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Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were you hit by a car as a pedestrian in Las Vegas? Experienced pedestrian accident lawyer Christopher Burk is on your side.

With nearly 20 years of experience going up against big name insurance companies to protect the rights of the injured, Chris Burk has made a name for himself by standing up for the little guy. Chris will fight to maximize the compensation you receive in your personal injury case.

  • We offer FREE initial consultations.
  • We ONLY represent injured people.
  • We don’t charge upfront attorney fees.
  • You only pay if you win.
Hurt by a Jerk? Better call Burk.

Call: 702-620-2020

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas: Causes, Fault, and Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can be better understood by examining the causes, assigning fault, and recognizing potential injuries. Negligence, distraction, poor weather, and vehicle malfunctions all play a role in pedestrian accidents. Fault is determined by considering various factors surrounding the accident, including traffic laws and violations, witness accounts, and accident reconstruction. The force of a pedestrian accident can cause broken bones, head trauma, internal bleeding, and various other injuries. Physical trauma isn’t the only thing a pedestrian accident can cause. It can also cause mental trauma as well, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

What Are Some Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can stem from various factors. Inattentive drivers and distracted pedestrians can create dangerous situations. Speeding, impaired driving, and poorly lit areas greatly increase the risk of accidents as well. Seemingly minor factors such as bad weather or unclear crosswalks can also contribute to these unfortunate events. Drivers aren’t the only ones that can be responsible for pedestrian accidents. Inattentive pedestrians, jaywalking pedestrians, and pedestrians traveling under the influence also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence laws, pedestrians can still recover compensation for their losses if they contributed to causing the accident, as long as their percentage of fault is less than 50%.

How Do You Determine Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

Fault in pedestrian accidents is determined by an analysis of the accident scene and the events that led up to the crash. Traffic laws, witness statements, skid marks, vehicle damage, and various other factors are examined to determine who acted negligently. Drivers who violated traffic rules or drove recklessly are likely to be held at fault for the accident. 

What Are Some Common Injuries Associated With Pedestrian Accidents?

There are a range of injuries that are associated with pedestrian accidents. Some are minor, while others are significantly more serious. Injuries associated with pedestrian accidents can include:

  • Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, cuts, sprains, and strains are common examples of soft tissue injuries associated with pedestrian accidents.
  • Broken bones: Fractures can occur in any bone impacted during the accident. Legs, arms, and ribs are especially vulnerable.
  • Head injuries: Head injuries can be life-threatening, and can range anywhere from a concussion to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • Internal injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage, can be difficult to diagnose, and  may require surgery.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident often leaves victims wondering what steps they should take to protect their well-being and their legal rights. While some steps, such as seeking medical attention, may seem obvious, there are other steps that people often miss. Taking the following steps is crucial to protecting yourself and your claim.

01

Call 911

The first thing you should do after any accident is to call 911. Calling 911 will get law enforcement on the scene, and possibly paramedics as well. This enables you to get an official police report of your accident, which will help strengthen your claim. Additionally, paramedics will be able to examine you and determine if you need emergency care.

02

Gather Information

If you are able to do so, gather information from those involved in the accident. Contact and insurance information for the driver are especially important to have. This information will enable you to file a claim. Additionally, if any witnesses are present, you should gather their contact information as well, in case you need them to make a statement later.

03

Collect Evidence

Evidence is crucial to building a case after a pedestrian accident. Photographs, police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even surveillance footage are all valid forms of evidence. Without this evidence, you may have trouble building your case against the at-fault driver. 

04

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety are paramount. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical attention after a pedestrian accident. Serious injuries may not make themselves obvious when you’re first injured. They can take days or even weeks to appear. Leaving an injury untreated may cause it to become worse in the long run. Additionally, an official medical report will make filing your claim easier.

05

Contact a Lawyer

Insurance companies are rarely in your corner, and you should never accept a settlement offer without contacting an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. Insurance companies may try to coerce you into accepting a low settlement offer, leaving you without the full compensation you need to be able to recover financially from your accident. Pedestrian accident lawyer Chris Burk will work with insurance companies to ensure you get fair and full compensation, and will represent you in court if necessary.

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Proving Negligence in a Pedestrian Accident Case

In a pedestrian accident, proving negligence hinges on showing that the driver failed to act with reasonable care. Actions such as speeding, texting, or driving under the influence are all forms of negligence. To prove driver negligence, you need to demonstrate that the following existed when the accident occurred.

01

The Driver Owed a Duty of Care

Drivers owe pedestrians a duty of care when behind the wheel of a vehicle. This duty includes following traffic laws, staying focused while driving, and driving sober. Essentially, drivers are expected to act in a reasonable manner to avoid causing harm to others while driving.

02

The Duty of Care Was Breached

When a driver neglects his or her duty of care, whether it be by disobeying traffic laws, driving under the influence, or driving distracted, pedestrians and other drivers become at risk. Breach of duty of care can include actions such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks.

03

The Driver’s Actions Caused Your Injury

Proving that the driver’s actions caused your injuries is essential in a pedestrian accident case. Photos of the scene, police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical reports can help prove that the driver’s actions caused the accident in which you were injured.

04

You Suffered Losses Due to Your Injury

Medical bills pile up quickly, and lost wages due to missed work simply add to the financial strain your injuries caused you. Beyond the financial toll, injuries can often reduce your mobility and independence, which impacts your daily life. Keeping track of your medical expenses and lost wages is crucial to demonstrating the harm caused by the driver’s negligence.

What Are The Riskiest Areas for Pedestrians in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas can be risky for pedestrians, especially on busy roads, and near casinos and UNLV. Additionally, intersections with high traffic flow pose extra danger due to negligent drivers and heavy foot traffic. Understanding what the most dangerous areas for pedestrians in Las Vegas are and remaining diligent about your safety can help protect you from a pedestrian accident.

The Las Vegas Strip

The dazzling Las Vegas Strip is a danger zone for pedestrians. Distractions such as bright lights and captivating displays can draw the attention of both pedestrians and drivers. Wide, multi-lane roads with long crosswalk signals, and heavy traffic with potentially intoxicated drivers, adds to the risk of an accident. 

Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas may offer excitement for pedestrians, but it is also full of dangers. While Fremont Street Experience provides pedestrians with walkways, side streets are often narrow with limited sidewalks. Tourists that are unfamiliar with the area are navigating amidst heavy traffic. This, coupled with the potential for intoxicated individuals and the vibrant atmosphere, can turn into a safety hazard for those who don’t stay alert.

Intersections

Busy roads with high volumes of cars, such as Tropicana near UNLV, or the infamous Sahara and Decatur, pose a significant threat to pedestrians. These areas are often a mix of distracted drivers, tourists unfamiliar with the area, and heavy foot traffic. It’s vital for pedestrians and drivers in these areas to be extra cautious. Pedestrians should only use designated crosswalks with clear signals, and drivers should maintain an attentive driving style by following traffic laws, paying attention, and driving sober.

Contact Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Christopher Burk

Pedestrian accidents are often a harrowing experience for victims. On top of mounting expenses, injuries can often leave you with limited mobility and independence. If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident, contact pedestrian accident lawyer Christopher Burk to represent you in your case.