Whether you live and work in the state or are just visiting, if you plan to drive, it is important to understand the risks you face on the road. While every state poses unique safety concerns to drivers, there are a few that are statistically more dangerous than others. Knowing these places could reduce your risk of an accident, and a Nevada car accident lawyer can help you recover if another driver causes an accident with you.
Most Dangerous Places to Drive in Nevada
Most of the state is owned by the federal government. When it comes to residents and tourists, most of the activity is concentrated in the west of the state near Carson City and Reno, as well as Las Vegas to the south. The majority of the statistically most dangerous places to drive in the state are concentrated in these areas:
- SR-582 between East Sahara Avenue and Missouri Avenue reports the highest fatal accident rate in the state.
- US Route 93 between Las Vegas and Great Basin National Park is one of the most dangerous highways in the state.
- US Route 50 extends from Ocean City, Maryland, to Sacramento, California, and the stretch of this road through Nevada is often called “the loneliest road in America.”
These roads report higher than usual accident rates, and the Las Vegas area contains many intersections that are often cited as some of the state’s most dangerous:
- Decatur Boulevard at the intersections of Flamingo Road, Sahara Avenue, and Tropicana Avenue.
- Rainbow Boulevard at the intersections of Flamingo Road, Tropicana Avenue, and Charleston Boulevard.
- Sahara Avenue and Valley View Boulevard.
These intersections, along with most of the Sunset Strip, report high rates of accidents from various causes. Some of the most commonly cited causes of car accidents in the state are intoxicated driving, distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations.
Recovering From an Accident
If you are harmed in a vehicle accident that another driver caused, the at-fault driver is responsible for all resulting damages. This may sound straightforward enough, but the reality is that actually proving fault and holding an at-fault driver accountable for the damages they caused can be far more challenging than the average person is prepared to handle on their own. Before you are able to recover any compensation for your losses, you must prove fault.
An experienced Nevada car accident lawyer will be invaluable for this effort, and once you have established liability for your accident, you can proceed with claiming compensation for the resulting damages. This process typically begins with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, followed by a personal injury suit when the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot fully cover your damages.
Nevada law allows the victim of a personal injury to seek full repayment of their economic losses, such as vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income after their accident. The at-fault driver is also liable for the victim’s pain and suffering, especially if the victim sustained any serious or life-threatening injuries. Your Nevada car accident lawyer will help determine the full potential value of your claim.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Deadliest Road in the State?
A: According to the most recently available accident data from across Nevada, the deadliest stretch of road is State Route 582, Boulder Highway, from East Sahara Avenue to Missouri Avenue. Over the past several years, this stretch of road has been the site of many fatal accidents. Commonly cited causes of fatal crashes on this road include intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and speeding.
Q: Is Driving Through Nevada Dangerous?
A: While there may not be many specific safety hazards unique to Nevada that you would face throughout the state, it is important to use extra caution when driving around the Las Vegas area. While most of Nevada is sparsely populated and the majority of the state is federally owned lands, the Las Vegas metropolitan area is one of the busiest places in the country. Additionally, as a major tourist hub, there are many drivers who are not familiar with the area.
Q: Is Nevada a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
A: In a no-fault state, drivers must use their own auto insurance policies to claim compensation after accidents happen, regardless of who was at fault. Nevada is not a no-fault state, meaning drivers must have auto insurance that includes liability coverage. If a driver causes an accident with another driver, the injured party has the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy to seek compensation for their damages.
Q: What Happens if an At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance?
A: If you were recently injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you would need to file a personal injury suit against them to recover your damages. If you have uninsured motorist coverage in your own auto insurance policy, you could file a claim through your own insurance for some initial recovery. However, if you do not have this coverage, then a personal injury suit is your primary means of recovering compensation for your damages.
Q: Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
A: You are not legally required to hire an attorney to help you recover from a car accident, but doing so can dramatically improve your experience with your recovery efforts. The right attorney can help prove fault for the accident, guide you through the insurance claim filing process, and assist you with building your personal injury claim. They will also know how to maximize your recovery, likely leading to more compensation than you could secure alone.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton can provide compassionate legal counsel when you need it most. We know how challenging it can be for anyone to recover from a motor vehicle accident and the many issues they are likely to face as they seek compensation for their damages. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with a Nevada car accident lawyer you can trust to help you recover.
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