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Whether you are a local who has crossed the same street thousands of times or a visitor seeing Las Vegas for the first time as a tourist, walking in the city always carries a risk. If you become one of the unfortunate pedestrians injured by a vehicle, you need to reach out to a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney to protect your rights.
Las Vegas isn’t a pedestrian-friendly city despite efforts by the authorities to make crosswalks and intersections safer. Originally built for cars, some areas of the city feature narrow sidewalks, poorly marked crosswalks, and too-high speed limits that don’t encourage careful driving.
Accidents between pedestrians and vehicles are often life-changing due to the severity of the individual’s injuries. In a matter of seconds, you go from being confident and self-sufficient to someone who is at least partially reliant on others for your care. Your daily goal is to manage the pain from your injuries and to find transportation to yet one more doctor’s visit. On top of your worries about healing, there is a mounting pile of medical bills that you aren’t sure how to pay.
When a pedestrian accident that someone else caused turns your life upside down, you shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden on your shoulders. That’s why meeting with a pedestrian accident lawyer right away is so important. We can explain your legal rights and determine liability in your case. Bay Law is dedicated to getting you the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and lost wages. We will work to get a fair settlement quickly, so you can focus on getting better.
Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas
Nevada consistently ranks among the 10 worst states for pedestrian fatalities. You might expect the majority of these accidents to happen among visitors, but nearly 90% of all pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas involve people who live and work in the area. Everyone in the city is a pedestrian at some point in their day whether it is when they go to and from their vehicle or the local transit or crossing the street to grab lunch. As soon as you make the decision to cross the street, you are at risk of getting hit.
Some of the reasons people get injured in pedestrian accidents include the following:
Drivers fail to yield right of way – Pedestrians typically have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. When drivers yield and the passengers cross in front of them, they aren’t always visible to a second driver coming up behind the stopped car. If the second driver passes the car that is stopped, they strike pedestrians as they come across the crosswalk.
Traffic violations – Careless drivers who don’t pay attention to traffic laws are especially hazardous to pedestrians. Careless drivers might run red lights or signs even when the signs mark the entrance into a crosswalk for children. Speeding drivers might go through an intersection or crosswalk without slowing down. Speeding can also cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle, making it more difficult or impossible to prevent striking someone who is walking nearby.
Distracted drivers – Distracted driving is a leading cause of every type of car accident on the roads. At a time when more people are walking for better health, the incidence of distracted driving is on the rise too. Texting or using a cell phone, talking with passengers, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio are just some of the reasons drivers take their eyes off the road. While a distraction might result in a minor accident if it involves another vehicle, hitting a pedestrian with the same force will have a more disastrous outcome. In some cases, distracted driving can be more dangerous than intoxicated driving.
Distracted pedestrians – Drivers aren’t the only ones who may cause accidents when they get distracted. Pedestrians might have their attention on their phones or may be using earphones, making it difficult for a pedestrian to hear their surroundings.
Pedestrians not using crosswalks or obeying signals – Crossing in the middle of the street (jaywalking) or ignoring walk and don’t walk signals at an intersection or crosswalk is a hazard for pedestrians too. Ignoring these safety signals can lead pedestrians into the path of oncoming traffic that has the right-of-way.
No crossing guard for children – Children assume that the traffic is going to stop for them when using a crosswalk. Without a crossing guard to direct them when to cross, children and students are vulnerable to being struck by cars that don’t heed the signs and markings.
Pedestrian accidents are often catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries that decrease your quality of life. You might be unable to return to work or do the activities that you previously enjoyed, or in some cases lead to fatality of the pedestrian.
Bay Law understands the impact serious injuries can have on every aspect of your life. Schedule a free consultation for an evaluation of your injuries and the liability for your accident. If someone else was completely or partially liable, we can help you get the compensation you need to alleviate your worries about money.
Injuries That Can Result From a Pedestrian Accident
Every year, dozens of pedestrians are injured or killed in Las Vegas, and the number is increasing. Pedestrians lack any form of protection between a large, heavy vehicle and their bodies. As a result, those who survive the initial impact are often left with life-threatening injuries or require life-long treatment, including:
Fractures and Broken Bones – Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to fractures in the hips and legs at the level where most vehicles strike them. Broken bones also occur in the arms and hands. Broken bones from pedestrian accidents might include anything from single to comminuted fractures. Comminuted fractures are when the bone breaks into multiple pieces, either from being crushed or splintered. One of the most common causes of comminuted fractures is auto accidents, including those that involve pedestrians.
Comminuted fractures usually require surgery, take longer to heal than other fractures, and are more likely to involve complications. Extensive surgery is nearly always required to remove all the bone fragments. Treatment could also include physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing orthopedic care.
Any fracture you suffer due to a pedestrian accident could make you unable to return to work and earn an income. Even a simple broken bone can take months to heal, preventing you from taking care of yourself or doing the things you once enjoyed. Depending on the type and severity of broken bones you have, you might experience painful symptoms and have ongoing medical treatment for a long time. Your medical bills could continue adding up for a long time.
Soft Tissue Damage – Soft tissue includes everything in and on your body that isn’t bone. The term encompasses the blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and organs throughout your body. Some of the most common types of soft tissue injuries experienced in pedestrian accidents include:
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Tears
- Dislocations
- Strains
- Sprains
Soft tissue injuries typically heal faster than other injuries, but can cause extreme pain and scarring. A severe soft tissue injury can continue to cause problems long-term. Worse still, often times soft tissue injuries are difficult to spot on imaging such as X-Rays or CT scans. A fair settlement for a soft tissue injury should include the cost of treatment that you will have to pay in the future. Let the Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorneys at Bay Law help you get the compensation you need.
Burns – Pedestrians can get burned if they come into contact with the engine of the car or from leaked chemicals or liquids. Burn injuries are classified on their severity, including first-, second-, or third-degree. First-degree burns are the least dangerous since they only affect the top layer of the skin. Second-degree burns extend to the second layer of skin, causing blistering and more severe pain. Third-degree burns are the most severe causing, reaching the deepest layer of skin and causing permanent damage to tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
Burn injuries aren’t always fully apparent at the scene. Deep redness and blistering might appear over a period of several hours. It’s always a good idea to have any burn checked out by a medical professional immediately after the accident. Treating burn injuries early might help prevent the damage from spreading or developing complications.
Hip Dislocation – Hip dislocations are common after high-velocity trauma, such as those where a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. It is a serious injury that occurs when the head of the thighbone is forced out of the socket in the hip bone. If your hip is dislocated, you won’t be able to walk or move your leg.
Hip dislocation is a medical emergency that is painful and disabling. Initially, the healthcare provider will move the joint back into place manually using a process called “hip reduction.” If the reduction doesn’t fix the problem or there are secondary injuries such as damaged blood vessels or nerves, you might require surgery. Without complications, a hip dislocation can take months to heal. With secondary injuries or other fractures, recovery might take much longer. Physical therapy is often recommended after surgery, and patients begin using walking aids to gradually regain their mobility.
Lacerations and Cuts – When a vehicle strikes a person, all the metal parts have the potential to tear, puncture, or cut through the skin. Because of the severity of the impact, wounds from a pedestrian accident can be severe. They might go deep enough to require stitches or reach the internal organs, muscles, and nerves. If they are deep enough to damage the soft tissue below, they lead to amputations and other permanent injuries. Accident victims with lacerations and cuts can also undergo scarring and disfigurement that requires cosmetic procedures, rehabilitation, and other medical treatment.
Back and Neck Injuries – Injuries to the back and neck aren’t as common in pedestrian accidents as other types of injuries. When they do happen, they are among the most dangerous. Whiplash often occurs when pedestrians are struck by vehicles. Although the impact is lower to the body, it is the force of the impact that causes the head to jerk back and forth, damaging bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper spine.
Although often treated as a minor injury, whiplash can cause lasting pain and require ongoing treatment. Like any injury that involves the spinal column, whiplash sometimes results in permanent damage, potentially causing paralysis.
Degloving – There are two types of degloving injuries. In the first, the skin is torn off, restricting the blood supply to the underlying tissue. These injuries usually require skin grafting to replace the missing skin.
The second type of degloving injury is where the blood vessels beneath the skin break. The skin isn’t broken, but it is no longer attached to the underlying tissue. Some tissue might die or become loose.
Degloving is most often from a pedestrian getting dragged on pavement, causing trauma to their body. Both types of degloving injuries are serious and extremely painful, and they require immediate, specialized medical care.
If you have a degloving injury because of someone else’s negligence, contact Bay Law to speak with a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney right away. We will refer you to medical specialists who are qualified to treat your injury. Degloving injuries are extremely expensive to treat. We will make sure the person who caused your injury pays for your treatment and any other damages you received.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Pedestrians are at a uniquely high risk of getting catastrophic injuries in automobile accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most common and dangerous types of injuries pedestrians experience. The impact of the vehicle might knock them into the vehicle’s hood, the ground, or another object at the scene.
TBIs can cause secondary brain injury that isn’t apparent right away. Bruising or bleeding in the brain might not cause symptoms for hours after the accident. Without immediate treatment, they can result in brain damage or death.
Lost Limbs – Pedestrians are at risk of losing a limb when the vehicle hits them and crushes part of their body. Other soft tissue injuries, such as severe lacerations, might lead to additional damage, making it necessary to amputate depending on the severity of the damage to both the bone and soft tissue and whether the limb can be repaired and treated. Sometimes medical professionals must make life-saving decisions that result in their patient living with a life-long disability.
Losing a limb is physically and emotionally devastating. If someone else is at fault for your lost limb, reach out to a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney at Bay Law. You have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact us today to learn more.
Spinal Cord Damage – Your spine wraps around the spinal cord to protect it. When an impact is so severe that it damages the vertebrae that run the length of the spinal column, the spinal cord is also susceptible to damage. If your spinal cord gets injured, you will typically feel pain in the area below where the injury is located.
The spinal cord is made of tissues, nerves, and cells. When a fractured vertebra pinches or compresses the spinal cord, you might experience tingling and numbness in the back. This type of spinal cord injury might cause difficulty walking and problems controlling the bladder or bowels.
Spinal injuries in pedestrians struck by automobiles are more evenly distributed throughout the spinal column than in other types of accidents. They tend to coexist with injuries to remote organs requiring a systemic approach to diagnosis and treatment. That means even higher medical costs for you.
If you were a victim of one of the many Las Vegas pedestrian accidents that occur yearly, don’t ignore any symptoms or signs of serious injury. Talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer about getting the amount of compensation you need to pay for your medical treatment.
Paralysis – There are two types of paralysis:
Paraplegia: Restricts or eliminates movement from the waist down.
Quadriplegia: Little or no movement from the neck down.
Spinal injuries to the cervical (neck) region are the most dangerous, leading to complete paralysis or quadriplegia. Injuries to the upper or middle spine cause paralysis from the waist down or paraplegia. Injuries also differ in complete (permanent damage) to incomplete (partial damage), which might retain some movement and sensation.
Wrongful Death – Many of the injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents are severe and require extensive treatment. They can have a devastating impact on your life, especially when they reduce your quality of life. When these injuries are severe enough to cause death, then a family member might have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you lost a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Southern Nevada, contact a wrongful death attorney at Bay Law Accident Attorneys to learn more.
Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident FAQs
What do I do If I am struck in a hit-and-run accident?
The injuries from a pedestrian accident can be life-altering. You deserve compensation for the pain and anguish that you’ve gone through. If the driver that hurt you doesn’t stop, there’s a possibility the police will never find them. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get compensation for your injuries if you know what to do.
- Depending on the severity of your injuries, go to a medical doctor or hospital for treatment. Getting medical treatment is imperative for your health and for your Las Vegas pedestrian accident claim.
- Contact the police to obtain the accident report and to discuss any details about the hit and run that might help.
- If possible, document the scene after the accident. Take photos, talk to witnesses, and find out if there was anyone who saw the vehicle.
- Record the make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you. If you remember any of the license plate information, record that too. These details can help the police find the person who hurt you.
- Tell the police what direction the car went in after it hit you.
- Talk with a pedestrian accident attorney about your options for paying medical bills and lost wages while you can’t work.
What should I do after a pedestrian accident?
- Seek medical treatment. Follow your doctor’s advice, take your medications, and go to every scheduled appointment and referral.
- Keep a journal. Write down how you feel and how your injuries impact your life.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Obtain a police report, get contact information from witnesses, and hold on to all your medical bills and communication from the insurance companies.
- Avoid social media as a venue for talking about your accident.
- Contact a pedestrian accident law firm for an evaluation of your case. Bay Law will look at the evidence and listen to your concerns and questions during your free consultation.
Should I give a statement to the driver’s insurance company?
It is never wise to talk with the driver’s insurance company until after speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer. When insurance companies pay out any amount to a claimant, they consider it a loss. That’s why they will use anything you say against you.
If the insurance adjuster calls you after the accident, they probably seem kind and concerned. Don’t let them convince you that they are on your side! As soon as you realize who is on the other end of the line, tell them that your attorney will contact them soon and hang up.
If there is no doubt that the driver of the vehicle was at fault, the insurance company might make you an offer. Although you’re worried about paying medical bills and missing work, don’t be tempted. What might sound like a generous offer could be worth a fraction of what you deserve. Furthermore, if you agree to an early settlement, you take the power away from your attorney to negotiate for a fair amount.
Are drivers always liable for hitting a pedestrian?
No, the driver must have caused the accident that resulted in the pedestrian’s injuries due to their negligence to be liable. The share of liability depends on who had the right-of-way, whether either party was distracted, and the local traffic regulations.
Imagine if a pedestrian stepped out from between two cars to cross in the middle of the street. If the driver was going the speed limit and watching the road, they might not see the pedestrian until they stepped in front of them. The driver wouldn’t be at-fault for the accident.
Nevada has a comparative negligence law that applies percentages of fault to both parties. If you are more than 50% at fault, you can’t collect any compensation. As long as the driver has the majority of liability, you can still collect.
For example, in the scenario described above, if the driver had been intoxicated and the pedestrian was jaywalking, the court might determine the pedestrian was 10% at-fault. If the court awards them $200,000 for their injuries, they will receive 90% or $180,000.
When should I hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
Call to schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney right after your accident. There are many ways that an attorney from Bay Law can help. We will evaluate the evidence in your case and determine who was liable. If you need help finding the right specialists to treat your injuries, our caring legal team will point you in the right direction.
It’s difficult to know what to do or how to plan for your future when you are still dealing with the pain and frustration that comes from serious injuries. Our legal team understands how you feel. We will advise you on the best legal path forward and help make getting compensation from the at-fault party less stressful.
What happens if you get hit in a crosswalk?
If you are hit while crossing a street in one of Las Vegas’ many crosswalks, the law requires the driver to call law enforcement. The police will respond and investigate the accident just as they would those involving multiple vehicles. Law enforcement will evaluate the scene and determine who had the right of way and whether you were legally in the crosswalk.
The driver will probably owe you compensation if you were lawfully in the crosswalk. The amount you receive will depend on your injuries and other losses. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine how much to ask for in a pedestrian accident claim or a lawsuit if your case proceeds to court. Then, they will begin building your case to prove that you deserve the amount named in your claim.
What are Nevada pedestrian accident laws?
NRS 11.190 and Nevada negligence liability contain Nevada’s pedestrian accident laws. Nevada laws state that a driver is responsible for injuries to a pedestrian if the accident occurred due to their negligent actions. If the driver is at fault, they owe the victim damages for their losses. The state doesn’t have a minimum amount of damages or injuries that apply. That means your pedestrian accident attorney can fight for the amount of compensation you need to pay for all your losses.
Is there a pedestrian accident attorney near me?
If you are a pedestrian who is hit in Las Vegas while crossing the street, you need to find a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney to represent you. Even if you are visiting from out of town, it is important to find an attorney near the location where the accident occurred. The attorneys at Bay Law are located in our Henderson office and are ready to assist our clients.
A Las Vegas attorney is familiar with state and local laws regarding pedestrian accidents. They have the knowledge and skills to win your case and get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Also, Nevada is an anti-competitive state. Lawyers from other states must have special permission to work on your Las Vegas case. However, permission is only granted in rare circumstances.
Why Choose Bay Law for Help With Your Pedestrian Accident?
We have a great deal of experience winning all types of personal injury cases. This includes cases where a pedestrian is injured in an accident involving a vehicle. Pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas almost always involve life-impacting injuries. It isn’t just the victim who suffers, but their families who must adjust to the financial and emotional impact. Bay Law cares about getting you results and winning a fast resolution. We believe in delivering the kind of attention you need to get the best outcome for your situation. Most importantly, if you are entitled to compensation, we want to make sure that the client has to the opportunity to “make them pay with Bay”
Access to an Elite Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Too often, a law firm puts its best face forward during the initial consultation. Their best attorneys meet with you to discuss what they can do to help. Once you retain them, your case gets handed off to a paralegal or caseworker. When you have questions or concerns, no one is available to talk with you.
Bay Law keeps your case in the hands of one of our elite pedestrian accident attorneys. Getting results for you and your family is always a top priority. We don’t take chances on any piece of evidence or news getting lost in the shuffle. Our lawyers will investigate your case, follow up, and keep you informed every step along the way.
Exclusive Focus on Your Case
Our legal team doesn’t take every client that walks through our doors. Bay Law accident attorneys exclusively focus on personal injury cases that meet the requirements of Nevada’s civil law. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence and you are feeling overwhelmed by the impact of your injuries, we can help.
We understand the impact that a personal injury can have on your ability to earn wages, enjoy your favorite activities, or sometimes sustain important relationships.
When you choose Bay Law to represent you, we will begin collecting evidence and building your case right away. We will determine liability and a fair settlement that will pay all of your losses and damages. We keep our focus on you and what you need to get better and live as normal a life as possible.
Contingency Fees Only
One of the most common reasons that people give for handling their claims without an attorney is that they don’t have the money to pay for legal counsel. The cost of medical bills, loss of wages, and trying to manage all their other debts leave accident victims in a tight spot financially.
By working on contingency, we give you the advantage of having a pedestrian accident attorney on your side without paying anything upfront. Contingency fees mean that you only pay us if we win compensation for you.
There isn’t any gamble when you hire us to handle your case. If we agree to represent you, it’s because we believe you have a winnable case. We know how much your claim is worth, and we will fight to get the maximum amount. If your claim moves to court and we lose, you don’t owe us anything. We only collect if you do.
Personalized Customer Experience
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Bay Law have seen a lot of injuries and studied various accident cases. Despite our extensive experience, we know there are always differences from one case to the next. That means the approach that worked for one client won’t produce the same results for another.
Our clients appreciate the personalized attention we give them throughout their cases. If you turn your case over to us, we will work closely with you and give you the personal attention that other law firms lack. We will listen to your concerns and provide answers to all your questions. That’s how we earned our record of successful wins for a long list of clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Southern Nevada.
How Much Is My Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Even injuries from a pedestrian accident that initially seem minor can develop into major injuries. Considering the high cost of medical care, any injuries can lead to high hospital bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Your Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney will calculate the value of your case based on several factors.
Look Into Medical History
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might have medical bills for emergency room visits, emergency transportation, surgeries, diagnostics, appointments with visits, rehabilitative therapy, purchasing or buying medical equipment, and more.
Determine What Wages Were Lost
If the driver in your pedestrian accident caused your injury that prevented you from working, they owe you compensation to make up for lost wages. If you are a primary earner who supports yourself, a spouse, and your minor children, you can collect the compensation you need to support your loved ones.
Add Up the Damage to Your Earning Potential
Your future earning potential refers to how likely it is for you to earn an income. Your injuries might prevent you from working at the same job that you did before the accident or from working the same number of hours. Your options might include taking a lower-paying job or not having the ability to work at all.
If your injuries cost you your career, you should receive compensation to cover the income you can’t earn. You deserve to receive payment for all your losses caused by the accident.
Added Pain and Suffering Caused
Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that don’t require a physical injury, but they are often higher when:
- You receive a permanent disfigurement or loss of function
- Your medical bills are excessive
- Your physical injuries can be verified through medical tests
- You have a difficult or extended recovery period
In Nevada, there is no cap on pain and suffering other than with medical malpractice cases.
Emotional Distress
If you experience mental anguish related to your injuries, you can seek compensation. Your mental suffering might include grief, indignation, shame, public humiliation, and severe disappointment. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, rage, or sleep deprivation are just some of the symptoms of emotional distress you might experience. If you suffer from these or other symptoms after a Las Vegas pedestrian accident, contact the Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorneys at Bay Law. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Firm Can Help You
Getting treatment for injuries from a pedestrian accident is a difficult time. You’ve probably taken care of other people for most of your adult life. Now, you need to do what it takes to take care of yourself. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers will listen to your concerns and help you get what you need to heal. That includes the right medical specialists, evidence to build a strong case, and the money to pay your bills that is rightfully yours. You aren’t in this fight alone. Our team of hard hitters will fight aggressively to get the maximum compensation that you need to heal and care for yourself.
Contact Our Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today
Your Las Vegas pedestrian accident is unique and complicated. The last thing you need is a cookie cutter solution to get you back on track. Bay Law understands that your needs are unique and a little different from every other accident victim. We will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. You can rest assured that you will get the personal treatment needed for your situation.
Contact us today and schedule a free consultation. Have your pedestrian accident evaluated by a team of personal injury attorneys that want you to get the best outcome from your case.
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