While car accidents can occur anywhere in Las Vegas, these collisions tend to occur more frequently in certain areas. To better help you understand where these dangerous areas are and the legal remedies you may have after a car accident, we prepared the below post. In it, we review hazardous intersections and roadways, explore why these areas see so many devastating collisions, and detail your legal options if another person caused you to suffer significant injuries in a car accident. Reach out to a car accident lawyer.
Recent Las Vegas Crash Statistics
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department indicates that there were over 20,324 collisions on Las Vegas roads in just one year. That is about 55 car accidents per day. In addition, The Nevada Department of Public Safety & Transportation’s comprehensive dashboard indicates that in the last year, Nevada experienced around 364 fatal crashes, with Clark County enduring 235 of these accidents, which resulted in over 250 deaths.
Las Vegas Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Las Vegas is a heavily congested city with visitors from around the world. However, as more people flock to the area, it can have a significant impact on road safety, especially as the streets become packed with drivers who may have no idea where they are going, those who have too many alcoholic drinks, and motorists who are simply not paying attention to the road. Yet, while these dangerous types of driving can happen on any of the roads in Las Vegas, the areas that end up experiencing accidents more frequently than others include:Dangerous Intersections
- West Sahara Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard
- East Charleston Boulevard and South Lamb Boulevard
- West Tropicana Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard, outside of the Orleans Hotel & Casino
- Paradise Road and East Tropicana Avenue, located on the opposite side of the Strip as the Tropicana/Decatur crossing
- West Sahara Avenue and Arville Street
Dangerous Roads
- I-15, which provides access to tourists locations along the Strip and connects Las Vegas to Southern California and Utah
- I-15/U.S. 95 interchange, referred to as the Spaghetti Bowl
- Flamingo Road between Paradise Road and Eastern Avenue. This area provides access from the Strep to the suburbs located around the Strip
- Eastern Avenue
- Red Rock Canyon Loop
- U.S. 93
Factors That Contribute to Motor Vehicle Accidents in Las Vegas
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that around 94 percent of all automobile collisions in the United States are due to driver errors. Sadly, Las Vegas is not immune to these stats, as driver negligence contributes to many accidents in the city. Take, for instance, some of the more common factors that tend to contribute to motor vehicle accidents in Las Vegas.Distracted Driving
When individuals do not pay attention to the roads because they divert their attention to other tasks, such as playing with the radio, talking or texting on the phone, or eating, it can result in horrifying crashes. Even a quick glance away from the road can cause a driver to lose control of their car and cause a motor vehicle collision.Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in catastrophic accidents. When a motorist decides to drive while under the influence, it can impact their driving abilities by impairing their focus, coordination, reactions, and vision, as well as their cognitive skills, which can affect their ability to make fast and sound decisions while they are driving.Speeding
When motorists are driving too fast on the roads, the vehicle not only becomes harder to control, but these motorists cannot stop if they need to do so quickly, especially in an emergency. In addition, the impact of these crashes can be disastrous, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is a term used to describe a motorist committing a combination of traffic offenses that endanger other individuals and property. Aggressive driving tends to include the following types of unsafe driving behavior:- Speeding in heavy traffic
- Tailgating
- Cutting off other drivers
- Slowing down a vehicle in front of other motorists
- Weaving through traffic
- Running a red light
- Changing lanes and not putting on a turn signal
- Blocking cars that are trying to pass you or change lanes
Drowsy Driving
Per a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in twenty-five adult drivers reported falling asleep while driving. Drowsy driving is defined as a combination of fatigue and operating a vehicle, which results from a person not getting enough sleep, taking certain medications, working shifts, consuming alcohol, and having certain types of sleep disorders. However, even when a motorist does not fall asleep behind the wheel, drowsiness can still slow their reaction time and cause them to be less attentive to the road or make inappropriate choices.Poor Weather
Bad weather can lead to several issues for drivers. Fog, dust, rain, high winds, sun glare, and ice can result in dangerous conditions that can reduce wheel traction, impact a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle and cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle.Common Injuries Resulting From a Las Vegas Motor Vehicle Accident
Car crashes can result in many injuries ranging in severity and type. However, some of the more common types of trauma that tend to develop from these Las Vegas collisions include:- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Significant cuts and abrasions
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Scaring
- Amputations
- Death
Financial Damages You Can Pursue Following a Las Vegas Motor Vehicle Crash
Depending on the facts of the car accident, you may pursue certain types of compensation for the harm and losses you suffered following this accident. These monetary damages include the following:Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to compensation for actual losses that result from an accident, including:- Past and present medical expenses related to doctor visits, prescription medications, surgeries, and other types of treatment
- Future ongoing medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost business opportunities
- Replacement of domestic service expenses
- Costs related to the replacement or repair of personal property
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to compensation for the hard-to-quantify losses that result from a car accident, such as the following losses:- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of quality of life
- Inconvenience
- Loss of consortium
- Humiliation
- Reputation loss
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Punitive Damages
A court may award punitive damages following specific civil cases to punish the wrongful party for especially bad behavior and deter these parties and others from committing it. In Nevada, a Las Vegas car crash victim must show that the defendant acted fraudulently, maliciously, or with oppression to obtain punitive damages.Wrongful Death Damages
In Nevada, if a person is killed in an accident due to another person’s wrongdoings, their surviving family members or the victim’s estate can legally claim monetary damages by filing a wrongful death claim. The damages that can be obtained include everything from funeral and burial expenses to the victim’s loss of probable financial support. However, to better understand your options after losing a loved one in a Las Vegas car accident, discuss the situation with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. These lawyers can determine which damages you can pursue and help you fight for all the money you need.Time Limitations Involved With a Car Accident Legal Claim in Las Vegas
In Nevada, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit after a Las Vegas car accident is two years from the crash. However, exceptions to this rule can affect this filing period. If you believe you have a viable legal claim, do not wait to speak to an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney about the accident. These attorneys can help you determine how much time you have to file a lawsuit in Las Vegas and ensure all your documents are submitted to the proper court before this time expires.Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney and Discover Your Legal Options
- Answer your concerns and questions.
- Provide you with the legal support you need during this time.
- Investigate the incident and gather the evidence needed to show what happened and the extent of your damages.
- Help you determine who was responsible for your crash and hold these wrongful parties accountable for your losses.
- Hire experts to help your legal case, including economists, engineers, and accident reconstructionist specialists.
- Handle negotiation discussions and help you fight for the just offer you deserve.
- Proceed to trial if the other side is not offering you the money you need, and go after maximum compensation.