The Las Vegas Strip receives a high number of tourists annually. The demand for rideshare services is high. That causes heavy traffic congestion, contributing to Uber and Lyft accidents on The Strip. Tourist zones, often filled with out-of-state guests, have unique traffic risks for drivers. These risks include navigation problems, vision distractions, fatigue, drunk driving, tailgating, and heat-related vehicle issues. Understanding these traffic hazards unique to The Strip can help you stay alert while driving. Hiring an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in the event of a crash with a rideshare vehicle can help safeguard your rights and maximize the compensation entitled to you.
Rideshare accident claims can leave you physically, emotionally, and financially drained, especially if you are unrepresented. You will be in a legal battle with bigwig insurance companies notorious for denying or lowering their liability in accidents. Fortunately, Burk Injury Lawyers have been helping car accident victims in Las Vegas file successful claims for over two decades. Our lead attorneys provide personalized and aggressive legal representation to ensure you receive fair compensation. Call us at 702-620-2020 for a free consultation. No legal fees unless we successfully settle the case or win at trial.
How Traffic Congestion on The Strip Increases Uber and Lyft Accident Risks
The throngs of visitors on The Strip create heavy traffic congestion. Rideshare drivers have to contend for space with out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with the local roads and traffic rules. The surge in part-time and casual drivers impacts the overall safety levels. Many inexperienced drivers take to the road, yet they aren’t skilled in navigating the grueling road conditions on The Strip. Uber drivers often share roads with unskilled drivers because of the increased pressure to accept as many ride requests as possible.
Uber and Lyft drivers receive ride requests during rush hours. Many visitors want to access casinos and nightclubs during these times. The chances of an accident occurring at these locations are high. Overall, traffic congestion on The Strip and Fremont Street is caused by a combination of fatigued rideshare drivers, intoxicated passengers, and inexperienced drivers.
The high number of pedestrians also causes traffic congestion. The few traffic signs and pedestrian crosswalks can’t control the multitude of pedestrians, leading to more confusion for drivers. It’s not unusual for people to indulge in risky behaviors that cause safety hazards to drivers. They include jaywalking, distracted walking, and crossing roads at unmarked points.
Unique Dangers Drivers Face in Las Vegas Tourist Zones
The casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping destinations attract visitors to Las Vegas. Tourist activities at these places present dangers for drivers in Las Vegas. Examples of these traffic risks include:
Navigation Problems
Las Vegas roads are filled with out-of-state drivers who don’t know the local roads or traffic conditions. They usually have difficulty getting around the city. Most have to use GPS navigation or smartphone apps to find their way. Operating electronic devices and in-car navigation systems makes them lose focus on the road.
Many of these drivers rent cars. These drivers experience difficulty accessing commonly used controls for safety-focused vehicle systems because they aren’t accustomed to the car. They get distracted trying to locate these controls and cause an accident.
Visual Distractions
The Las Vegas Strip is a 4.2-mile stretch lined with flashy neon lights, billboards, and visual displays. These displays are designed to catch the eye. For example, the Sphere on Sands Ave attracts many tourists with its nighttime LED display. Drivers and pedestrians get glued to the attraction. Rideshare requests to The Sphere increase, causing traffic congestion.
Fatigue and Intoxication
Many tourists drive or travel long distances to Las Vegas. They are often fatigued by the time they arrive. The Strip’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene attract revelers who party all night while enjoying alcoholic beverages.
Drunk or intoxicated drivers are likely to indulge in risky behavior, such as speeding, contributing to Uber and Lyft accidents in Las Vegas. A Nevada Crash Fact Report shows that the state recorded 452 fatal speeding-related crashes between 2018 and 2022. Around 73% of these crashes occurred in Clark County.
Tailgating
The heavy traffic jams in Las Vegas force drivers to follow each other closely. The proximity of the cars makes it difficult for a driver to perform evasive maneuvers in an emergency. That explains why rear-end collisions are frequent in Las Vegas.
Heat-Related Vehicle Issues
Las Vegas experiences extreme temperatures that can cause a range of vehicle problems. The vehicle issues present safety hazards for Uber and Lyft drivers. Examples of heat-related car problems include:
- Overheating engines
- Tire blowouts
- AC problems
- Battery problems
- Dust-storm visibility issues
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Uber and Lyft Accidents
Successfully pursuing compensation from a rideshare company in the event of an accident with its driver is an arduous task. You may wonder, “What do I do if the at-fault driver is a rideshare driver?” The most crucial step is to seek legal help. Your lawyer will help you navigate jurisdiction matters and overlapping local and state laws. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can come in handy in the following situations:
You’re Visiting Las Vegas
Getting injured in an Uber and Lyft accident while visiting Las Vegas from another state, such as Arizona, can be a frustrating experience. The claims process will be different from the one specified in your guide to Arizona rideshare accidents. You must report the accident, investigate the case, collect evidence, and gather witness accounts to increase the odds of recovering damages and losses incurred.
You might make mistakes that can hurt your case if you are unfamiliar with Nevada’s personal injury laws. You can, for instance, miss crucial submission deadlines. Working with a Las Vegas Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is paramount for visitors and residents injured in rideshare accidents. The lawyer knows the state laws governing car accident claims. They can draft the legal documents and submit them in full compliance with relevant laws and statutes.
Determining Fault
A seasoned rideshare accident lawyer is experienced in fault determination. The lawyer knows what details to look for, evidence to collect, and supporting legal arguments to raise. The lawyer will analyze the compiled evidence to determine who to hold legally and financially responsible for the accident and your ensuing injuries. He or she will engage an accident reconstruction expert if liability is unclear or disputed.
The car accident lawyer will also conduct legal research to uncover statutes that can support your claim. The lawyer will take on all legal aspects of your case, allowing you to concentrate on your healing journey.
Handling Insurance Claims
Las Vegas requires all rideshare drivers to carry their own auto insurance liability policies. However, Uber and Lyft provide supplementary liability coverage for their drivers under specific circumstances.
When using the Uber/Lyft app
When a rideshare driver uses the Uber or Lyft App or is waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company covers the following liabilities up to the limits:
- $50,000 for bodily injury coverage per individual
- $100,000 for bodily injury per incident
- $25,000 for property damage coverage per incident
En route to pick up a client
Uber and Lyft also offer additional coverage for drivers when they are heading to pick up clients. The coverage also applies when they have riders on board. In such a time, the companies offer $1,000,000 coverage for third-party liability and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. They also provide contingent comprehensive & collision coverage if the driver’s auto policy includes comprehensive and collision policy.
The insurance providers that cover rideshare companies are powerful. Despite providing additional coverage options, getting them to pay out the settlements is difficult. They may exploit your limited legal knowledge to pressure you into accepting an unreasonably low settlement. A lawyer knows the legal process to follow when dealing with insurance providers. He or she knows the legal strategies and evidence to use to ensure you’re fully compensated.
But how do you choose the right attorney for your car accident claim? The most effective way to identify the right attorney for your Uber and Lyft accident claim is to evaluate how successfully your prospective attorney has handled similar claims. Assess the attorney’s success rate, settlements, and court verdicts to measure competence. Additionally, research your prospective attorney’s experience in dealing with insurers. The attorney should explain the tactics he or she will use to deal with insurance companies and maximize your settlement.
Burk Injury Lawyers has provided successful legal representation to car accident victims in Las Vegas since 2004. Our lawyers leverage that experience to protect your legal and financial rights. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
