Las Vegas Crosswalk Laws
In the state of Nevada, 601 pedestrians were killed between 2008 and 2017. The overwhelming majority of these fatalities took place in Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated. Many pedestrian accidents are caused by driver error or negligence and a disregard for right of way laws. To help you avoid serious pedestrian accidents and injuries, it is essential to understand Las Vegas crosswalk laws.
Las Vegas Crosswalks
Crosswalks exist at just about any intersection in Las Vegas. They may have pavement markings, or they may not, but they are still designated as crosswalks for pedestrian use.
Under Nevada Statute 484B.287, pedestrians have the right of way as long as they are using the crosswalk appropriately or obeying all crosswalk signals at an intersection. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians that are following the pedestrian laws, such as:
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signals – meaning they cannot cross the road when they are not indicated to do so.
- Pedestrians must stay in the right-hand half of the crosswalk when able.
- Pedestrians cannot cross a street diagonally unless the crosswalk designates them to do so.
- A pedestrian cannot suddenly cross a street in front of a vehicle if it is impossible for that vehicle to stop.
What Drivers Must Do
Drivers owe pedestrians a higher duty of care to share the road and drive safely. They must:
- Avoid accidents with pedestrians at all costs.
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Yield to all blind individuals using a cane or guide animal.
- Stop or slow down before passing another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
- Before entering a crosswalk in a school zone, they must wait for all persons to cross safely and for the crossing guard to exit the crosswalk and put down their sign.
Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Las Vegas
Pedestrians injured in Las Vegas crosswalk car accidents should immediately consult with an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer. They will help you determine if you have a case against the at-fault driver for compensation. People injured in crosswalk car accidents may be entitled to damages to cover medical bills, lost current and future income, pain and suffering, and more.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A crosswalk car accident can be devastating for the pedestrian. You may be facing a lengthy recovery and be unable to work for some time, if ever again. That’s where a Las Vegas personal injury attorney can step in. They will conduct an independent investigation into your accident and take over any dealings with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurer will not simply offer up a fair amount of compensation. Their goal is to pay as little as possible and may even try to blame you for your injuries.
Your attorney will gather sufficient evidence in support of your claim for a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to settle for appropriate compensation, your attorney will take your case in front of a jury to recover your losses.
We Offer Free Consultations
If you have been injured at a Las Vegas crosswalk, contact Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers. We have been helping injured clients for more than 20 years. Contact us online or call (702) 384-1414 today.