Pedestrian Accidents on the Vegas Strip: Who’s at Fault?

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the busiest pedestrian corridors in the entire United States. Roughly 38.5 million visitors come to this city every year, navigating the city’s hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops. However, the Strip also sees incredibly dense traffic. With constant crowds at intersections and a never-ending flow of cars, the Strip sees a fair number of pedestrian accidents every year.

Drivers navigating busy roads, tourists unfamiliar with the Strip, and crowded conditions ramp up the likelihood of accidents. Learn more about pedestrian accidents on the Strip, and when you’re ready to start your pedestrian accident claim, contact Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers.

Why are pedestrian accidents so common on the Las Vegas Strip?

Unfortunately, Las Vegas has the ideal combination of factors for a regular stream of pedestrian accidents. There is a constant flow of vehicle traffic along Las Vegas Boulevard. In addition to tourists driving their own vehicles or hailing rideshares, the road is also used by the city’s year-round residents who have learned to navigate the traffic.

Additionally, thousands of people may be walking along the Strip at any given hour. Crowded sidewalks and crosswalks often create confusion about when and where it is safe to cross the street. One person may start to cross against the light because they think it’s safe, only for dozens more to follow them, creating the conditions for an accident.

Visitors also often struggle with the layout of the Las Vegas Strip. They may be looking for a specific destination, staring at their phone’s directions, or otherwise ignoring the traffic conditions around them. This may lead them to unsafe routes or inadvertently lead them into traffic.

Finally, Las Vegas is incredibly busy at night—a time when car accidents already tend to spike. When you combine heavy traffic, pedestrians who may or may not be familiar with the area, and alcohol consumption, you have a situation where accidents are nearly inevitable.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents on the Strip

Las Vegas Strip pedestrian collisions happen for a number of reasons. In many cases, it’s not just one error or bad decision that causes an accident, but several factors, including:

• Distracted driving, particularly by tourists who may be looking at their GPS, asking passengers for directions, or watching entertainment displays while walking
• Distracted pedestrians, who may be focused on their phones, trying to take pictures, or looking for entrances to their next stop
• Jaywalking, a common issue when sidewalks are busy and hard to navigate
• Confusing traffic patterns and poor signage
• Alcohol consumption by drivers or pedestrians

Dangerous pedestrian areas along the Vegas Strip

While every part of the Las Vegas Strip may be risky for pedestrians, there are some areas that generally see higher numbers of pedestrian accidents. These areas tend to be those with more traffic and heavy crowd activity, as well as those near major resorts and casinos. The areas where Las Vegas Boulevard intersects with Flamingo Road, Tropicana Avenue, and Spring Mountain Road all see substantial foot traffic and vehicle traffic.

However, it’s not just on the road that you’ll see these accidents happen. Parking garages, entrances and exits of major attractions, ride pickup zones, and parking lots can also lead to accidents—particularly when traffic backs up, and drivers get frustrated or impatient.

How does Nevada assign fault in pedestrian accident cases?

Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state, which can affect how fault is determined and how injured people recover compensation. Liability may be divided between multiple people, but as long as a victim is not more than 50% responsible for the accident, they may still recover compensation. If the pedestrian is partially responsible for the collision, their compensation may be reduced proportionately to their share of liability.

When drivers may be liable

Drivers have a legal duty to drive safely and take reasonable steps to protect pedestrians, particularly since pedestrians have no physical protection against vehicles. Drivers may be considered negligent if they:

• Fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Drive at unsafe speeds
• Operate a vehicle while distracted or fatigued
• Drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Ignore traffic signals

Even when drivers have the right of way, they are expected to exercise caution around pedestrians. If a pedestrian crosses the road outside of a crosswalk, a driver is expected to exercise due caution to avoid hitting them when possible. Of course, this doesn’t include situations where a pedestrian steps out quickly, giving a driver no time to avoid a crash.

When pedestrians may share liability

There are also many situations where pedestrians may share liability for a collision. They include:

• Crossing the street outside a designated crosswalk
• Ignoring traffic signals and crossing on a “don’t walk” signal
• Stepping into traffic without checking for vehicles
• Entering the roadway when it is unsafe to do so
• Walking while impaired by drugs or alcohol

Note that even if a pedestrian is partially to blame for an accident, they may still be able to recover compensation if they are no more than 50% to blame. This determination may be evaluated by insurance adjusters during negotiations, but is ultimately decided by a jury or court if the case proceeds to litigation.

Injured on the Las Vegas Strip? Call our team to help

At Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers, we understand how a pedestrian accident can derail your Las Vegas vacation and leave you unsure of where to turn next. We’re here to help you fight for compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable. Reach out online.