Las Vegas Pedestrian Deaths Skyrocket

There have been 56 Las Vegas traffic fatalities so far in 2022

A national surge of fatal car accidents that began in 2021 is apparently still going strong, according to early crash data.

In Las Vegas, fatal crashes have shot up - especially for pedestrians. The city has already experienced 35 percent more pedestrian deaths this year than last year, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) says.

As of this writing, there have been 23 pedestrian deaths in Las Vegas.

Fatal pedestrian crash factors

The surge of fatal accidents is happening, at least in part, because many motorists let their good driving habits slip during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies suggest. Locally, major factors leading to the increase in deadly accidents, the LVMPD says, are speeding and failure to yield the right of way.

For pedestrians, many of the deaths in 2022 have been outside of crosswalks, police say. Less than 25 percent of deadly pedestrian crashes occur at intersections. In Nevada, the most common factors in fatal pedestrian accidents are:

Impaired driving, including driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Lane departure.
Speeding.
Older drivers.
Younger drivers.
Distracted drivers.

Las Vegas crash hotspots

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but some areas of Las Vegas see more fatal crashes than others. Typically, pedestrian accidents occur in areas that lack adequate crossing infrastructure, street lighting, and sidewalks. Over the past five years or so, pedestrian crash hotspots have emerged on roadways that include:

The Five Points area by the E Charleston Boulevard, Fremont Street, and Eastern Avenue intersection.
E Flamingo Road near the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Maryland Parkway.
E Sahara Avenue between I-15 and Boulder Highway.
E Lake Mead Boulevard between Belmont Street and N Pecos Road.
Boulder Highway from E Sahara Avenue to the S Lamb Boulevard at E Desert Inn Road intersection.

Nonfatal pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents are often fatal, even at collisions with low speeds, because people on foot are extremely vulnerable and lack protection against a moving multi-ton vehicle. When pedestrian accidents aren't fatal, they tend to cause serious injuries like:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) such as concussions and brain bruising.
Broken bones in the pelvis, ribs, shoulder, collarbone, skull, knee, wrist, ankle, arms, and legs.
Nerve damage due to cuts, fractures, punctures, dislocation, or amputation.
Neck injuries and back pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) like herniated or bulging discs.
Muscle, tendon, or ligament tears, strains, and sprains.

Get the justice and compensation you deserve

Victims of pedestrian accidents and family members of victims killed in fatal pedestrian accidents are entitled to compensation for their losses.

If you or someone you love was hit by a car in Las Vegas, contact us today for a free case consultation with an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney. At no cost to you, we can explain how the law applies to your situation, estimate claim value, and help weigh your legal options.

Contact us as soon as possible after your accident. A member of our team is available to hear from you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.