When drivers do not obey the rules of the road, they put everyone around them in danger. Other drivers will be at risk, but the situation is especially hazardous for pedestrians. Pedestrians don’t have the shell of a car to protect them and can become seriously injured if an accident occurs.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have a right to seek compensation. The Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers will give you the assistance you need in collecting damages. Read on to find out how a Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can help.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a pedestrian accident. Here are some of the most common.
- Drivers speeding through an intersection: A driver may speed through an intersection to try and beat a red light and hit a pedestrian crossing.
- Distracted drivers: Drivers can get distracted by just about anything. Electronic devices, roadside signs, and even their own thoughts are fighting for their attention. If a driver is not paying attention to the road, they may end up hitting a pedestrian.
- Parking lot accidents: Parking lots are often the site of a pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas. The car may not see a pedestrian walking past when pulling out, or a pedestrian may not notice an oncoming car.
- Drivers failing to yield in a crosswalk: Drivers have a responsibility to yield at a crosswalk if a pedestrian is crossing. However, many fail to do so.
- Drivers make illegal or unsafe turns at intersections: In some instances, drivers may make illegal or unsafe turns and may not notice pedestrians in their path.
- Drivers who roll through stop signs and traffic lights: A driver may roll through a stop sign or traffic light and hit a pedestrian crossing.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians are often seriously injured when they are struck by a car. Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers deals with cases involving pedestrians who have suffered:
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue damage
Pedestrian Laws in Las Vegas
It’s important to be aware of pedestrian laws. Here are some that apply:
- Pedestrians must stay to the right in crosswalks whenever possible.
- Pedestrians may continue crossing the street if a Don’t Walk sign appears, but they cannot start to cross on a Don’t Walk Sign.
- Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally unless it’s marked for diagonal crossing.
- Pedestrians must cross at the crosswalk.
- Pedestrians must walk on a road or sidewalk if one is available.
- Pedestrians may not stand in the road to hitchhike or panhandle.
- Pedestrians may not be on the road if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Pedestrians may not dart into the intersection in front of oncoming traffic.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. They must treat the crosswalk as if it is a stop sign.
- Drivers must come to an almost complete stop when pedestrians are crossing at intersections.
- Drivers must exhibit caution even if a pedestrian is crossing illegally.
- Drivers that fail to yield to a pedestrian will be guilty of a misdemeanor.
- Blind pedestrians always have the right of way.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Jaywalking?
Victims may still file a claim for a pedestrian accident even if they were jaywalking in Las Vegas.
Nevada is a comparative negligence state. That means that they may have been partially at fault for the accident for jaywalking, but the driver may also be to blame if they were speeding, driving distracted, etc.
However, the amount you can collect will be reduced by how ‘at fault’ you were for the accident. So, if you were 10% at fault for the accident and the total damages were $50,000, you will only be able to collect $45,000- the total amount minus 10%.
If you were 50% or more at fault for the accident, you would not be able to collect any damages.
Pedestrian Accident Case FAQs
Do you have to wait for the pedestrian to completely cross the street in Nevada?
Before completing a right-hand turn, you must wait for the pedestrian to reach the median. If the road has less than four lanes, the pedestrian must be given the right of way when crossing, which means the car cannot go until the pedestrian has fully crossed the street.
What damages can you collect from a pedestrian accident?
The damages you can collect from a pedestrian accident will vary depending on your situation. You may receive compensation for lost wages, a loss of potential earnings, medical expenses, and emotional pain and suffering.
Contact Our Pedestrian Lawyers for Help With Your Claim
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek compensation. We can help collect the evidence that supports a strong claim, and we possess the negotiating prowess to get the insurance company to consider a fair settlement.
If you are looking for a local lawyer to handle your claim, choose Nevada Accident Injury Attorneys. From excellent service to winning results, our experience goes to work for you.
If you were injured as a pedestrian from someone else’s negligence, don’t suffer alone. Call NAIL today so you can start moving forward with your life.