Crosswalk Accidents in Las Vegas: Your Legal Rights as a Pedestrian

Las Vegas is one of the busiest pedestrian cities in the country, with millions of residents and visitors crossing streets every day, especially along the Strip, in downtown areas, and near residential neighborhoods. But while walking may be convenient and healthy, it also comes with serious risks. Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Nevada, and crosswalks are often the site of devastating collisions.

If you have been hit while walking in a crosswalk in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to compensation. Nevada law provides strong protections for pedestrians, but enforcing those rights can be difficult without the right legal strategy. Knowing what to do after an accident and understanding how liability is determined can help protect your health, finances, and future.

Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise in Nevada

Data from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Nevada Office of Traffic Safety shows that pedestrian fatalities have increased in recent years, particularly in Clark County. In 2023 alone, more than 100 pedestrians were killed on Nevada roads. Las Vegas accounted for a significant portion of those deaths.

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Common Causes of Crosswalk Accidents in Las Vegas

Several factors contribute to the high number of pedestrian injuries and deaths in crosswalks throughout the Las Vegas area:

• Distracted driving: Cell phones, in-car screens, and other distractions make it easier for drivers to miss pedestrians entirely.
• Failure to yield: Many drivers disregard crosswalk signals or fail to stop for pedestrians when turning.
• Speeding: Excessive speed shortens a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
• Impaired driving: Las Vegas’s nightlife increases the likelihood of drunk or drug-impaired drivers on the road, particularly near tourist zones.
• Poor lighting or visibility: Nighttime driving or dimly lit intersections can make pedestrians harder to see.
• Unmarked crosswalks: Not all crosswalks in Las Vegas are well-marked, and some lack clear signage or signals.

Even if a pedestrian is following all traffic laws, a negligent or reckless driver can cause catastrophic injuries.

Where Crosswalk Accidents Commonly Happen

Crosswalk-related injuries occur throughout Las Vegas, but certain areas are more prone to pedestrian crashes:

• Las Vegas Strip: With dense foot traffic and frequent intersections, the Strip is a high-risk zone, especially after dark.
• Downtown Las Vegas: Crowded streets, events, and public transit stops contribute to a higher risk of pedestrian collisions.
• School zones: Children walking to and from school are vulnerable to distracted or speeding drivers.
• Residential neighborhoods: Drivers often fail to reduce speed in areas with frequent pedestrian crossings.
• Near casinos, shopping centers, and restaurants: Pedestrians crossing large parking lots or multi-lane roads face added risks.

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Nevada Law Protects Pedestrians in Crosswalks

Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.287, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the same half of the roadway or approaching closely from the opposite side.

In addition, vehicles are prohibited from passing another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross. This law is intended to prevent drivers in adjacent lanes from hitting someone they may not see.

Pedestrians are also required to obey traffic signals and avoid suddenly leaving a curb into the path of an oncoming vehicle that does not have time to stop. However, these rules do not absolve drivers of their duty to remain alert and avoid striking people on foot.

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Injuries Common in Crosswalk Accidents

Pedestrians struck by vehicles are highly exposed and often suffer serious or fatal injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Caused by a direct blow to the head or a hard landing on pavement.
• Spinal cord injuries: May result in partial or total paralysis.
• Fractures: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common in high-impact crashes.
• Internal bleeding: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately visible.
• Lacerations and abrasions: Often lead to scarring or infection.
• Emotional trauma: Pedestrians may suffer from anxiety, PTSD, or depression following an accident.

These injuries often require hospitalization, surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and months or years of recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a pedestrian accident, the driver who struck the person is often held legally responsible. However, there may be other parties whose actions contributed to the crash. These may include:

• Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time (e.g., delivery drivers, contractors), the employer may be liable.
• Ride-share companies: If a rideshare driver caused the crash, different insurance policies may apply.
• Local government entities: If unsafe road design, malfunctioning signals, or poor lighting contributed to the crash, the city or county may share responsibility.
• Property owners: In some cases, nearby businesses or property owners may be liable for obstructed views or dangerous sidewalk conditions.
• Identifying all potentially responsible parties is critical to maximizing the amount of compensation available to the victim.

What If the Driver Fled the Scene?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians are not uncommon in Las Vegas. Victims of these incidents may still be able to recover compensation through:

• Uninsured motorist coverage: This optional insurance may apply if the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
• Crime victim compensation funds: Nevada offers limited financial assistance for victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run injuries.
• Third-party liability: In some cases, surveillance footage, witness testimony, or license plate tracking may identify the driver later.

Hit-and-run crashes should be reported immediately to law enforcement. An attorney can help pursue all available legal options.

What Damages Can a Pedestrian Recover?

If you were hit while using a crosswalk in Las Vegas, you may be eligible for compensation to cover:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization and surgery
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications and assistive devices
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Ongoing medical needs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental health treatment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, how it affects the victim’s life, and the circumstances of the crash.

What to Do After a Crosswalk Accident

If you are hit by a car while walking in a Las Vegas crosswalk, take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Call 911 and request immediate medical help
2. Wait for police to file an accident report
3. Get contact and insurance information from the driver
4. Take photos of the scene, including crosswalk markings and vehicle damage
5. Collect witness information
6. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
7. Avoid discussing fault or making statements to the driver’s insurance
8. Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian claims

These actions will help preserve evidence and strengthen your ability to file a successful claim.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Pedestrian accidents often involve high medical bills, long recovery periods, and emotional trauma. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or offer a low settlement.

An experienced Nevada injury lawyer can:

• Investigate how the accident occurred
• Gather witness statements and surveillance footage
• Work with medical experts to understand long-term effects
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Pursue full compensation through negotiation or trial

Having an attorney on your side increases the likelihood of a fair outcome.

How Van Law Firm Can Help

Van Law Firm has helped many pedestrian accident victims recover compensation after crosswalk collisions. Our legal team understands the laws that protect pedestrians in Nevada and the tactics insurance companies use to deny responsibility.

We offer:

• Free consultations to evaluate your claim
• No fees unless we win your case
• Access to trusted medical providers and specialists
• Skilled negotiation and courtroom representation

Whether your injury occurred on the Las Vegas Strip, in a residential neighborhood, or at a school crosswalk, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for justice.

Contact Van Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one was struck while using a crosswalk in Las Vegas, do not wait to seek legal advice. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical care, and long-term recovery needs.