Las Vegas hosts millions of tourists every year, and as one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, it is an incredibly busy place for locals and visitors alike. Pedestrian traffic is constant throughout downtown Las Vegas, and accidents are unfortunately common. It’s vital to know what to do after a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas and how to recover if you are hurt in such an accident.
According to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, there were 82 collisions involving pedestrians in Las Vegas during 2024, 62 of which resulted in fatalities. Some of the most commonly reported causes of pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas include intoxicated driving, speeding, and moving violations like failure to yield the right-of-way and illegal turns.
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has stated that pedestrian fatalities from traffic accidents have increased every year since 2020, and 2024 was Nevada’s deadliest year ever for pedestrian fatalities, with 112 total deaths. These accidents can happen very quickly, and even if they do not cause fatal injuries, they are likely to result in severe or catastrophic injuries to the pedestrians involved.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Las Vegas
The first steps you take after any accident are crucial, especially if you believe that another party is to blame. In Nevada, an accident victim must prove fault before they can recover compensation for their damages. This applies to pedestrian accidents, and while most people assume a driver is automatically at fault if they hit a pedestrian, there are exceptions to this, and it is possible for an injured pedestrian to face a very difficult recovery process.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you may not be able to move. Some victims are knocked unconscious. You may have no other choice but to wait for first responders to arrive and hope they arrive quickly. If you are able to move, do so carefully, and make sure someone has called 911 to report the accident. This will ensure first responders arrive as quickly as possible and will generate a police report that you will need later.
Recovering From a Pedestrian Accident in Las Vegas
The victim of a pedestrian accident will need immediate medical attention. Once they have stabilized, it is crucial for them to reach out to an experienced attorney as quickly as possible. Their attorney can help them with their recovery, gathering evidence needed to prove fault for the accident, and assessing the full extent of their claimable damages.
You may be able to file an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, but trying to deal with most insurance companies can be challenging, as they will usually attempt to deny or devalue claims as much as possible. Insurance may not fully cover your losses after a pedestrian accident, or the at-fault driver may not have insurance. In either case, a personal injury suit may offer your greatest chance of recovering as fully as possible from the accident.
You have a limited time to build your case after a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, so it’s vital to reach out to an experienced attorney as quickly as possible. Easton & Easton can help you recover from your recent accident, so consult our team at your first opportunity to find out how we can assist with your case.
FAQs
What Should You Do First After a Pedestrian Accident in Las Vegas?
The first thing you should do after a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas is to make sure the accident has been reported to 911 if you are able to do so. Many pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas result in severe injuries, so if you have been badly hurt, it is important that you wait for paramedics to arrive and provide medical attention. Moving on your own risks making your injuries worse. If you can, take photos of the accident scene while you wait for first responders.
How Do You Prove Fault for a Pedestrian Accident in Las Vegas?
You can prove fault for a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas by leveraging various forms of evidence, such as traffic camera footage, drivers’ cell phone records, vehicle computer data, and testimony from any eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen. In most cases, the driver will be at fault for a pedestrian accident, but it is possible for a pedestrian to be found partially liable if they were negligent and contributed to causing the accident.
How Much Compensation Can You Win for a Pedestrian Accident?
The amount of compensation you could win for a pedestrian accident will depend on the severity of your injuries. Many of these accidents cause catastrophic harm, and victims may suffer permanent complications. Your attorney can help you calculate your medical expenses and lost income, and they can also help you determine appropriate pain and suffering compensation to seek from the defendant.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
You should always hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Las Vegas to increase your chance of success with the recovery efforts. Even if you believe that the fault for a pedestrian accident is clear, there are numerous challenges you could face in your efforts to recover. Your attorney can help you prove fault for the accident, accurately determine the full scope of your damages, and guide you through the process of recovering compensation from the at-fault driver efficiently.
What Happens if a Pedestrian Shares Fault for Their Accident in Las Vegas?
If a pedestrian shares fault for their accident in Las Vegas, then Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule will come into play for their personal injury case. They will have a fault percentage assigned, and as long as their fault percentage does not exceed the defendant’s, they can still recover compensation. However, their case award will be reduced by their fault percentage to reflect their shared liability for causing the accident.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have successfully helped many past clients build effective personal injury cases in Las Vegas, and we know how damaging and traumatic a pedestrian accident can be. Whether you are seeking compensation for your own injuries or you must take legal action on behalf of a critically injured family member, contact us today and schedule a consultation to find out how we can assist with your case.
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