Las Vegas is a major tourist destination, with millions of people from around the world visiting each month. Since walking is a primary way of getting around Vegas, it makes sense that there are more pedestrians on the streets than in other cities the same size. It also makes sense that the sheer numbers of pedestrians means a higher number of pedestrian accidents.

Despite safety improvements, pedestrian accidents are common in Las Vegas

Nevada consistently ranks among the 10 worst states for pedestrian fatalities. Almost 90% of pedestrians and drivers involved in fatal crashes are local residents, not visitors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012:

• 69% of pedestrians killed in 2012 were males;
• 73% pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas;
• 32% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.;
• 34% of pedestrians killed had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL or higher.

In Las Vegas, 11 people died in pedestrian accidents in 2013. Go here to see the pedestrian crash statistics and the locations of the pedestrian collisions in Las Vegas.

Pedestrian Laws in Nevada and Las Vegas

Both motorists and pedestrians can engage in behaviors that cause collisions. According to state pedestrian law as described by the State of Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles- Drivers must:

• exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian at all times.
• yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• stop or slow down before passing another vehicle stopped in a travel lane until the driver has determined whether that vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian.
• in the presence of a school crossing guard, wait for all persons including the guard to completely clear the road before proceeding. 

Pedestrians must:

• use the sidewalk and the nearest crosswalk, pedestrian bridge or tunnel when possible.
• obey official traffic control devices.
• walk on the left side of the street facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
• not cross an intersection diagonally unless the intersection is specifically designed for this.

Get information here on pedestrian accidents and Las Vegas law enforcement

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department offers information on traffic and accidents, and also provides information on filing a police report. The department is a good resource for local residents and visitors alike to get information and assistance after a pedestrian accident or injury.

Common causes of Las Vegas pedestrian accidents include:

• a failure by drivers to check for pedestrians in crosswalks;
• drivers failing to stop at stop signs or lights;
• texting and other driver distractions;
• drivers choosing to make turns without paying attention to their surroundings;
• speeding;
• driving under the influence.

When someone is injured in a Las Vegas pedestrian accident, what needs to happen next?

When a pedestrian is injured, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

• Centennial Hills Hospital;
• Desert Springs Hospital;
• Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center;
• Valley Hospital Medical Center;
• Summerlin Hospital Medical Center;
• University Medical Center.

As soon as possible, an injured person from out of town should contact their insurance company to find out how out-of-network treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since insurance policies often have unique provisions to deal with pedestrian-accident injuries, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

When a pedestrian accident results in a serious injury or a fatality, it is important to find a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney

When an injury is serious or a death occurs, the next step is to find an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer to start the financial recovery process by launching an insurance claim. Major injury or wrongful death claims are complicated and can be hard to manage without legal help. Having a personal injury lawyer on board is a great relief to injured pedestrians, and to the family left behind when an accident is fatal. Since most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency basis, meaning that there are no up-front costs and all fees are paid when the claim is settled, there is no downside to speaking with an injury attorney right away, to get help for an injured pedestrian.