Why I-15 Is One of the Most Dangerous Highways in Nevada

Ever driven Interstate 15 near Las Vegas? Then you know it’s not for the faint of heart. High speeds, heavy traffic, and impatient drivers create a dangerous mix. In fact, it’s one of the deadliest stretches of highway in the state, and ranks as the sixth most hazardous interstate in the entire country.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• What makes I-15 so dangerous
• Where the worst crash hotspots are
• What to do if you’re injured in a wreck
• How liability works in Nevada highway collisions
• Why a car accident lawyer can be crucial to your case

What makes I-15 so dangerous?

I-15 runs north-south through Nevada, stretching from the California border near Primm through Las Vegas and up to the Arizona border. It’s a major corridor for tourists, commuters, freight trucks, and partygoers alike, and it’s constantly under pressure.

Multiple factors contribute to its high accident rate:

1. High volume of traffic

I-15 handles a staggering amount of traffic, especially around Las Vegas. Weekends and holidays see huge surges in volume, as visitors pour in from Southern California or head home after a night (or week) of partying.

According to NDOT and traffic reports, an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles travel between Las Vegas and the California state line every single day, with even higher peaks during major events.

2. Heavy truck traffic

Big rigs and commercial trucks account for a significant percentage of vehicles on I-15. When big trucks share the road with passenger cars (particularly drivers who insist on speeding or driving distractedly), there’s a serious risk of a major accident.

Truck-related crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles.

3. Impaired/fatigued drivers

Vegas doesn’t stop. That means drivers often hit the road after drinking, gambling, or staying up all night, especially when heading back to California. Impairment and fatigue are both major contributors to collisions along this route.

In fact, Clark County leads the state in DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes, with many of them happening on I-15 near or after leaving the Strip.

4. Speeding and driving aggressively

I-15’s speed limits range from 65 to 70 mph (and up to 80 mph depending on where you are), but many drivers ignore those numbers. Add in tailgating, just plain bad driving, or road rage, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

5. Border woes

The stretch of I-15 between Las Vegas and Primm is pretty well-known for weekend congestion. When thousands of Californians head home after a Vegas trip, the highway gets packed fast.

Notable problem areas on I-15

Some parts of I-15 are more dangerous than others. Here are a few areas that see a some of the most serious crashes:

• The I-15/US 95 (now I-11) Interchange (“Spaghetti Bowl”) – A complex, high-traffic interchange that confuses even locals.
• Downtown Las Vegas to the Strip corridor – Busy exits, tourists unfamiliar with the roads, and late-night traffic spikes.
• Primm to Sloan – A long, desolate stretch with limited exits, fast traffic, and frequent fatigue-related accidents.
• Southbound lanes near the California border – Congestion, speed variation, and frustrated drivers returning home.

According to a 2022 study by Moneywise, Nevada’s I-15 ranks among the top 10 deadliest interstates in the U.S., based on fatal crash rates per mile. Over a recent four-year period, there were more than 100 fatal crashes along Nevada’s portion of I-15 alone.

What to do if you’re injured in an I-15 crash

Highway collisions are chaotic, stressful, and often involve multiple vehicles. If you’ve been injured in an I-15 accident, here’s what you should do:

1. Call 911 immediately

Report the crash and request medical help, even if your injuries seem minor. Highway accidents can quickly escalate into dangerous scenes with secondary crashes.

2. Document the scene

If you’re able, take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and other drivers.

3. Seek medical attention

Always get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries (like concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma) may not be obvious right away.

4. Notify your insurance company

Report the crash, but don’t give a detailed recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer.

5. Contact a car accident lawyer

Interstate crashes often involve complex liability questions, multiple insurance companies, and high-dollar damages. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash, deal with insurers, and protect your right to compensation.

How Nevada law handles highway crash liability

Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning the person responsible for causing the accident (or their insurance company) is liable for damages. If you’re injured on I-15, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death (if a loved one is killed)

Modified comparative negligence

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.

For example: If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000 if your case went to trial.

Determining fault on a highway crash can be hard, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. Skid marks, dash cam footage, cell phone records, and even accident reconstruction experts may be needed to prove what happened.

What if a commercial truck was involved?

If your crash involved a semi-truck or commercial vehicle on I-15, you may have a separate claim against the trucking company or its insurer. Federal safety rules, driver logbooks, maintenance records, and more come into play, and trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams ready to fight liability.

That’s all the more reason to have an experienced car accident lawyer in your corner.

Finding a way forward after an auto accident

I-15 may be a main artery for Nevada, but it’s also one of the most dangerous highways in the state. Whether it’s speeding, drunk driving, or congestion near the California line, this road sees more than its share of tragedy.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash on I-15, don’t try to handle it alone. The insurance companies will do everything they can to limit your payout, especially in high-stakes highway cases.

An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, build a strong case, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Injured on I-15? We’re here for you.

At Claggett & Sykes, we know the risks of I-15 and the challenges victims face. Our Las Vegas legal team will stand up for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation.