Pedestrian accidents frequently occur on the Las Vegas Strip because of numerous factors, including large crowds, alcohol consumption, reckless and impaired driving, and distractions. Any of these elements could lead to an accident that warrants compensation for victims from the liable parties responsible.
For help with a personal injury case in Vegas, call the experienced attorneys at Burk Injury Lawyers today at 702-620-2020.
The Rising Number of Pedestrian Accidents on the Las Vegas Strip
According to recent pedestrian accident statistics from the Nevada Departments of Public Safety & Transportation, 380 fatal pedestrian accidents and 385 pedestrian fatalities occurred in Nevada over a four-year period. Many of these have involved Las Vegas Strip accidents, and one of the reasons for this is the lack of familiarity with the area among the millions of tourists who pass through Vegas every year. As a result of the increasing tourist traffic, the number of accidents is also increasing.
The large number of tourists and the many factors contributing to accidents on the Las Vegas Strip make it one of the biggest accident scenes involving pedestrians. Oftentimes, pedestrians are at risk due to several critical factors that increase the likelihood of accidents at this particular location. In many instances, these accidents involve motor vehicles and at-fault drivers who fail to maintain safe roadways for pedestrians.
What Causes Accidents on the Strip?
There are several causes of pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas, such as:
Distractions
Pedestrians and drivers alike could experience distractions on the road, especially in a stimulating area like the Las Vegas Strip. For example, pedestrians and drivers might find the many lights and signs on the Strip easily taking their attention from the road or walkway, which can ultimately result in an accident.
Other forms of distractions could be cell phone use while walking or driving, or people nearby. The number of distractions in this area makes it important for everyone to remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
Speeding
Another cause of accidents is speeding. By speeding, motorists increase the risk of an accident. In many cases, these accidents are also fatal because of the physical impact on a pedestrian. Frequently in Vegas, motorists get into speeding accidents on highways and other stretches of road with high speed limits and minimal intersections, but many intersections also experience accidents, often at lower speeds.
Higher speeds also mean a reduced reaction time, making it hard for drivers to stop even if they see an object or a pedestrian in front of them and attempt to avoid a collision.
Impaired Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another hazard that can greatly increase the risk of an accident. Even a minimal amount of alcohol or other intoxicants can reduce a person’s reaction time and impair his or her judgment to the point of causing an accident. Marijuana is legal in the city of Las Vegas, which further encourages more drivers to operate a vehicle while under the influence of this substance.
Aggressive and Reckless Driving
Sometimes, motorists drive recklessly or aggressively, ignoring the rules of the road and the safety of both themselves and others. They might cut other drivers off, speed and swerve on the road to get ahead of other drivers, or ignore stop signs and other posted signs. As a result, this behavior can easily lead to an accident through a driver’s carelessness.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After an Accident
If you’re not sure what to do following a pedestrian accident, a pedestrian accident lawyer could help you build a case and seek compensation from liable drivers and other parties involved. There are a few key ways an attorney could help you in the event of a pedestrian accident in Vegas. So, what does a personal injury lawyer do, exactly?
Determining Liability
To succeed with a personal injury case of any kind, you must prove that another party:
- Owed you a duty of care
- Breached that duty of care
- Caused an accident through that breach of duty
- Subsequently caused injuries and calculable damages
An attorney may be able to show how each liable party involved meets these criteria and hold that person or entity accountable for their actions.
Calculating Settlements
Another critical benefit of working with an experienced attorney is the ability to determine how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement during negotiations. There are multiple types of damages that injury victims may seek in these cases, including a mix of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages refer to the financial losses resulting from injuries, including medical expenses, physical therapy, lost income, lost earning capacity, and other related costs. Meanwhile, non-economic damages pertain to the personal losses that victims suffer, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and trauma. If a case goes to trial before a judge and jury, your lawyer may also decide to seek punitive damages if the defendant acted with gross negligence or malicious intent.
Based on the nature of your injuries and the other party’s degree of liability, your attorney can identify and calculate all related damages with you. You would then know what to seek during negotiations.
Gathering Evidence
A car accident lawyer could help collect evidence to prove your claim in an accident case. There are many types of evidence that could apply to your claim.
For example, you could use medical records and bills to prove the extent of your injuries and link them to the accident. Police reports gathered at the accident scene could also corroborate your claims, show how the accident occurred, prove liability, and incorporate witness statements.
Other evidence may include surveillance footage at the scene of the accident, witness testimony, cell phone records, and a pain journal recording your experience following the accident.
Filing a Claim
Most pedestrian accident cases entail filing a car accident claim against a liable party’s insurance company. When initiating the claims process, it’s important to know how to negotiate a car accident settlement with insurers to avoid issues that might otherwise compromise your case.
For example, you might inadvertently say the wrong thing when issuing a statement, leading the insurer to believe that you were liable for the accident even if you weren’t. People also often accept an initial settlement amount that’s likely far lower than what the case is actually worth.
The right lawyer will be able to help you negotiate a claim on your behalf, which could increase your chances of getting total compensation for your injuries.
Taking Your Case to Court
Your attorney may decide to go to trial with your case if you are unable to settle during negotiations. Having a lawyer with trial experience here is essential in helping you navigate the legal process and seek a fair settlement.
Depending on the nature of the accident and liability, the trial process can be lengthy and challenging. Your attorney would be able to walk you through the process, collecting evidence, providing a clear argument in your favor, and further increasing your chances of success with a case.
If your attorney believes the defendant is liable for egregious behavior, he or she may even be able to help you seek punitive damages at this stage.
Take the Right Steps After a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident
Following a pedestrian accident, there are steps to take that may help you recover total compensation, including:
Seek Medical Attention
Don’t hesitate to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment for your injuries. If you wait too long, it could be difficult to show how the accident caused the injuries and the overall extent of your injuries. Of course, seeking medical care as soon as possible after an accident can also help you get on the path to recovery faster before your injuries have the chance to worsen.
Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as you can. This might include police reports and medical bills, as well as any other relevant documentation. If you are unable to obtain certain evidence, a lawyer may be able to assist, which brings us to the next step.
Consult an Attorney
The next step is to speak with a personal injury attorney with experience handling cases like yours. The right lawyer would be able to discuss a potential case and may represent you in a claim or trial.
To schedule a free consultation with trusted pedestrian accident injury attorneys in Las Vegas, contact us today at Burk Injury Lawyers.
