Walking along the Las Vegas Strip or crossing busy intersections like Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard can turn dangerous in seconds. Whether you were crossing at a casino entrance, walking near Fremont Street, or just trying to get to work, a pedestrian accident can change your life. A Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine how to move forward.
Do You Need a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
You might be wondering if you really need a lawyer after being hit by a car. The short answer is that it depends on your situation, but talking to one costs you nothing. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help you:
- Deal with insurance companies that want to pay as little as possible
- Figure out who was at fault (it’s not always obvious)
- Calculate the true cost of your injuries (including future medical needs)
- Gather evidence before it disappears
- Handle paperwork and deadlines while you focus on healing
Most lawyers for pedestrians hit by cars work on what’s called a “contingency fee” basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case. Then, the payment is a percentage of your settlement. If you don’t win, you don’t pay legal fees. That’s why getting a free case evaluation makes sense—you have nothing to lose by learning about your options.
When Does a Las Vegas Pedestrian Hit by a Car Have a Case?
To have a valid personal injury claim as a pedestrian, you need to prove someone else was negligent. Negligence means the driver (or another party) failed to act with reasonable care in the situation. The “reasonable person standard” asks: Would a reasonably careful person have acted differently in the same circumstances?
Nevada follows what’s called “comparative negligence” rules. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible. For example, if you crossed against a “don’t walk” signal but the driver was speeding and texting, you might be found 30% at fault. In that case, your compensation would be reduced by 30%.
To better understand when you might have a case, let’s look at some of the most common types of claims that Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers see.
Distracted Drivers
Drivers checking GPS directions to their hotel, texting, or looking at the dazzling lights of the Strip instead of the road are a major danger to pedestrians in Las Vegas. Just seconds of distraction can mean a driver misses seeing someone in a crosswalk. The problem is even worse at night, when many drivers are unfamiliar with the roads and paying more attention to the sights than to people crossing the street.
Impaired Drivers
With Las Vegas’s 24-hour party atmosphere, drunk or drugged driving is common. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them especially dangerous to pedestrians. Pedestrian accident lawyers in South Las Vegas, where the Strip is located, are unfortunately experienced in this area.
Aggressive or Reckless Drivers
In a city where traffic congestion is common, some drivers get impatient. This leads to speeding, running yellow or red lights, making abrupt left turns without checking for pedestrians, or failing to yield at crosswalks. Las Vegas Boulevard is notorious for drivers who are in a hurry and don’t give pedestrians the right of way when turning at intersections.
Low Visibility
Las Vegas may be known for its bright lights, but many pedestrian accidents happen in areas with poor lighting or during rainstorms. Pedestrian accident lawyers in North Las Vegas and other residential areas see many of these cases. Both locals and tourists staying in these areas and walking late at night may be difficult for drivers to see, even with streetlights.
Road Conditions
Las Vegas has many pedestrian overpasses specifically because street-level crossings can be so dangerous. In areas without these overpasses, faded crosswalk markings, ongoing construction, or lack of proper sidewalks force pedestrians into the roadway. This is common in rapidly growing areas of the city where infrastructure hasn’t caught up with development.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
When a car hits you, your body takes the full impact without the protection of a vehicle around you. This makes pedestrian accidents especially dangerous and often results in serious injuries. Pedestrian accident attorneys in Las Vegas are especially familiar with the following.
Broken Bones
Fractures are extremely common in pedestrian accidents. The impact often breaks legs, arms, hips, or ribs. In Las Vegas’s hot climate, dealing with a cast or limited mobility can be especially challenging. Recovery from broken bones can take months, leading to lost wages.
Internal Injuries
The force of being hit by a vehicle can cause serious damage to your internal organs or spine. Back injuries are particularly common and can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility. These injuries might not be immediately apparent after an accident but can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Cuts and Road Rash
Deep cuts from impact with a vehicle or from being thrown onto the pavement are common in pedestrian accidents. Road rash from sliding across pavement can be extremely painful and slow to heal. In severe cases, these can lead to significant blood loss or permanent scarring.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments happen frequently when pedestrians are struck. While less visible than other injuries, these can cause significant pain and limit your ability to work or enjoy daily activities, and the rehabilitation period can be lengthy and painful.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
When pedestrians are hit, they often strike their head on the vehicle or the ground. This can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). With Las Vegas’s medical facilities like UMC Trauma Center, excellent urgent care for head injuries is available, but the long-term effects can still be devastating.
Wrongful Death
Sadly, pedestrian accident lawyers in Nevada also deal with fatal incidents. When a loved one dies from injuries sustained as a pedestrian, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. No amount of money can replace your loved one, but compensation can help with funeral expenses and the financial impact of their loss.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
To bring a personal injury claim, you need to have suffered damages: actual harm with costs attached. The compensation you can receive falls into several categories.
Economic damages cover specific financial losses like:
- Medical bills (both current and future)
- Lost wages while you recover
- Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to your former job
- Property damage (like broken phones or eyeglasses)
Noneconomic damages are harder to put a dollar value on but just as real:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
In some cases, you might also receive punitive damages. These are meant to punish the person who hurt you for especially bad behavior. For example, if the driver was extremely drunk or fled the scene of the accident, a court might award punitive damages.
How Much Is Your Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
Your potential compensation after a pedestrian accident depends on several key factors:
- The severity of your injuries—more serious injuries that require surgery or long-term care typically result in higher settlements
- How much work you missed and your salary level
- Your age and overall health before the accident
- The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party, which may cap your recovery unless they have substantial personal assets
An experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can help you calculate how much compensation you may be owed.
Contact the Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Blackburn Wirth
Our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers in Las Vegas, NV knows the ins and outs of the local streets and challenges. We can help you:
- Prove your injuries even when vehicle damage is minimal
- Gather evidence from traffic cameras, witness statements, and police reports
- Deal with insurance companies that try to blame you for the accident
- Calculate fair compensation for all your damages, including future needs
- Meet all legal deadlines and filing requirements
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
We’re here to handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Fill out our form today or give us a call at 702-472-7000 for a free case evaluation. You have nothing to lose, and potentially much to gain.
FAQs for Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Las Vegas
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Las Vegas?
In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit, called the statute of limitations, is strict, and waiting too long could mean losing your right to compensation forever. There are some exceptions that might extend this deadline, such as if the victim was a minor or if injuries weren’t discovered right away. It’s always best to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
How much will a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
Most pedestrian accident lawyers in Las Vegas work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. The attorney only gets paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage of your settlement amount, and the initial consultation to discuss your case is almost always free. This fee structure allows anyone to get legal help regardless of their financial situation.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you still have options for getting compensation. First, check if your own auto insurance includes uninsured motorist coverage, which can apply even when you’re hit as a pedestrian. You might also be able to make a claim against other potentially responsible parties, such as the driver’s employer if they were working at the time. In some cases, a Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit directly against the driver.
Do I really need a lawyer if I’m only slightly injured?
Even with seemingly minor injuries, having a lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. What seems like a small injury now might develop into something more serious over time. Plus, insurance companies often try to settle quickly for small amounts before the full extent of injuries is known. Experienced lawyers for pedestrians hit by cars can help make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
