Las Vegas Accident Statistics

The Vegas Heat Is On

Las Vegas (June 29, 2023) – Although Las Vegas recently set a new record for the most days under 100°F, consistent triple-digit weather will arrive in the very near future. Unfortunately, that weather increases your chances of heat-related illnesses. Many people and businesses have let their guards down in regards to the heat, which could be catastrophic during triple-digit temperatures.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to follow these five heat illness prevention tips this summer. If you’ve suffered heat sickness and believe it was caused by the actions or inactions of a business owner or property then contact us to explore your legal options.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Statewide (April 3, 2023) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has reported 53 distracted driving car accident fatalities between 2016 and 2020. Nationally, distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing causes of car accidents. Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the staff at Lerner and Rowe offers safety tips to help you avoid distracted driving in Las Vegas.

Our team hopes that you share the information above with the drivers in your household, family, and friends. The more people that understand the causes of distracted driving and how to avoid them, the safer the streets of Las Vegas will be. Should you get injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, please know that our Las Vegas injury attorneys are available to assist you 24/7. Source: NDOT

Spring Cleaning Reminder From NDOT

Las Vegas (March 21, 2023) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) urges you to use the start of spring to do some spring cleaning for your car. Specifically, the agency reminds you to kick off the season by checking your car’s tire pressure, tread wear, fluid levels, and windshield wiper condition. These simple preventive measures can help you avoid a car accident.

Lerner and Rowe echoes NDOT’s advice and reminds you to follow our springtime driving tips. Should you get into an accident caused by another party this spring or any time of the year, please know that our staff is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Source: NDOT

CCSD School Year Begins on August 8

Clark County (August 5, 2022) – The Clark County School District (CCSD) year begins on August 8, 2022. CCSD has 336 schools that serve more than 300,000 students. As motorists get used to sharing the road with hundreds of buses and thousands of students again, the chances of bicycle accidents, bus accidents, and pedestrian accidents are higher.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to drive cautiously in school zones. Motorists and students alike need to get reacclimated to school year traffic patterns. Please follow these back to school driving safety tips and share them with your friends. The more mindful motorists are of students, the safer everyone will be. Source: CCSD

I-15 Construction Begins July 28

Las Vegas (July 26, 2022) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds Las Vegas residents and visitors that construction will begin on I-15 from July 28 through August 25. The agency will be pouring foundations for 10 new Active Traffic Management (ATM) signs. In addition to HOV lane closures, the increased construction also brings an increase of work zone accidents.

While the ATM signs are expected to improve traffic flow and decrease accidents, construction zone activity will temporarily increase the chances of an I-15 car accident. Lerner and Rowe urges you to be extremely cautious while driving near and through work zones. If you’re more comfortable taking local roads then consider doing so instead. Source: NDOT

Man Suspected of Impaired Driving Kills Pedestrian on Walker

Las Vegas (June 9, 2022) – Luis Gonzalez of Las Vegas was arrested on counts of DUI and failing to stop at the scene of an accident after hitting a pedestrian on a walker on June 7, 2022. The pedestrian accident victim, whose identity has not yet been revealed, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Unfortunately, car accident fatalities caused by impaired drivers are frequent in Nevada. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), there were 129 deaths caused by impaired driving in 2019. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds you to use a designated driver, rideshare service, or taxi if your plans involve alcohol or drugs. Source: Las Vegas Sun

Speeding Suspected Cause of Bicyclist Death

North Las Vegas (May 16, 2022) – A bicyclist in North Las Vegas was struck and killed on Sunday May 15, 2022. The bicycle accident took place at approximately 8:22 a.m. at the intersection of East Dorrell Lane and Bostick Weir Street. North Las Vegas Police officials suspect that speeding led to the accident.

Speeding is one of several ways that motorists get into car accidents involving bicycle riders. Other common causes include distracted driving and reckless driving. Lerner and Rowe encourages you to learn ways to avoid car accidents and to share this information with drivers in your household. If you’re a biker and have gotten injured by a motorist then contact us for immediate assistance. Source: KLAS

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

Unrestrained Motorist Deaths Up

Clark County (October 6, 2023) – According to statistics provided by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), car accident fatalities involving people not wearing seat belts in Clark County are on the rise. The agency reported 32 car crash deaths of people not using seat belts through Q3 2023, compared to 26 over the first 9 months of 2022. This accounts for a rise of 23%.

The Las Vegas injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe remind you of the importance of seat belt use. The simple act of using a seat belt greatly reduces your chances of suffering serious injury or wrongful death in the event of a car wreck. Source: NDOT

May Car Accidents Down Sharply

Statewide (June 5, 2023) – The latest data from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) shows a sharp decrease in fatal car accidents and car crash fatalities in May 2023. The agency reported 26 fatal crashes that resulted in 28 deaths. Those numbers are down 28% and 26% from May 2022, respectively.

The Las Vegas injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe hope that the trend continues and supports NDOT’s mission to move towards zero fatalities. To help you and your family stay safe on the road during the “100 deadliest days of driving,” please follow these summer driving safety tips. Source: NDOT

April Fatalities Up 31%

Statewide (May 3, 2023) – April car accident fatalities spiked this year, according to data provided by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). The agency reported 38 car crash deaths in April 2023, compared to 29 in April 2022, for an increase of 31%.

Clark County, which is the most populous county in Nevada, saw a sharp decrease in April fatalities, while the counties of Carson, Esmerelda, and Humboldt all had sharp year-to-year increases. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys sends its condolences to those that last family and friends in April car accidents. Source: NDOT

Traffic Fatalities Down in Q1 2023

Statewide (April 27, 2023) – The Nevada Department of Transportation has reported traffic accident stats for the first quarter of 2023. The total number of car accident fatalities in Q1 2023 was 69, which is down 19% from Q1 2022. The top causes of traffic deaths this year are speeding and impaired driving.

The team at Lerner and Rowe is pleased to learn that wrongful deaths caused by traffic accidents are down this year. Hopefully the trend continues throughout 2023. Our staff reminds motorists to drive safely and pay extra attention while driving through areas with heavy bicycle or pedestrian traffic. By working together, we can make Nevada safer for everyone. Source: NDOT

Fatal Crashes and Fatalities Down in 2023

Clark County (March 15, 2023) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) claims that fatal car crashes and the number of car accident deaths in Clark County are down in 2023. Statistics through the two months of the year show approximately 10% fewer fatal crashes and 30% fewer car accident deaths compared to the first two months of 2022.

Lerner and Rowe is thrilled that there have been fewer fatal car accidents and related fatalities in 2023 thus far. Our staff hopes that this trend continues for the rest of the year and beyond. Whether you’re in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Paradise, Boulder City, or any other part of Clark County, our team wishes you safe travels. Source: NDOT

Pedestrian Fatality Rates Reach Historic High

Statewide (February 20, 2023) – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) claims that pedestrian accident fatalities have reached a historic high rate in 2021. The organization claims a fatality rate of 2.32 deaths per one-billion vehicle miles traveled, which averages to approximately 20 deaths per day. This is the highest fatality rate in four decades.

Lerner and Rowe urges Las Vegas locals and visitors to learn how they can increase their pedestrian safety. We also urge drivers to be particularly cautious in heavily trafficked crosswalks. By being more mindful of each, we can reverse this terrible trend in pedestrian accident deaths. Source: GHSA

August Crashes and Fatalities Down Sharply

Statewide (September 16, 2022) – According to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), August car accidents and car crash fatalities were down sharply compared to 2021. The agency reported 23 crashes and 25 crash deaths in August 2022, compared to 34 and 38 in August 2021. This year’s numbers are a 32% decrease in motor vehicle accidents and a 34% decrease in automotive fatalities.

Like many states, Nevada typically has the most car accidents in summer, largely due to an increase in teen drivers that are out of school and tourists unfamiliar with the roads. With that in mind, Lerner and Rowe is thrilled to see accidents and fatalities down, and hopes that the trend continues. Source: NDOT

Nevada Traffic Fatalities Below National Average

Statewide (August 17, 2022) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that Nevada traffic accident fatalities are up 1.2% in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021. In that same time period, national traffic deaths were up 7% and regional figures remained the same. Nevada is part of NHTSA Region 8, which also includes Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Although Nevada’s car accident deaths are up slightly, there were more cars on the road in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021, due to people limiting their activity because of COVID-19. That said, Lerner and Rowe urges you to drive cautiously to keep yourself and your fellow motorists safe. Please be especially careful around school zones and work zones, which have higher instances of accidents. Source: NHTSA

Nevada Fatal Crashes and Deaths Up in 2022

Statewide (July 14, 2022) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has released fatal car accident statistics for the first half of 2022. The number of fatal car crashes and overall car accident fatalities is up year-over-year, with the former increasing by 1.19% and the latter by 1.63%.

In Clark County, where the majority of Nevadans reside, fatal car accidents have increased by 10.89% and fatalities have increased 18.52% compared to the first six months of 2021. While skyrocketing gasoline prices have some people spending less time on the road, there have been more overall drivers–particularly tourists–in 2022 than 2021 since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Source: NDOT

Clark County Fatalities Up in 2022

Clark County (June 16, 2022) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has reported 103 car accident fatalities through the first five months of 2022. This is nearly a 16% increase from the same time period in 2021. Although car crash fatalities are slightly down throughout the state, Clark County’s numbers are unfortunately rising.

The two most common causes of Nevada car accidents are impaired driving and speeding. Another factor to keep in mind is that Las Vegas tourism is getting back to pre-pandemic levels. After a record-setting 42.5 million visitors in 2019, tourists dropped to 19 million in 2020 due to COVID-19 before bouncing back in 2021 with more than 32 million. Understandably, more tourists increases the potential for Las Vegas car accidents. Source: NDOT

Retired Police Chief Killed While Biking

September 18, 2023 (Las Vegas) – Police have arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him with the murder of retired police chief Andreas Probst. The suspect, unnamed due to his status as a minor, allegedly stole a car as a prank. The passenger recorded video that shows the two joking about hitting Probst, who was on his morning bike ride on August 14. The video shows a driver striking Probst from behind and driving off.

Probst’s family was alerted to his bicycle crash through his Apple Watch’s fall detection feature. By the time they arrived at the scene, he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Prosecutors are attempting to try the suspect as an adult after the video of him crashing into Probst circulated on social media.

Source: Daily Mail

Hurricane Hilary Could Bring Heavy Rains

Last Vegas (August 17, 2023) – Tropical Storm Hilary has been upgraded to Hurricane Hillary and is projected to bring heavy rains to Nevada, California, and Arizona. Rain has been forecasted throughout the weekend in Las Vegas, possibly lasting into early this week. The unusually high rainfall increases the likelihood of a Las Vegas car accident.

Depending on Hurricane Hilary’s trajectory, desert areas in its path could receive more rainfall in days than they typically see in an entire year. Lerner and Rowe advises you to stay home this weekend, if possible. If you must drive, please follow the safety tips discussed in our monsoon season blog. Should you get into a hurricane-related accident, call our Las Vegas injury lawyers for immediate assistance. Source: NWS

Fire Near 215 and S Buffalo

Las Vegas (June 21, 2023) – A fire on the 8000 block of West Maule Avenue, near the intersection of 215 and South Buffalo Drive, was declared a total loss by the Clark County Fire Department (CCFD). The fire destroyed three unfinished apartment buildings. Access to exterior water streams was poor, so CCFD let the fire burn in a controlled manner.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to be cautious while driving around that portion of southwest Las Vegas, as road debris could lead to a car accident. If you were in the area at the time of the fire and believe that you have burn injuries or lung damage caused by the fire then contact us for a free consultation.

Source: LV Sun

May is Officially Bike Month in Nevada

Statewide (May 1, 2023) – Governor Joe Lombardo has signed an official proclamation that recognizes May is “Bike Month.” State officials are encouraging Nevadans to get on the bicycles in order to improve their health, reduce carbon emission, and reduce the number of car accidents.

The Las Vegas injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe applaud the state’s efforts to get more people biking. If you’re new to biking in Las Vegas then our team reminds you to follow all traffic rules and safety practices in order to avoid a bicycle accident. Should you get into an accident caused by another party then contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NV.gov

Man with Suspended License Arrested for DUI Fatality

Las Vegas (April 5, 2023) – A man driving with a suspended license has been accused of killing a pedestrian on Tuesday April 4, 2023. 32-year old Brandon Kelekolio faces charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving for a fatal crash on Las Vegas Boulevard near Caesars Palace. The victim was identified as Gewadin Eliot, 45, of Ontario, Canada. Kelekolio’s license was suspended on Dec. 16, 2022, after a previous DUI arrest.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials claim that video evidence showed Eliot walking against a do-not-walk signal before he was struck by Kelekolio’s car and thrown into the air. Judge Rebecca Saxe set Kelekolio’s bail at $50,000. Should he post bail, Kelekolio must wear an ankle-monitoring bracelet and stay away from the Las Vegas Strip.

Source: KLAS

73-Year-Old Man Dies in Spring Valley Crash

March 1, 2023 (Spring Valley) – Albert Sell, 73, died from injuries received in a Spring Valley car accident on February 26, 2023. Sell was attempting to make a turn when his vehicle was struck by a speeding pickup truck going 89 mph–more than double the posted speed limit.

The truck was being driven by 28-year-old Kyle Foster, who suffered substantial injuries. Foster has been charged with two counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys sends thoughts and prayers to Albert Sell’s family.

Source: KLAS

Illegal Street Race End in Car Accident

Spring Valley (October 19, 2022) – An illegal street race ended in a car accident at the intersection of West Flamingo Road and South Fort Apache Road on October 17, 2022. Seven cars were involved in the crash, which destroyed a bus stop, a fire hydrant, and several light poles. One person was brought to the hospital for injuries.

Metro Police arrested Joshua Daya on suspicion of reckless driving, participating in a speed contest, and disregard for the safety of a person and property. If you’ve been injured due to someone’s reckless driving then contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from Lerner and Rowe immediately.

Source: 8NewsNow

Ryan Fellows of Street Outlaws Dies in Race

Moapa (August 9, 2022) – Ryan Fellows, one of the stars of Street Outlaws: Fastest in America on Discovery Channel, died in a car race in Moapa on Sunday August 7, 2022. The race took place 30 miles outside of Las Vegas, near the Harry Allen Generating Station. Witnesses claim that Fellows’ Nissan 240z lost control, rolled, and caught fire near the finish line.

The car accident is currently under investigation by Metro Police and the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Warner Bros. Discovery issued a statement that read, “The Street Outlaws family is heartbroken by the accident that led to the tragic death of Ryan Fellows. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ryan’s loved ones as they process this sudden and devastating loss.”

Source: LV Sun

Flash Floods Hit Vegas

Las Vegas (July 28, 2022) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings this week due to heavy rains brought about by monsoon season. The downpour has led to several flash floods and street closures. Additionally, NV Energy reported that more than 10,000 Las Vegas homes were left without power due to the storms.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to exercise caution while driving during a Las Vegas monsoon. If possible, delay your trip until after the rain has stopped. If you’ve gotten into a car accident during monsoon season that was caused by another party’s negligence then contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NWS

Three NDOT Workers Hit While Working Roadside

Carson City (June 27, 2022) – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has issued a statement on a truck accident that saw three NDOT workers struck by a vehicle on June 7, 2022. The agency stated that, “Two of the NDOT staff members were reviewing work plans on the roadway shoulder when struck. Another team member was struck while inside a work vehicle.”

Lerner and Rowe reminds you that work zone accidents are more common in the summer due to increased construction activity, including surveying. As such, you and the other drivers in your household need to slow down and drive cautiously when driving through work zones in order to avoid a car accident. Source: NDOT