestrians are injured in falls and pedestrian-only events (such as slipping on wet pavement) than in collisions with motor vehicles. While the majority of pedestrian vs. car collisions happen in the roadway, roughly four out of five pedestrian-only accidents occur in non-roadway locations such as sidewalks and parking lots.

Most pedestrian injuries and deaths happen in the evening in urban areas such as Las Vegas, in non-intersection locations. In Nevada, pedestrian fatalities made up 24.4% of last year’s reported traffic fatalities.

The Dangers of Being a Pedestrian

With more and more cities dedicated to increasing efforts to improve their walk-ability, we are seeing more pedestrians outside than ever. And with more awareness efforts encouraging environmentally friendly travel, like electric scooters or bicycles, citizens are choosing to opt out of the car take to the sidewalks. However, an increase of foot traffic also means an increase in pedestrian-related accidents.

In 2017, 5,977 pedestrians died as a result of a traffic accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that that number has since increased 4%.

That’s an average of a pedestrian killed every 88 minutes. In fact, over the past decade, pedestrian fatalities have increased a whopping 35%.

However, not all pedestrian accidents are fatal. Last reported in 2015, close to 129,000 pedestrians spent time in the emergency room for crash related injuries.

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, immediately contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorneys to recover your financial losses.

More Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas Than Ever Before

As pedestrian deaths increase across the nation, Las Vegas is seeing an alarming spike of pedestrian accidents on its own streets. With Vegas seeing an influx of over 42 million visitors a year, our sidewalks are packed now more than ever.

With the ever-increasing popularity of easily walk-able areas. This includes Downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience, and The Strip. As a result, the danger and likelihood of being involved in a pedestrian accident increases as well.

In Nevada, statistics unfortunately show that pedestrian fatality rates in our state are rising year over year.

How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Las Vegas is an amazing city to enjoy on foot. However, the popularity of alcohol coupled with the incredible sites and sounds makes it a city full of distractions for pedestrians and drivers alike.

To be safe, avoid walking late at night. If you must be out in the dark, be sure to wear reflective clothing, stay on the sidewalk, and take extra care when crossing the street. As a result, pedestrian accidents at night often happen due to low or no visibility.

At all times of the day, walk on sidewalks whenever possible. In addition, obey all signs and signals, no matter how empty the road may appear. Remember, jaywalking is a crime in Nevada and very rigorously enforced in Las Vegas.

Distractions are everywhere, so it’s important to stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone. With so much entertainment available at every step in Vegas it’s easy to get distracted – which is why it is crucial that you always stay alert. Never assume a driver sees you, you must be responsible for your own safety. As a result, watch where you are going to avoid hazards best you can.

Walking while intoxicated is just as dangerous as drunk-driving. In 2017, authorities found that an estimated 33% of pedestrians that died had alcohol in their system. While Vegas is known for a good time, always wait until you are safe to travel before leaving your location.

What to do if You Are in an Accident

If you are injured as a pedestrian as the result of someone’s negligence, there are steps you can take to recover your losses. First, call an ambulance if your injuries require immediate medical attention. In addition, an emergency is not the time to debate whether medical assistance is affordable. An experienced lawyer can help get yourmedical bills covered.

After that, call the police for assistance, especially if the driver that hit you is inebriated. You never know how someone will react and the police will assure your safety. In addition, a police report of the event can help build a strong claim for compensation.

Record the scene. Take photos and video to detail your injuries and their cause. In addition, be sure to capture any debris or hazards on film.

Did anyone witness your accident? The statement of a witness can be extremely beneficial in building a successful case. As a result, try and get the contact information of anyone who would be willing to help.

Do I Need A Lawyer? Contact The Sweet Lawyers

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident you may have a claim against the responsible party. An attorney can help, especially if you have suffered financial loss in the form of medical bills, inability to do your job, and disability.

If you are unsure if you have a claim as a victim of a pedestrian accident, our dedicated client concierge team at Sweet Lawyers is available. As a result, contact us 24/7 to answer your questions and provide you with a free legal consultation.

Being injured in a pedestrian accident as the result of someone’s negligence can be physically and mentally traumatizing, negatively affecting your livelihood and your family. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada have the knowledge and success record necessary to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Contact our leading personal injury attorneys at Sweet Lawyers today for a no obligation consultation. Above all, our priority is relieving your financial burden and helping you and your family during this difficult time.