Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

DEDICATED PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety & Transportation, from 2017-2021, a total of 393 pedestrian fatalities and 383 fatal pedestrian crashes occurred on Nevada roadways. In the year 2021 alone there were 80 pedestrian traffic fatalities.

Walking and bicycling are sustainable forms of transportation that provide healthy, affordable, and enjoyable options for daily travel. In addition, it should be safe to walk near or cross a roadway. Unfortunately, many drivers are not safe, do not follow the rules of the road, and cause injuries and even death to pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been affected by such negligence, our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers at are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

UNDERSTANDING THE LAW: DRIVERS VS. PEDESTRIANS

In Nevada a driver must “exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.”

The specific law is found in Nevada Revised Statute 484B.280

Duties of driver of motor vehicle to pedestrian; additional penalty if driver is proximate cause of collision with pedestrian or if violation committed in pedestrian safety zone.

1. A driver of a motor vehicle shall:
   1. Exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian;
   2. Give an audible warning with the horn of the vehicle if appropriate and when necessary to avoid such a collision; and
   3. Exercise proper caution upon observing a pedestrian:
      1. On or near a highway, street or road;
      2. At or near a bus stop or bench, shelter or transit stop for passengers of public mass transportation or in the act of boarding a bus or other public transportation vehicle; or
      3. In or near a school zone or a school crossing zone marked in accordance with NRS 484B.363 or a marked or unmarked crosswalk.Exercise proper caution upon observing a pedestrian

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PEDESTRIANS

A pedestrian is not immune from also acting safely to avoid being struck by a vehicle. In Nevada, a pedestrian must also yield in the following situations.

• Every pedestrian crossing a highway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the highway.
• Any pedestrian crossing a highway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the highway.
• Between adjacent intersections at which official traffic-control devices are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
• A pedestrian shall not cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices.
• When authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements.

Nevada Revised Statute 484B.287

COMMON TYPES OF PEDESTRIAN INJURIES

Many pedestrian injuries are from crashes that occurred where a vehicle strikes a person and where the unsuspecting victims have little or no way to protect themselves. Common pedestrian injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Scarring
• Amputations
• Damage to internal organs
• Wrongful death of a loved one
• Additionally, victims of pedestrian injuries can also seek compensation for non-economic damages such as
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression caused by the accident.

HOW TO AVOID PEDESTRIAN INJURIES: SAFETY TIPS

The Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety has three (3) recommendations to be a safer pedestrian and road user.

BE ALERT AND AWARE
Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. All road and sidewalk users should pay attention to their surroundings at all times.

OBEY THE LAWS
Drivers and pedestrians should obey all traffic control devices, including crosswalks and crosswalk signals. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at intersections.

SEE AND BE SEEN
Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night. Drivers and pedestrians should make eye contact with each other when navigating intersections.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INJURED AS A PEDESTRIAN

If you are injured as a pedestrian, here are some suggested first steps:

• Ensure Safety: Immediately check yourself and the driver or passengers in their vehicle for injuries.
• Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries. Short video clips may also be helpful.
• Look for Cameras: Look for surveillance cameras on nearby homes or businesses that may have captured the incident. Take pictures of the camera locations and their addresses so that law enforcement, or a private investigator can later attempt to obtain copies of any video of the incident.
• Gather Information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, collect contact details of any witnesses.
• Audio Record the Driver: If the other driver is talking you can audio record him or her, even without their consent. Nevada only requires one-side consent to an in-person audio recording. NRS 200.650.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Avoid Confrontation: It’s natural to be upset, but avoid confronting the driver. Let law enforcement handle the situation.
• Contact Your Insurance: Report the accident to your own automobile insurance company as there may be coverage for you as a pedestrian.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of any medical treatments, expenses, and missed work due to the accident.
• Follow Up: Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Stay updated with the police investigation and any legal proceedings.

HOW DOES THE DRUMMOND LAW FIRM HELP INJURED PEDESTRIANS

Our team of Las Vegas personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of serious injuries. Unlike some firms that rush clients to settle in order to move on to the next case, we prioritize giving our clients the time they need to heal and make informed decisions.

Pedestrian accidents often lead to costly hospital bills and ongoing medical care. We work to secure the compensation victims need to cover these expenses and ensure they can afford future healthcare needs.

Injured pedestrians often miss work during recovery and may find that their injuries prevent them from returning to their previous jobs. We assist accident victims in rebuilding their lives by securing compensation to cover lost income and the cost of vocational rehabilitation. For those who may never regain their full earning capacity, we ensure they receive compensation for their reduced future earnings.

In addition to physical recovery, we help injured pedestrians heal emotionally. Serious injuries are often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which fall under the category of “pain and suffering.” Compensation helps provide comfort, security, and peace of mind, allowing victims to improve their quality of life and offset the hardships they’ve endured.

THE DRUMMOND FIRM – YOUR PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS

We represent pedestrian injury victims and their families in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. To find out how we can assist you, contact our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer at 702-CAPTAIN (702-847-5512) or send us an email. We’re available 24/7, and there’s never a charge for answering accident-related questions.