Imagine you are crossing the road when suddenly a vehicle strikes you. The accident is unexpected, and may even be life-threatening. Car accidents involving pedestrians are extremely dangerous for pedestrian victims. Pedestrians do not have the structural protections of a car. Pedestrian accidents can result in broken bones, brain injury, tissue damage, or even death.
Pedestrian vehicle crashes are complex. If a car injures you as a pedestrian, seek legal help from an experienced personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Contact us at (702) 857-6000 or online to set up a free consultation.
Pedestrian Fatalities
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association’s 2018 study, “In recent years, the number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States has grown sharply.” Its study Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State found the following from 2008 to 2017:
- The number of pedestrian fatalities increased by 35 percent. An increase from 4,414 deaths in 2008 to 5,977 deaths in 2017.
- The combined number of all other traffic deaths declined by six percent.
- Pedestrian deaths as a percentage of total motor vehicle crash deaths increased from 12 percent in 2008 to 16 percent in 2017.
The study found that “increases in pedestrian fatalities may be linked to population growth.” The 10 states with the highest population growth from 2017 to 2018:
- had an overall five percent increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities during the first six months of 2018. This increase is in comparison to the first six months of 2017.
This increase is in comparison to the first six months of 2017.
The 10 states with the highest population growth were:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Idaho
- North Carolina
- Nevada
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Texas
- Washington
Nevada Pedestrian Fatalities
The Nevada Department of Transportation reported that on Nevada roadways between 2013 and 2017:
- 393 pedestrians lost their lives in pedestrian crashes.
- Pedestrian crashes seriously injured 789 pedestrians.
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In 2017, Nevada had a record year with 100 pedestrian fatalities statewide. In response, the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety through the Zero Fatalities program launched a new Pedestrian Safety campaign. The campaign speaks to drivers and pedestrians because both play a critical role in increasing safety.
The 2017 Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) provides the following insight into the who, where, when and why behind Nevada’s Pedestrian Safety Problem.
Now that you know a bit more about pedestrian accidents in Nevada, you may be wondering which Las Vegas personal injury lawyers you should talk to if you’ve been a pedestrian victim. Anthem Injury Lawyers offers the expertise and experience you need. We’ll discuss your case with you in a Free Consultation, and let you know if we can pursue a claim for you. Get started with a call to our firm: (702) 857-6000.
Who?
- Middle-aged (46 to 55 years old) male pedestrians are more likely than any other demographic to be fatally wounded or seriously injured.
- In general, males of almost any age have a higher likelihood to be a pedestrian fatality or serious injury.
Where?
- Over one-half (51 percent) of the pedestrian fatalities and injuries occurred mid-block in the roadway.
- Pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries on marked crosswalks were also substantial (28 percent).
When?
- Friday was the most dangerous day for pedestrians with a combined 170 fatalities and serious injuries from 2012 to 2016.
- Thursday and Saturday were the next most severe days with 166 and 143 fatalities and serious injuries.
Why?
- Between 2012 and 2016, improper roadway crossing contributed most to fatalities and serious injuries.
Other significant contributing factors included:
- Darting into the roadway.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Pedestrian visibility.
Las Vegas Area Pedestrian Fatalities
2020 is already a fatal year for Las Vegas area pedestrians. In a mere weekend, Las Vegas had three fatal pedestrian accidents.
Hit and Run
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On Saturday, January 11, 2020, a hit and run driver fled after fatally injuring a 60-year-old man near Woodlawn Cemetery. The man was crossing outside of a marked or implied crosswalk. He suffered multiple blunt force injuries and later died at the University Medical Center. For additional information regarding hit and run accidents, see our article on What To Do If You Have Been in a Hit and Run.
Crosswalk Fatalities
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, two more pedestrians were killed. Both while using the crosswalk.
In the first case, a car hit a 30-year-old man on the Las Vegas Strip. He tried to run across the street against a “do not walk” sign but fell and was struck by a car. He died at the scene.
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That same day, an SUV struck a 71-year-old woman near Boulder Highway and Equestrian Drive. She suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital. The accident occurred just after 3 p.m. when the woman crossed the northbound lanes in a marked crosswalk against the signal. The driver of the SUV, traveling northbound on Boulder Highway, didn’t see the victim.
Personal Injury Lawyers
If a vehicle injures you as a pedestrian, seek medical help. Once you have received medical care, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers are experienced, personal injury lawyers. Our office is in Henderson and we handle personal injury cases all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
Pedestrian Safety Rules
Pedestrian related crashes are dangerous and deadly. Drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or distracted by their phones or passengers. You and your family can increase your chances of staying safe by being attentive and following the rules of the road.
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles compiled the following Traffic Safety Quick Tips with Nevada rules for drivers and pedestrians.
Drivers
- Exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian at all times.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Must yield at all times to a blind person using a white cane or service animal.
- Must stop or slow down before passing another vehicle stopped in a travel lane. Determine whether that vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian.
- Must – in the presence of a school crossing guard – wait for all persons including the guard to completely clear the road before proceeding.
For these complete rules see Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.280 through 484B.350.
Pedestrians
- Must use the sidewalk and the nearest crosswalk, pedestrian bridge or tunnel when possible.
- Obey official traffic control devices.
- Stay in the right-hand half of the crosswalk.
- Walk on the left side of the street facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
- Must not suddenly walk into the path of a vehicle so that it is impossible for the vehicle to yield.
- May not cross an intersection diagonally unless the intersection is specifically designed for this.
For these complete rules see Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.283 through 484B.297.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
Pedestrian accidents and injuries are preventable. Stay safe and aware by following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) following 10 Walking Safety Tips:
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road. Obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times and do not use distracting electronic devices. Keep your eyes and ears on the road.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows time to cross safely. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Do not assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure drivers see you.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day. At night, wear reflective materials and use a flashlight.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways. In parking lots watch for cars backing up.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs, they impair your abilities and your judgment.
Experienced Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian accidents do unfortunately occur in Nevada and nationwide. We hope the information in this post can help you stay safe. If you are a pedestrian and another party injures you, you need legal advice from an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer. The experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers can help protect your rights and get you the settlement that you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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