Nevada Ranks 13th in Pedestrian Fatalities: New Study

Nevada has one of the nation's highest pedestrian accident fatality rates in the country, according to a recent study. That's probably because Nevada recently set a record high for pedestrian deaths for the entire state last year.

So, just how bad are pedestrian fatalities in Nevada? Why do so many pedestrian accidents happen? And which people are most at risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident? Here's what you need to know.

Pedestrian fatalities set new record in Nevada

Bumper recently published a study about which states have the most pedestrian accidents in the country. Based on pedestrian accident data analyzed by Bumper, Nevada has the 13^th highest pedestrian fatality rate of any state in the country, according to a News 3 Las Vegas story about the findings of the study.

Such numbers come as no surprise since Nevada set a record in 2022 for the most pedestrian accident fatalities in a single year, according to a pedestrian accident study conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Last year, 90 pedestrians died in accidents in Nevada, the most pedestrian deaths since 2017, when there were 91 pedestrian deaths, and the second highest death toll since 2012, according to accident data collected by the GHSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Why do pedestrian accidents happen?

Pedestrian accidents can occur due to various factors and circumstances, often sharing common elements identified in recent studies such as the Bumper study. These factors shed light on why pedestrian accidents happen:

Drunk drivers: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant risk to pedestrians as impaired judgment and reduced reaction times increase the likelihood of accidents.
Speeding drivers: Excessive speeding not only reduces a driver's ability to stop in time but also intensifies the impact of collisions, making pedestrians more vulnerable to severe injuries.
Aggressive drivers: Drivers who display aggressive behaviors, such as ignoring crosswalks, running red lights, or failing to yield to pedestrians, contribute to higher pedestrian accident rates.

Furthermore, pedestrian accidents tend to be more prevalent during the fall and winter months, particularly in October, November, and December. Reduced daylight hours during this period make pedestrians less visible on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.

Which pedestrians are most at risk?

Certain groups of pedestrians are also at a higher risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents, as revealed by the Bumper study and corroborated by research conducted by the GHSA and NHTSA. These high-risk groups include:

Pedestrians 55 to 59 years old (10 percent of pedestrian accident victims)
Men (69 percent of injury victims)
People walking on Thursday and Friday (the highest pedestrian accident days of the week)
People walking between 7 and 9 pm (the most dangerous time of day for pedestrians)

Claims involving injured pedestrians can be complex

Dealing with claims related to injured pedestrians can be a complex process. These cases often involve various factors, including the unique circumstances of the accident and the severity of the pedestrian's injuries. As such, injured pedestrians may face challenges in seeking compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Additionally, these cases may require a thorough investigation to determine liability, including assessing the actions of the driver, road conditions, traffic signals, and other potential contributing factors. An experienced attorney can collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to establish liability and calculate the full extent of damages.

Our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers at Lasso Injury Law are here to help. If you were hit by a car or your loved one died in a fatal pedestrian accident, contact our law firm to review your potential legal options. We can help you fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.