Walking Safely: Preventing and Navigating Pedestrian Accidents in the City

Millions of people come to Las Vegas each year to gamble. Normally, this means playing the slots or sitting at the poker table. But just crossing the street can often represent an even bigger gamble. While pedestrian safety remains a problem in communities across the country, it is a particularly big problem in Nevada. Here, our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer provides an overview of the data and offers tips that you can use to keep yourself safe while navigating the city.

Pedestrian Safety: Know the Data

The sad fact is that pedestrian accidents are far too common, not just in Vegas but throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that on average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash roughly every 71 minutes in the United States. For reference, that represents more than 8,000 deaths annually. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, another 104,000 pedestrians require treatment for non-fatal injuries in emergency rooms each year. Alarmingly, Nevada’s pedestrian safety record is even worse than the country as a whole. According to the most recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 90 pedestrians were killed in crashes in Nevada in 2022. Many hundreds more suffered terrible injuries. The pedestrian fatality rate in the state was nearly 33 percent higher than the national average. Most bad pedestrian crashes in Nevada happen in Clark County. Las Vegas is a high risk area for pedestrian collisions. Walkers need to be aware of the hazards posed by negligent drivers.

Four Pedestrian Safety Tips for Las Vegas

When you are walking the streets in Las Vegas, you need to be proactive in preventing and navigating potential accidents. All motorists have a duty to watch out for the safety and well-being of pedestrians. Unfortunately, too many of them fail to do so. Here are a few key tips

Always Use Crosswalks

You should always try to avoid “jaywalking” when crossing the street. Always use crosswalks. Legally speaking, every intersection in Nevada has a crosswalk. Some of them are clearly marked with white bars. But even if there are no markings, there is still an “implied” crosswalk at the intersection.

Follow the Right of Way Rules

This is largely a matter of common sense. Never dart in front of oncoming traffic, even when using a crosswalk. Always obey “don’t walk” signs and red lights. If you are crossing outside of a crosswalk for any reason, keep in mind that vehicular traffic has the right of way. But if you are in the crosswalk legally, you have the right of way.

Avoid “Distracted Walking”

When it comes to car accidents, we often speak of distracted driving. Similarly, as a pedestrian you need to avoid distracted walking. This means you should never use your smartphone or another electronic device while crossing a street. Always look both ways before crossing any street. And never assume that a driver will yield just because you have the right of way.

If You Are Hit, Call 911

Even if you do everything right as a pedestrian, a reckless driver can still hit you in the middle of the street. If you are hit, try to remain calm. Call 911 right away. This will bring the police and emergency medical personnel to the scene. The police can prepare an official accident report, while the medical personnel can check you out and advise you on whether you need to go to the emergency room. (Even if you do not go to the ER, you should still see your own doctor as soon as possible.) If you do not get your pedestrian accident injury evaluated by a doctor, you will not be eligible to bring a personal injury claim. 

Be Ready to Consider All of Your Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be challenging. You have the right to hold the at-fault driver, at-fault trucking company, or any other negligent party accountable. An experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the accident and gather the evidence that you need to prove fault and seek compensation for your damages. 

Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents are “hit and runs,” where the motorist leaves the scene before the police arrive. Even if the driver who hit you is never identified, you may still be able to seek compensation for your injuries from your own auto insurance company. And if the negligent driver is found, you can absolutely seek compensation from them and their insurer.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

Hurt in a crash? You need a top-tier attorney on your side. Our experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyers can review your pedestrian accident and advise you on the best course of action. Call Heidari Law Group, P.C., today at 702-772-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation. With an office in Las Vegas, we represent injured pedestrians throughout Clark County. 

***Disclaimer: This webpage has been crafted by Heidari Law Group solely for educational purposes. The content of this article aims to offer a broad comprehension of the law and does not constitute specific legal advice. By accessing this site and perusing its contents, no attorney-client relationship is established between you and any member of Heidari Law. Additionally, it’s important to note that the legal landscape is subject to continuous change, rendering some of the information provided herein potentially outdated or no longer applicable.