Pedestrian Safety: What Tourists Need to Know About Walking Around Las Vegas
Millions of tourists visit Las Vegas each year, and the majority spend most of their time on the Strip. This iconic boulevard sees a constant flow of foot traffic at virtually all hours of the day. Walking along the Strip is one of the most enjoyable experiences for visitors, but it’s important to be mindful and stay safe. Pedestrian accidents involving motorists, other pedestrians, or hazardous conditions can result in serious injuries and put a damper on your vacation.
Although following appropriate safety precautions can help reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, even responsible tourists can suffer injuries due to the negligence of others. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident that another party caused, you may have grounds for legal action. To learn more about your legal rights, contact the experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers of the Cottle Firm at 702-722-6111.
How to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian in Las Vegas
The chaotic streets of Las Vegas can be overwhelming for visitors, especially those from smaller cities. Fortunately, the following safety rules can help keep you safe and reduce your risk of being injured as a pedestrian.
Staying Alert
Las Vegas is a 24-hour city, which means that sidewalks and other pedestrian areas are typically teeming with people. Staying alert is vital for your safety. Being aware of your surroundings can help you anticipate and avoid potential hazards. Avoid jaywalking, as it is both illegal and dangerous. Stick to sidewalks and designated pedestrian areas, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Using Designated Crosswalks
You should only cross streets at marked pedestrian crosswalks. Las Vegas has several busy intersections, and vehicles often travel at high speeds along the Strip. Nevada law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, but this doesn’t mean you should assume drivers will stop – always make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road.
Las Vegas also features pedestrian bridges in many high-traffic areas. These structures allow tourists to cross streets away from traffic, which helps avoid the risk of being struck by a vehicle. Pedestrian bridges are especially common along the Strip and near major resorts, where there is the most foot traffic.
Avoiding Distractions
Tourists often use their phones to look at directions, take pictures, or text friends, but these activities can divert your attention from your surroundings and put you at risk. Minimize cell phone use while walking and avoid wearing headphones at high volumes. Staying attentive to your surroundings can help you avoid stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle or tripping over objects on the sidewalk.
Traveling in Groups
Groups of pedestrians are arguably more safe than single walkers. A group is more visible to motorists and groups are more likely to be engaged with their surroundings, rather than falling victim to distractions like cell phone use. When crossing streets, coordinate your movements to stick together and follow traffic signals.
City Initiatives for Pedestrian Safety
The Las Vegas city government is dedicated to improving pedestrian safety through a series of city initiatives. For instance, the city is testing AI systems to optimize crosswalk signals based on pedestrian traffic, with the goal of reducing wait times and ensuring safer crossings.
UNLV’s Transportation Research Center leads an initiative called the Ped Safe Nevada Program, which is designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities through education, advocacy, and community engagement. In addition to pedestrian safety, the program educated Nevada residents on bicycle and motorcycle safety.
In 2015 and 2016, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) built approximately $10 million in pedestrian safety improvements, mainly in Clark and Washoe counties. In Las Vegas, improvements included the installation of updated ADA-compliant sidewalks, S-islands, pedestrian medians, rapid flashing beacons with advanced warning signals, updated roadway signs and striping, and improved pedestrian lighting.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way in Las Vegas?
Nevada Statute 484B.287 grants pedestrians the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections. However, this does not absolve pedestrians of responsibility. You’re required to obey traffic signals and avoid entering the roadway if a vehicle is too close to stop in time.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians but you should still stay vigilant and cautious to reduce risks. Jaywalking remains a significant issue in Las Vegas, and pedestrians caught crossing outside designated areas may face fines, in addition to putting themselves at risk for serious injuries.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Pedestrian Accident
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, your next steps are pivotal both for your health and your legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should always be the top priority after an accident. Even if you don’t think you suffered any serious injuries, you should still get checked out by a medical professional. Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding sometimes have delayed symptoms. In addition, undergoing medical care helps document injuries, which may be necessary if you decide to take legal action against a negligent party for causing your injuries.
Document the Incident
You will need evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim against another party for causing your injuries. Documenting the incident helps establish a clear record of what happened.
Take photographs of the scene, including any vehicles involved, your injuries, and any visible property. If you were injured in a slip or trip and fall, take photos of the hazardous condition that caused the fall. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
Consider writing down the details of the events as well, such as the time and location of the accident, weather conditions, and your initial symptoms. This documentation can help your attorney build a stronger claim.
File a Police Report
If you were injured by a motorist, contact local law enforcement to file an official police report. The report serves as an objective account of the incident and can include details like the driver’s information, witness statements, and a description of the accident. This police report can strengthen your case when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
Consider Contacting Your Hotel
Many Las Vegas hotels offer concierge services that can assist you in emergencies. Let them know about the incident, as they can help you access local medical services or transportation. Some hotels may also provide information about legal resources or support services for tourists. Additionally, hotels may act as a point of contact if you need to receive urgent documents or messages.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
If your pedestrian injury was caused by the negligence of another party, that party may be held liable for damages in a personal injury claim. Below are the most common liable parties in pedestrian injury cases in Las Vegas.
Drivers
Drivers can be held liable for striking and injuring pedestrians if their negligence was a factor. If the driver was speeding, distracted, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or failed to follow traffic laws, they may be held responsible for the accident. Victims can pursue compensation for their injuries and all related damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Property Owners
Some pedestrian accidents occur due to unsafe property conditions. For example, a pedestrian could slip and fall on a walkway due to a liquid spill that was not cleaned up in a timely manner. In such cases, property owners may be held liable for damages under Nevada’s premises liability laws.
The City of Las Vegas
In some cases, the city government can be held liable for damages for injuries caused by unsafe conditions. Poor road design, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained sidewalks can create hazards for pedestrians. When such hazards contribute to an accident, the city could potentially be held liable. For example, a cracked public sidewalk or a malfunctioning pedestrian signal at an intersection could lead to preventable injuries and potential liability for the city.
Other Pedestrians
The actions of other pedestrians can sometimes lead to accidents. For example, someone might push another person into traffic during a crowded event or create a tripping hazard by blocking a walkway. In such cases, the negligent pedestrian could be held liable for the accident.
Shared Liability and Complex Cases
In some cases, more than one party may share liability. For instance, a driver might be partially at fault for speeding, while the city could also be liable for failing to maintain proper signage. Shared liability can complicate legal claims, as courts or insurance companies must determine each party’s degree of fault.
Nevada also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that both sides of a personal injury claim are evaluated for negligence and assigned a percentage of fault. You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim as a Tourist
If you were injured while visiting Las Vegas, you can still take legal action even after you’ve returned home. Consider hiring an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer who can represent you through each step of the process. Filing a personal injury claim as a tourist generally includes the following steps.
Gathering Evidence
Personal injury claims rely on strong evidence. Document every detail of the accident, including photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Additional forms of evidence, such as police reports or traffic camera footage, can also strengthen your claim.
Keep all medical records, including bills and doctor’s notes. These will help quantify the financial impact of your injuries. If you’ve lost income due to your accident, gather pay stubs or employer verification to support your claim for lost wages.
Assessing Damages
Damages in a personal injury case include more than just medical expenses. They may also cover lost income, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Work with an attorney to calculate the full extent of your damages.
Filing a Claim
Once you’ve gathered sufficient evidence, the next step is filing your claim. This typically involves submitting documentation to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters, as they may attempt to minimize your compensation.
Negotiating a Settlement
Most personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. During this stage, your attorney will work with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a fair agreement. Having legal representation helps ensure that you are not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
Litigation (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your case may proceed to litigation. In this stage, your attorney will file a lawsuit and present your case in court. While most cases are settled before reaching trial, the possibility of litigation can add leverage during negotiations.
Nevada’s Statute of Limitations
Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file your claim within two years of the accident. Act promptly to protect your legal rights. Delaying the process may result in lost evidence or missed opportunities to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Seeking Legal Help in Las Vegas
If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Las Vegas, it is highly recommended to hire a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer with experience in pedestrian accident cases. A local lawyer understands Nevada’s laws and can represent your interests effectively. Services they can provide include:
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Gathering evidence and building a strong case.
- Representing you remotely, so you don’t need to stay in Las Vegas for legal proceedings.
Attorneys can also help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including long-term medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Learn More From Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
Have you recently suffered an injury while visiting Las Vegas? If the accident was caused by negligence, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim. At the Cottle Firm, our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers help injury victims take legal action against negligent parties, such as casinos and other properties. Contact us today at 702-722-6111 to discuss your pedestrian accident case in a free consultation.
