Article source: Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP
Pedestrian accidents may occur in seconds, resulting in severe injury and unforeseen hospital bills. Crossing a street may become hazardous if drivers are distracted by other things, such as cell phones, or if roadway conditions are not pedestrian-friendly.
Las Vegas is a city with non-stop action. Tourists crowd sidewalks, traffic is active 24/7, and bright lights may distract both drivers and pedestrians alike, creating an atmosphere where accidents happen more frequently than expected.
If you have been involved in such an accident, contacting pedestrian accident attorneys in Las Vegas will provide you with information about your rights and what actions to take.
Factors That Put Pedestrians at Risk
There are many factors that put pedestrians at risk of injury throughout the United States.
- Distracted driving: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. A driver texting may not even see another person entering a crosswalk.
- Speeding: Statistics provided by the IIHS indicate that increased speed decreases a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of the injury sustained during an accident.
- Poor visibility: Most pedestrian accidents occur at night or in poorly lit areas. When drivers fail to turn on their headlights or when pedestrians are wearing dark colors, there is reduced visibility, which increases the potential for an accident.
- Poor road design: Wide roads with high speeds and few crosswalks make walking hazardous. Areas that are heavily populated with tourists, such as the area surrounding the Las Vegas strip, are dangerous, as most tourists do not follow the local traffic laws.
- Driving under the influence: There are many cases of serious pedestrian accidents involving alcohol consumption. Impaired drivers will often make poor choices or simply fail to see a pedestrian before it is too late.
- Heavy foot traffic: Heavy foot traffic in highly populated tourist areas greatly increases the chances of pedestrian movement around vehicles being erratic or spontaneous.
Legal Remedies Available to Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrians are afforded significant legal protections. In cases where a driver has acted negligently to result in injury to a pedestrian, the injured party may be able to file:
1. Personal Injury Claims- Personal injury claims may include medical costs, lost wages, and any physical pain and suffering the victim has endured.
2. Liability Insurance Claim- Liability insurance claims may be filed against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
3. Wrongful Death Claims- Family members may file wrongful death claims for the loss of a loved one.
5 . Claims Against Property Owners/Agencies- Claims may also be made against property owners and public entities when the accident was caused by negligent road maintenance, inadequate lighting, or substandard road construction.
Key Takeaways
- Pedestrian risks increase with speeding, distraction, low visibility, impaired driving, and unsafe road design.
- Las Vegas sees greater danger due to heavy traffic and constant visitor activity.
- Injured pedestrians can pursue several types of legal claims.
- Legal guidance helps protect your rights and supports a fair recovery.
