Nevada Sees 12% Rise in Road Fatalities, Clark County Hit Hard

An aerial view of a sprawling residential area in Las Vegas, Nevada, with distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

The first half of 2024 has been particularly deadly on Nevada's roads. Recent data from the State of Nevada's Department of Public Safety revealed a troubling rise in serious car accidents and road fatalities. So far this year, more than 200 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents across the state. A staggering 146 of those fatalities occurred in Clark County alone.

This marks a significant 12.36% increase in fatalities compared to the same period last year, according to the year-to-date report. In addition to the overall death toll, 59 pedestrian fatalities occurred. A lack of seatbelt use also led to 27 deaths.

What is the leading cause of road fatalities in Nevada?

The primary causes behind these tragic incidents continue to be speeding and impaired driving. Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in the road or traffic conditions and increases the severity of collisions when they occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 12,151 road deaths across the United States were caused by speeding.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances is a major contributor to fatal car accidents. Impairment slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of reckless behavior. Drunk driving alone resulted in 13,524 traffic fatalities across the U.S. in 2022, according to the NHTSA.

Other common causes of traffic fatalities include:

Distracted driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. Distracted driving diverts attention from the road and led to 3,308 deaths on U.S. roads in 2022.
Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a leading cause of car accidents at intersections, where high-impact collisions often result in fatalities. In 2022, about 42,514 traffic deaths happened at signalized intersections.
Fatigued driving: Drowsy driving impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and can lead to a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Fatigued driving caused 693 road deaths in 2022.

What are my legal options if a loved one dies in a crash?

In Nevada, you may qualify to file a wrongful death claim if you lost a loved one in a car accident, but certain conditions must be met. You must be an immediate family member, such as the deceased person's spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent. If the deceased person didn't have any immediate family members, the personal representative of their estate may file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative acts on behalf of the deceased's estate and any beneficiaries.

To pursue a successful wrongful death claim in Nevada, you must show that the death was caused by another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongful act. You must also establish that the at-fault driver's negligence or wrongful act directly caused the death of your loved one.

Lastly, you must demonstrate that you have suffered damages as a result of your loved one's death. This can include financial losses (such as loss of income or funeral expenses) and non-economic losses (such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship).

A wrongful death claim pays for the following damages:

Medical and funeral expenses.
The deceased person's lost income and benefits.
Emotional distress and grief experienced due to the loss of your loved one.
Loss of companionship and support.

Get a Las Vegas attorney committed to fighting for crash victims

If you've been injured in a car accident or a loved one died due to someone else's negligence, you could be facing everything from accumulating medical expenses to the emotional toll of losing someone you love. When it comes to compensating you, the insurance companies don't always have your best interests in mind. They're typically more concerned with saving money. That's why you need a strong legal advocate who won't back down and will protect your rights.

An experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney at Lasso Injury Law, LLC is here to fight for the financial compensation you deserve and ensure you receive the justice and support you need. We don't let insurance companies take advantage of our clients. We have the case results to prove our track record of success, including:

A $750,000 settlement for an elderly woman who suffered serious back injuries when she was T-boned at an intersection.
A $710,000 settlement for a client who suffered serious back and neck injuries in a rear-end collision.
A $375,972 settlement for a woman who suffered serious neck, back, and shoulder injuries in a rear-end motor vehicle crash.

Let our legal team gather the facts, build a strong case, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you're entitled to under Nevada law. Contact us online today for a free consultation, or call our Las Vegas law office to get started.