Las Vegas may be famous for its nightlife and casinos, however, it also has a less entertaining element—a high number of car accidents. Las Vegas, bustling with a high number of visitors, is also the scene for many car accidents and the resultant personal injury. In these instances, a Las Vegas personal injury attorney can help navigate the injuries sustained in a car accident.
Annual Statistics on Car Accidents Involving Injury or Death in Las Vegas
Las Vegas sees a large number of car accidents every year, resulting in injuries or fatalities. According to data from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Clark County, home to Las Vegas, sees thousands of these accidents every year. Even more worrisome is that a significant number of these accidents cause serious injury or result in fatalities.
In the last several years, more than 40% of all car accidents in Las Vegas have caused injury—a grim reminder to be extra cautious, whether you live here or you’re just visiting.
This troubling trend places a considerable strain on local emergency services and healthcare facilities, as they must respond to the high volume of injury-related accidents. The numbers also reflect dangerous conditions on the roads, necessitating increased caution and awareness from all drivers.
Impairment as a Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Las Vegas
One leading contributor to car accidents in Las Vegas is impairment, which accounts for a large number of all traffic incidents annually. Tourism in the city is also a factor with its thriving nightlife and entertainment that, although drawing tourists by the millions, tends to correlate with higher rates of DUI.
This greatly increases the risk on our roads. Nearly 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States involved impaired driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Las Vegas is no different.
Impaired driving is a problem for not just those who are involved in an accident. An accident can impact the family of the victim, especially with the loss of income. That loss of income can be compensated for with a settlement to a certain extent. The victim’s future livelihood, including loss of wages, enjoyment of life, and other factors, come into play when computing the settlement if a case goes to trial.
The Impact of Texting and Driving on Road Safety
The continued use of mobile devices behind the wheel has emerged as one of the most significant dangers to public safety, compounding the already heightened risks of driving in Las Vegas. Distracted driving takes a driver’s attention away from the road and their hands off the wheel, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Drivers texting during a crash are responsible for a significant number of wrecks each year, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP). The one or two seconds it takes to read or send a text is more than enough time for a minor fender-bender or even a fatal crash to occur.
Young drivers are especially susceptible, as evidenced by the much higher statistics of teenagers and young adults who text behind the wheel. Their ability to always keep in touch via their phones makes them far more likely to have an accident. Distracted driving legislation includes heavy fines for using a handheld device behind the wheel.
Even with all of these steps taken, enforcement is tricky and drivers are still using their devices on the road. Safety organizations have run extensive public information campaigns to persuade drivers of the hazards involved in texting while driving, but old habits die hard.
We have technology to thank for a significant part of the issue–but also the solution. Another way to cut back the amount of texting and smartphone utilization would be contingency apps and features that lock a phone while behind the wheel.
If you’re involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This could include a claim against the texting driver’s insurance company or additional damages if the insurance payout is insufficient.
Identifying Dangerous Intersections and Traffic Areas in Las Vegas
Certain intersections and roads in Las Vegas are more dangerous and see a larger volume of traffic and accidents. Some of the worst intersections that have a lot of congestion and a lot of thru-traffic are Sahara Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard, Flamingo Road and Pecos Road.
Tropicana Ave. and Paradise Rd. form a significant corridor for traffic to the Las Vegas Strip. This is a major intersection, especially for all the people who come into and out of Las Vegas. One of the most dangerous intersections is at Eastern Avenue and Sunset Road where a mix of residential and commercial developments contributes to the high accident rate.
How a Lawyer Can Assist with Your Case
Working personal injury lawyer can help resolve your case. Here is how Lerner & Rowe, a Las Vegas personal injury law firm, can help:
- Providing legal advice on whether to settle or take your case to trial
- Establishing fault and negligence
- Developing a legal strategy using evidence to build your case for compensation
If you’re injured in a car accident, the Nevada personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe are ready to help you win the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today. You can reach our legal team 24/7 by phone at 702-877-1500 and online via secure contact form or LiveChat.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.