Las Vegas Pedestrian Deaths Nearly Double from Last Year

The Las Vegas area faces a dire situation as pedestrian deaths skyrocket in 2024. Already in 2024, 40 pedestrians have lost their lives. This year's fatalities have nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2023, raising alarm among safety advocates and local residents. Two primary culprits continue to drive this deadly trend: excessive speed and impaired driving.

Safety experts also point to the Las Vegas area's road infrastructure as a significant factor in pedestrian accidents. Many streets stretch wide and long, which encourages higher speeds and increases risks for those on foot. Some areas have seen improvements, such as Main Street's transformation into a one-way route. However, these changes often take years to implement.

What recent tragedies highlight the problem of pedestrian deaths in Las Vegas?

A heartbreaking incident on Boulder Highway in April is an example of how severe the issue is. A suspected drunk driver struck a family of five near a bus stop, killing a father and his teenage son while injuring three others. The driver was also reportedly traveling north in the southbound lanes of Boulder Highway from Karen Avenue before striking the family.

"I catch the bus sometimes right here and I'm nervous," said one resident who expressed a community-wide concern.

How are officials addressing the issue of pedestrian deaths?

Erin Breen, who directs UNLV's vulnerable road users project, urged the need to redesign our roads. She points out Flamingo Road as a prime example, noting that in 2023, fatal crashes closed the road for a cumulative two days. "And just ask yourself what did that do to your commute and be grateful you or someone you love weren't one of them," she stated.

Breen advocates for several changes, including narrower lanes, dedicated transit corridors, and protected bike paths. These modifications, she argues, could boost both safety and local businesses.

Additionally, law enforcement takes an active role in combating pedestrian deaths. Metro traffic officers use social media to document crash scenes and educate the public. Their message stresses that safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians.

What makes pedestrians so vulnerable on Las Vegas roads?

Unlike drivers, pedestrians don't have the protection of vehicle frames, airbags, and seatbelts. This makes them more vulnerable to the full force of impact in a crash. Pedestrians often sustain severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage.

Additionally, previous research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that vehicles with tall front ends (particularly those exceeding 40 inches in hood height) are about 45% more likely to cause pedestrian fatalities than lower vehicles. For medium-height vehicles (30-40 inches), a blunt front end increases risk by 26%. The research also examined injury patterns, noting that taller vehicles tend to cause more severe head injuries.

Get legal help from a skilled Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer

If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney at Lasso Injury Law can be your strongest advocate in fighting for the compensation you deserve. While insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or even blame victims, our law firm knows how to counter these tactics.

We have helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages, and we have the case results to prove it, including:

• $750,000 settlement for a woman injured in a T-bone crash.
• $375,972 settlement for a client who suffered neck, back, and shoulder injuries in a car accident.

We can thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies for a maximum settlement, or fight for a verdict in court if necessary. To get started on your claim, contact us online or call our Las Vegas law office and schedule a free initial consultation. We'll be glad to answer your questions and help you devise a legal strategy.