Even though hundreds of thousands of people walk down the Las Vegas Strip daily, our city doesn’t automatically assume pedestrians have the right of way. This means everyone needs to take safety precautions when walking. Of course, even the most safety-conscious person can be harmed due to distracted driving and other negligent behaviors by motorists. The real question in any personal injury case is who’s at fault, and in some cases, the answer may surprise you. In fact, there could be multiple liable parties even when only two people are involved in an accident.

For instance, envision a scenario where someone is struck by an underage drunk driver while walking along the Strip. That driver will obviously be named in any pedestrian accident lawsuit or claim, but what if the underage individual was served alcohol an hour earlier at a private party? While Nevada doesn’t have dram shop laws that can hold liquor-serving establishments culpable, this isn’t the case for private individuals illegally serving alcohol. In this situation, the person who provided the beverages and the driver could be on the hook for damages after severe injuries occur.

It’s also possible that pedestrians themselves could be partially liable for their injuries. Nearly two-thirds of these accidents occur outside of crosswalks. While this doesn’t necessarily mean a pedestrian shares liability, it does show that these cases can get complex. What if someone walked in the street while ignoring traffic signals? What if they suddenly fall into traffic? Thanks to Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rules, an injured pedestrian may still be able to recover compensation even if they’re partially at fault. This is why it’s so important to speak with an accident lawyer in Las Vegas after involvement in such an incident.

Clearly, establishing fault under personal injury law can be difficult. Liability for a pedestrian crash will not always be assigned to motorists. Additionally, it’s possible that multiple parties could be at fault. For instance, what if illegal obstructions on a construction site force pedestrians to walk into the street and encounter a distracted driver? To better recognize who might possibly be at fault in any of these situations, it’s necessary to understand why the accident occurred. Here are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Left-hand turns
• Unmarked or faded crosswalks
• Distracted drivers
• Distracted pedestrians
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Failure to yield
• Improperly crossing roadway

Clearly, liability can fall on many parties. However, making an assumption of fault can prove damaging. Someone could pay for their own medical treatment — believing they caused the accident — without realizing that another party is partially responsible for their injuries. Others have quickly accepted unfair settlement offers from insurance companies because they thought it was the best they could do. Don’t go this route. Since you can access a free initial consultation at High Stakes Injury Law, there’s literally no reason to make any decisions without first seeking legal advice.

Your actions in the immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to recover compensation in any subsequent insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit you may file.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident:

• Prioritize Your Health: Seek medical attention promptly, regardless of the perceived severity of your injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries might not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment.
• Contact Authorities: Call the police to report the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it serves as an official document detailing the incident.
  Gather Information: Collect contact details from involved parties, witnesses, and the responsible driver. This information is invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident site, vehicle(s) involved, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be crucial when establishing fault and liability.
• Preserve Evidence: Safeguard any items damaged during the accident, such as torn clothing or personal belongings. These can serve as evidence supporting your case.
• Exercise Caution in Communication: Refrain from admitting fault or discussing the accident in detail, especially with insurance adjusters, without consulting a personal injury attorney.
• Legal Consultation: Seek advice from a reputable pedestrian accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights, assess the situation, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and attend all necessary medical appointments. Proper medical documentation is essential for your case.
• Maintain Records: Keep records of all medical treatments, bills, receipts, and related expenses incurred due to the accident. These documents provide concrete evidence of your damages.
• Be Mindful of Time: Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in your jurisdiction. Acting promptly is crucial to protecting your legal rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.

An accident victim has a lot on their plate after suffering an injury. However, they cannot let these burdens hinder their quest to seek justice and fair compensation. That’s because every personal injury case has a deadline by which it must be filed. In Nevada, the statute of limitations on pedestrian accidents is two years. Any pedestrian personal injury claim filed outside of this timeframe will likely be dismissed. There are some exceptions and nuances to this rule, but most people will not qualify for them. This means that your first call after seeking medical treatment should be to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Las Vegas.

It’s worth noting that the statute of limitations on wrongful death cases in Nevada is also two years. In any case, though, what if a person’s major injuries didn’t come from the accident itself? What if someone broke their arm in such an accident — but upon seeking treatment — they were the victim of a medication error? If this caused serious injuries, they would have less time to file a case. That’s because the statute of limitations for Nevada medical malpractice claims is just one year in most cases. Again, the nuances of the law can prove complex in any of these situations. This is why it’s so important to have a personal injury lawyer on your side.