Las Vegas Accident Statistics

84% of Wildfires Caused by People

Statewide (October 4, 2021) – The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) reminds citizens that 84% of wildfires are caused by people. In Nevada, several wildfires have been caused by people shooting on public lands. These fires have caused millions in property damage and hundreds of burn injuries.

The NDF reminds you to check local regulations before practicing shooting on public land. Additionally, the agency recommends that you avoid shooting into rocks or metal objects and place targets in areas that are free of vegetation. Be sure to always have water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher ready in case a fire starts. If you’ve been injured in a fire caused by reckless shooters then contact Lerner and Rowe immediately. Source: NDF

Lane Departure Crashes Are 37.9% of Nevada Automotive Fatalities

Statewide (September 8, 2021) – According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPS), lane departure crashes accounted for 37.9% of Nevada car accident fatalities between 2014 and 2018. Lane departure crashes occur when a driver drifts out of their lane and hits an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in the next lane. Many lane departure accidents happen due to distracted driving.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. Should your eyes or mind start to feel fatigued, the safest thing to do is pull over for a quick rest. Driving while tired puts you, your passengers, and other motorists at risk. Should you get hurt in a lane departure-related accident, contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NDOT

NDOT Reminds Drivers to Be School Zone Safe

Statewide (August 6, 2021) – Summer break is ending soon for thousands of students across Nevada. With that in mind, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds motorists to exercise caution around school zones. Back to school safety includes never speeding, passing, or executing U-turns while in a school zone.

As drivers get used to being around students and students get reacclimated to going to school, the chances of a car accident or pedestrian accident are higher. Lerner and Rowe urges you to drive safely to enhance child pedestrian safety and to educate the teen drivers in your household so that they can reach school safely. Source: NDOT

NDOT Launches “Save Yourself” Campaign

Statewide (July 2, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has launched a campaign called “Save Yourself” that encourages citizens to take personal responsibility for drunk driving. Nevada has changed its approach to drunk driving by eliminating DUI checkpoints and enhancing its DUI Strikeforce operation. The DUI Strikeforce, which made its 3,000th arrest earlier this year, has proven to be more effective than DUI checkpoints.

Lerner and Rowe applauds NDOT’s efforts to reduce drunk driving car accidents. Programs like the “Save Yourself” campaign and DUI Strikeforce help make Las Vegas roads safer for everyone. However, accidents still happen–especially over holiday weekends like Fourth of July–so if you’ve been hit by a drunk driver then contact us immediately. Source: NDOT

Wildfire on State Route 160

Las Vegas (June 16, 2021) – A wildfire on State Route 160 has been 40% contained, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The fire started on June 10 in Cottonwood Valley and grew to 400 acres. The BLM suspects that the fire was caused by humans and not a natural occurrence.

Wildfire season in southern Nevada starts in June and typically lasts through the summer, when temperatures are high and humidity is low. Lerner and Rowe urges you to be careful when engaging in outdoor activities during wildfire season. Sudden fires could result in burn injuries, lung damage, and other personal injuries. If you’ve been injured because of a wildfire that was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact us at once to learn more about your legal options. Source: BLM

Impairment and Speeding the Leading Causes of Fatalities

Statewide (May 13, 2021) – Fatal car accidents are up sharply in 2021, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). In addition to there being more drivers on the road as pandemic restrictions ease, the agency claims that the leading causes of fatal car crashes in Nevada are impairment and speeding. Instances of excessive speeding have gone up nationally since the pandemic started last year.

Lerner and Rowe’s car accident lawyers remind you to obey all traffic laws and to never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so puts you and your fellow motorists in danger and, in the case of impaired driving, can have serious legal ramifications. Please follow posted speed limits and drive with a clear mind. Source: NDOT

NDOT Urges Caution Near Work Zones

Statewide (April 26, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) urges caution while driving or walking by work zones. To spread awareness during Work Zone Awareness Week, the agency reminds residents and tourists that it places work zone signage, reduced speed limits, temporary rumble strips and safety barriers, electronic radar speed signs, overhead lighting, and more around work zones.

However, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents do happen around work zones. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) reported a three-year average of 762 work zone crashes and 842 fatalities. Lerner and Rowe echoes NDOT’s advice and asks you to be mindful while driving through Las Vegas work zones. Source: NDOT

NDOT Reminds Drivers to Move Over

Statewide (March 29, 2021) – On March 30, 2015, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) maintenance worker Ron Raiche, Jr. was struck and killed in a truck accident. The truck driver failed to give Raiche enough room to perform his duties, which resulted in tragedy. To honor the anniversary of Raiche’s death, NDOT reminds all drivers to “move over” for maintenance workers, emergency responders, law enforcement, city and county vehicles with flashing amber lights, and two vehicles. Doing so can help prevent wrongful death.

Lerner and Rowe urges you and the drivers in your family to “move over,” as NDOT suggests. Raiche is the most recent of 24 NDOT employees to die on the job since 1948. His death could have been avoided if he was given enough room to work safely. Please do your part to keep maintenance workers, first responders, and law enforcement safe. Source: NDOT

Bail Set at $750K for Impaired Trucker

Searchlight (February 16, 2021) – Jordan Barson’s bail was set at $750,000 for driving under the influence of drugs, causing death, and reckless driving charges. He stands accused of causing a bicycle accident that resulted in the death of five bicyclists. The prosecutor claims that Barson had “more than nine times the amount of methamphetamine in his system needed to prove impairment.”

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a danger to everyone one on the road. If you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury due to a drugged or drunk driver, please contact us immediately. Our team can help you win the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. Source: Las Vegas Sun

I-580 Wind Advisory

Statewide (January 8, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has warned of heavy winds along the I-580. Vehicles over nine-feet high are temporarily prohibited. Winds between 20-35 mph, with gusts as strong as 75 mph, have hit the area between Carson City and Reno. These winds could cause disastrous truck accidents, due to taller vehicles having a higher center of gravity.

Lerner and Rowe advises extreme caution if you’re driving on the I-580 during heavy winds. While tall vehicles are currently prohibited, not everyone will obey the rules. If you’ve gotten into a car accident due to a truck driver that ignored a wind advisory, Lerner and Rowe can help you seek maximum compensation. Source: NDOT

Fatalities and Fatal Crashes Up

Statewide (October 15, 2021) – The latest data from the Nevada Department of Transportation shows both fatal crashes and total car accident fatalities in the first three quarters of 2021 are up 27% compared to the same time period in 2020. Although both numbers are up in Clark County as well, they are slightly below the state average, with fatal crashes up just over 25% and total fatalities up just below 25%.

Motorcycle accident fatalities are up sharply year over year, with a 54% increase in motorcycle crash fatalities through the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same time period in 2020. Although an increase in car and motorcycle accidents was expected this year since COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, both increases are high. Source: NDOT

Motorcycle Fatalities Up in 2021

Clark County (September 16, 2021) – Motorcycle accident fatalities are up sharply in 2021, according to the latest figures released by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). The agency reported 31 fatal motorcycle deaths in the first eight months of 2021, compared to 20 during the same time period in 2021 for an increase of 55%.

Lerner and Rowe reminds all bikers to ride safely and follow all traffic laws. While Clark County is blessed with some fantastic bike rides, accidents do happen. Follow these motorcycle safety tips to help you avoid accidents. Should you get into a motorcycle crash in Las Vegas, contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NDOT

Motorcycle Fatalities Up Sharply

Clark County (August 19, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has reported that Clark County motorcycle accident fatalities are up sharply in 2021. The agency reported 17 motorcycle deaths in Clark County in the first seven months of 2020. From January to July 2021, there were 23 motorcycle accident deaths, which represents a 35% increase.

2020 accident and fatality numbers were generally lower than the year before due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were fewer motorists and pedestrians, so the potential for accidents was lower. With more people on the road and more tourists visiting Las Vegas in 2021, Clark county car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are expected to rise. Source: NDOT

Car Accidents and Fatalities Up in 2021

Statewide (July 21, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has posted its State Fatality Report for the first half of 2021. Car accidents have increased by 28% and car crash fatalities have increased by 32% compared to the first six months of 2020. The increases in accidents and crash fatalities in Clark County were 36% and 38%, respectively. Keep in mind that there were fewer drivers on the road in the first half of 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to exercise caution as more drivers are on the road. Please follow our tips on how to avoid a Las Vegas summer car accident and make sure that all the drivers in your household are familiar with the dangers of distracted driving. Hurt in a wreck? Our team is available to help you 24/7 in the event of a car accident. Source: NDOT

High Chances of Car Accident in Four Las Vegas Cities

Las Vegas (June 9, 2021) – According to 2019 data from Allstate, the Las Vegas Valley has 4 of the top 50 cities where drivers are most likely to get into a car accident. North Manor, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and Paradise ranked 19, 40, 45, and 50, respectively. Adjusted for population density, North Las Vegas rises to 25, while the other cities stay in roughly the same place.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to use caution while driving in the Las Vegas area, especially around dangerous intersections filled with tourists that may not know the streets. Should you get into a car accident, please contact one of our personal injury attorneys immediately. Source: Allstate

55 Unrestrained Passengers Died in 2019

Statewide (May 6, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reported that 55 unrestrained passengers died in 2019 crash fatalities. Car accidents involving drivers and passengers that do not wear seat belts are almost always more severe than ones where people are properly restrained. This is especially true for younger drivers that lack experience and may not be in the habit of buckling up.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to always make sure that you and your passengers are wearing seat belts while a car is being driven. Always check that seat belts are in working order and go over common seat belt safety myths. Our team of compassionate and experienced legal professionals is available to help you 24/7 in the event of an accident. Source: NDOT

March Car Crashes and Fatalities Up Sharply

Statewide (April 8, 2021) – Both car accidents and crash fatalities were up sharply in March 2021, according to data from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). Car crashes were up 57% from March 2020, while car accident deaths rose by 78%. One possible cause for the increase is more drivers on the road and some of those drivers being out of practice, not having driven regularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you were staying at home far more than usual over the last year and are just getting back on the road, Lerner and Rowe urges you to take things slowly and put an extra emphasis on safety. It’s completely understandable that some people’s muscle memory and reflexes are out of practice, due to a lack of driving. Should you get into an accident, please note that our team can help you 24/7. Source: NDOT

Fatal Crashes Down in February

Statewide (March 15, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reported that fatal car accidents were down in February 2021. The agency reported 16 fatal crashes last month, compared to 22 in February 2020. NDOT also noted that impairment and speeding remain the two leading causes of fatal car accidents in Nevada.

Lerner and Rowe is thrilled that Nevada roads have been safer thus far in 2021. Our team encourages you to make sure that nobody in your household drives while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please use cruise control while on freeways, to make sure that you stay within posted speed limits. If we all make an effort to be more vigilant and drive safely, 2021 could be the safest year in Nevada yet. Source: NDOT

Bicycle Accidents Up Sharply in 2020

Statewide (February 2, 2021) – In addition to being a bad year for Nevada car accidents, other modes of transportation proved to be more dangerous than usual in 2020. Nevada bicycle accident fatalities were up nearly 43% in 2020, with Clark County having a 33% increase, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). One of the reasons for the spike is an increase of bicyclists due to COVID-19.

Lerner and Rowe hopes that you do everything possible to maximize your bicycle safety. Our team understands that there are many great Las Vegas neighborhoods for bicycling, but safety must always come first. If you or a loved one suffer an injury caused by a bicycle accident, our team is available to help you 24/7. Source: NDOT

2020 Had Increased Crashes and Fatalities

Statewide (January 13, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has released its final counts for car crashes and fatalities in 2020. Despite having fewer drivers on the road due to COVID-19 restrictions, both crashes and fatalities increased in 2020. Automobile crashes were up slightly over 2% from 2019 totals, while fatalities were up by slightly over 3%.

Lerner and Rowe is disappointed to learn that 2020 was more dangerous for motorists than 2019. Our team reminds you to obey all traffic laws and follow posted speed limits in order to lower your chances of a car accident. Should you or a family member get into a car crash, please know that our team is available to help you 24/7. Source: NDOT

Clark County Commission Approves Boring Company Plan

Las Vegas (October 21, 2021) – The Clark County Commission approved a plan with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company for a network of tunnels that will connect downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Strip, Allegiant Stadium, and UNLV. The network would use dozens of Tesla electric vehicles to transport people from stop to stop. The tunnels have the potential to lower traffic, carbon emissions, and car accidents in Las Vegas.

The Boring Company’s Tesla in Tunnels projects will supplant the Las Vegas Monorail, which went bankrupt in 2020 and was purchased by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The Clark County Commission and The Boring Company are tentatively planning to extend the network to McCarran Airport, but heavy pushback from the taxi union is expected.

Source: Clark County

Eastern Avenue Construction Begins October 3

Las Vegas (September 29, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has announced that bridge demolition on Eastern Avenue under U.S. 95 will begin on October 3, 2021 at 10:00 p.m. and is scheduled to last until October 13, 2021 at 10:00 p.m. Motorists are advised to be cautious while traffic patterns are disrupted in order to avoid car accidents and work zone accidents.

To prepare for construction, the Southbound I-515 onramp from Las Vegas Boulevard and the southbound I-515 offramp to Eastern Avenue will be closed on September 29, 2021 from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following day. Additionally, the southbound I-515 between Interstate 15 and Eastern Avenue will be reduced to one lane on September 29, 2021. On October 1, 2021 from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be a one-lane reduction on southbound Eastern Avenue under I-515. Source: NDOT

Truck Accidents Shuts Down U.S. 95

Las Vegas (August 23, 2021) – A truck accident involving two semi-trailers shut down a portion of northbound U.S. 95 last Tuesday. It took 30 minutes for firefighters to extricate the driver that required hospitalization. The driver of the other truck did not suffer significant injuries.

The crash occurred just before 9:00 a.m., causing major delays between Las Vegas and Henderson until approximately 1:30 p.m. Additional delays were caused by a fuel leak and thousands of decorative rocks spilled onto the freeway. Traffic had to be diverted to nearby Boulder Highway.

Source: AP

Las Vegas Mask Mandate Starts July 30

Statewide (July 27, 2021) – Governor Steve Sisolak has reinstated mask requirements for indoor venues as COVID-19 surges throughout Nevada. The directive follows the recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Starting July 30, 2021, people will be required to wear masks in indoor venues in all but five Nevada counties, regardless of vaccination status.

The CDC’s guidance applies to areas that are classified as substantial or high transmission areas. Most Nevada counties fall under this classification. The exceptions are Eureka, Humboldt, and Lander counties, which are considered moderate, as well as Pershing and Storey counties which are currently low transmission. Las Vegas is part of Clark County, which has the highest concentration of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in Nevada. Source: NV.gov

Halo Announces Driverless Rideshare Service

Las Vegas (July 8, 2021) – Halo has announced that it will offer driverless rideshare service within the “urban parts of the Las Vegas Valley” later this year. The cars will be remote controlled through T-Mobile’s network. Halo works differently from competitors Lyft and Motional, which have tested driverless rideshare in Las Vegas, in that customers drive the car once it arrives to them. Once the customer gets to their destination, the Halo car is driven to its next customer by a combination of remote control and self-driving technology.

Lerner and Rowe is excited that this technology is coming to our city and people will have more transportation options. However, new car technology can lead to new types of car accidents. Should you get injured in a Las Vegas rideshare accident, our team is available to help you 24/7. Source: Businesswire

Vax Nevada Days Lottery

Statewide (June 24, 2021) – The state of Nevada has announced the Vax Nevada Days lottery to encourage people to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Nevadans ages 12 and up that have received at least one vaccination shot will be eligible to win prizes. The prizes include cash, tuition money, fishing licenses, and state park permits. Everyone that has been vaccinated will be automatically entered into the lottery.

Vax Nevada Days prizes will be awarded weekly for eight weeks starting on July 8, 2021 and ending on August 26, 2021. The lottery will start with a top cash prize of $250,000 and end with a grand prize of $1,000,000. Winners will be notified by an official representative of Immunize Nevada using the contact information within an individual’s Nevada WebIZ record. Source: Vax Nevada Days

Two Dead in Wrong-Way Crash

Las Vegas (June 1, 2021) – The Nevada Highway Patrol-Southern Command (NHPSC) reported that two people perished on the U.S. 95 south of Rancho Drive in a wrong-way car accident. A silver truck was driving the wrong way on U.S. 95 and crashed into a white truck. The two occupants of the white truck were pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the silver truck was in serious condition.

NHPSC suspects that impaired driving led to the crash. Lerner and Rowe reminds you to never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please use a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service if you plan on drinking. Should you get into a car accident caused by a drunk driver, our attorneys are available to serve you 24/7. Source: NHPSC

Heavy Memorial Day Traffic Expected

Las Vegas (May 25, 2021) – Las Vegas is expected to be one of the top destinations for Memorial Day weekend, as COVID-19 restrictions ease. The city expects a significant influx of tourists, which means heavier traffic. Lerner and Rowe welcomes visitors to our great city, but urges them to learn about Las Vegas’ most dangerous intersections and to follow these safety tips for tourists.

Traffic on the Las Vegas Strip can be overwhelming, especially with all the dazzling lights, signs, and spectacles. Please be sure to focus on the road and avoid distracted driving. Be especially careful if you’re arriving during rush hour, when traffic will be at its worst. Should you get into a car accident over Memorial Day weekend, please be advised that our team is available to assist you 24/7. Source: WPBF

Walmart Fire Caused by Paper Items

Las Vegas (April 19, 2021) – For the second time in a week, a Las Vegas Walmart caught fire and had to be evacuated. Two weeks ago, a Walmart store was on fire due to arson. The Associated Press (AP) reported that last week’s Walmart fire was caused by a pallet of paper goods. Fires in Las Vegas can be difficult to control due to strong winds and high temperatures. Thankfully, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue was able to contain both fires with only two reported injuries.

Lerner and Rowe encourages you to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of a store fire. Listen to store managers and follow their instructions. In addition to burn injuries from a fire, haphazard evacuation can lead to serious slip-and-fall injuries. Source: AP

Downtown Street Closures Begin March 29

Las Vegas (March 25, 2021) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will close nine streets in downtown Las Vegas as part of its Downtown Access Project. From March 29 through April 12 the following streets will be fully closed to car traffic: 7th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th, and 21st Streets at I-515. The recessed section of 4th Street will also be closed.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to use caution while the street closures are in effect. Numerous reroutings in a small area can lead to driver confusion, which can lead to car accidents and pedestrian accidents. If you plan to visit downtown Las Vegas during the street closures, please plan your route beforehand. Should you get into an accident in downtown Las Vegas, please contact us immediately. Source: NDOT