Pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas happen more often than you might think. With tourists and locals alike constantly taking advantage of the city’s walkable nature, the likelihood of the unthinkable happening becomes greater.

While no amount of money can heal the trauma that comes with being hit by a car, it is possible for pedestrians who were hit by vehicles to recover compensation for their medical care costs, the severity of their injuries, and the pain and suffering endured post-accident.

However, there are certain conditions that must be met in order to recover compensation for your injuries and also certain factors that influence your total compensation amount. An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, like those at High Stakes Injury Law, can explain your rights and take care of the legalities for you so you can focus on healing.

In this blog, our team explains more about what you can sue for after a Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident and the steps you can take to ensure you receive the best result possible. 

What Do I Need to Do to Sue Someone After They Hit Me With Their Car in Las Vegas?

In order to get compensation after your pedestrian accident, you must prove that the following four elements of negligence apply to your case:

• Duty of care: The responsible party was obligated to keep you safe on the road and follow all traffic laws.
• Breach of duty: The responsible party did not fulfill this duty of care.
• Causation: The driver hit you and caused your injuries.
• Damages: You are now suffering economic and non-economic damages.

It is easy to believe that the driver who hit you is the one who owes you compensation. However, there may be another party ultimately liable for what happened to you and responsible for paying your damages. For example, the driver’s vehicle’s parts manufacturer, their mechanic, or a government entity might be liable for your damages. A personal injury attorney in Clark County can launch an investigation on your behalf to see who should be held accountable.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Nevada and Other Factors That Influence Your Right to Compensation

How much compensation you can receive depends on different facts of your case, such as:

• The extent of your injuries
• How long your recovery process will be
• The economic impact of your injuries
• Your overall quality of life after your injuries

Your percentage of fault, or lack thereof, can influence your total winnings. NRS §41.141, Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law, explains that you can recover compensation as long as you hold not more than 50% of the blame.

So, if you ran across the street when the traffic timer ran out and the driver ran a red light, you might be assigned 30% of the blame, and the other party, 70%. In that case, you will only recover 70% of your possible damages.

Potential Damages You Can Recover Following a Pedestrian Accident

After reviewing the facts of your case and getting an insight into how the accident has affected your life, your Nevada personal injury lawyer can begin to assess your damages, which might be:

• Past lost wages: Your injuries keep you from returning to work.
• Future loss of earning capacity: You have to resort to getting a lower-paying job or not working altogether because your injuries are so severe.
• Past and future medical bills: Your medical team is requiring you to be hospitalized, go to physical therapy and other ongoing doctor’s appointments, have surgery, take medication, or get different diagnostic tests.
• Past and future pain and suffering: You’re experiencing serious physical pain.
• Past and future mental anguish: You’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the accident.
• Wrongful death damages: Your loved one’s passing from the car accident left you in debt for their funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and more.
• Miscellaneous expenses: You might need in-home care or a nanny to take care of your children while you recover.

It’s important to note that this list isn’t all-inclusive; you might be eligible for more than you think.

That’s why consulting with an experienced Vegas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is crucial. An attorney will thoroughly review your case to ensure that you are protected from lowball settlement offers and are fairly and justly compensated.

How Long You Have to File Your Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

Unfortunately, you do not have unlimited time to pursue compensation for pedestrian accident damages. If you were injured or your loved one passed away from the accident, NRS §11.190(4)(e) allows two years to file a lawsuit.

Failure to comply with this deadline could risk your right to seek compensation. However, there might be exceptions to this time limit. If a government agency is liable, you might have a much shorter time to take action.

We can help you determine the deadline that applies to you.

How a Las Vegas Pedestrian Lawyer Can Help

Being struck by a vehicle is already incredibly traumatic; our team is dedicated to preventing you from feeling alone and isolated as you work to rebuild your life. We will be by your side every step of the way, handling the legalities of your case and supporting you on your road to recovery. 

Seeking counsel from a local personal injury attorney can help you by:

• Collecting evidence
• Settlement negotiations
• Managing all methods of communication
• Naming liable parties
• Quantifying damages
• Representing our clients in court

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), going to court for personal injury cases is rare, as many injury cases are closed or settled before going to this stage.

Most pedestrian accident lawyers provide these services for you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe them a dime unless and until you get compensation. 

Call the Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys can evaluate your case, advise you on its potential value, and represent you throughout the claims or litigation process.

Call High Stakes Injury Law today at (702) 867-2016 or fill out a form online to speak with one of our representatives in a free case review. With our 60+ years of experience, we have won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We require no upfront fees to get started.