Many pedestrians and cyclists in Nevada know just how deadly the roads can be. According to reports from the Nevada Department of Public Safety, overall traffic deaths are declining. In the first six months of 2019, 125 people lost their lives in Nevada traffic accidents, a marked decline from 162 traffic fatalities in the first six months of 2018. Many have taken comfort in this announcement, especially since 2018 marked the height of ten years of climbing traffic deaths. However, there is one area where the scene is not so positive: pedestrian deaths continue to rise.
Pedestrians at Risk
There were 38 pedestrians killed in car accidents in Nevada in the first half of 2019, compared to 32 in the first six months of the prior year. Besides, the death tolls don’t tell the whole story: many pedestrians and cyclists sustain severe, life-changing injuries as a result of a traffic collision. Experts point to several factors endangering pedestrians, including some particularly dangerous Las Vegas intersections, poor crosswalk timing, and high-speed limits. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help injured pedestrians to fight for their rights and the compensation that they deserve.
Nevada Laws on Pedestrians
It’s also essential for drivers to understand Las Vegas bike laws as well as the laws that relate to hitting a pedestrian. If you hit or run over a pedestrian, you could face criminal charges as well as being held accountable through a personal injury lawsuit. Criminal responsibility depends on the circumstances of the accident, whether the driver was at fault and the presence of intoxicating substances.
Pedestrian and Driver Responsibilities
Nevada often ranks among the ten worst states in the country for pedestrian safety. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks, yield to blind people crossing the street, slow down before passing vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, and fully wait for crossing schoolchildren to exit the crosswalk. Pedestrians also have obligations to use the sidewalk, obey traffic signals, and refrain from crossing the street diagonally or darting into traffic.
Of course, drivers always have a responsibility to avoid accidents with pedestrians or cyclists. They are much more vulnerable to severe personal injuries in the event of a collision. Pedestrians and cyclists can suffer severe organ damage, traumatic brain injury, and other catastrophic injuries in a crash with a massive car or truck.
Pedestrians who have been injured in a crash in Nevada can take action. If you were injured, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Schnitzer Law Firm. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can fight effectively for you, and our team has won substantial verdicts and settlements for many injured pedestrians. Contact our office at 702-960-4050 or use our simple online form to request an initial consultation today.