The number of Nevada fatal traffic accidents has been on the rise. In terms of traffic-related deaths, 2021 ended up being the deadliest since 2006 as reported by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. 382 road deaths were reported throughout the entire year of 2021, with as many as 26 occurring in December alone. This statistic represents an increase of 18% from the number of fatalities in 2020 and a rise of 21% from the fatalities reported in 2019. Additionally, according to the same report, speeding and drunk driving were the main contributors to traffic-related deaths.
In this article, we will talk more about the most recent statistics, yearly trends, as well as the most common casualties of fatal traffic accidents in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas. If you lost your loved one in a Nevada car accident, you can contact the Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Law Firm. We will help you recover the rightful compensation you are entitled to.
Recent Statistics on Las Vegas Fatal Crashes
The Nevada Department of Transportation provides a detailed dashboard with more recent statistics, information on accident control, as well as safety guidelines. Detailed statistics support the growing crisis of car crashes across Las Vegas and the rest of Nevada.
Throughout the state, for instance, there were 349 road fatalities in November 2021, a 20% increase from 2020 and a 25% increase from 2019. Among those killed were 79 pedestrians and 71 drivers who were not wearing seat belts.
Pedestrian accidents account for nearly one-quarter of all automobile fatalities in the state. Ninety percent of pedestrian deaths take place on urban roads, with the majority of casualties coming from Clark County. A sum of 63 percent of these pedestrian fatalities takes place in areas without a marked crosswalk. About 2.5 percent of road deaths involve bicyclists, which is a significantly lower percentage. In contrast, a crash involving a motorcycle increases the risk of death by 28 times.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages all drivers to share the roads and be cautious. Additionally, they advise motorcyclists to wear safety equipment like helmets and reflective clothing to ensure they are visible. In a motorcycle crash, wearing helmets and protective clothes can significantly prevent fatalities and serious injuries.
Who are the Victims of Fatal Car Accidents?
Although passengers and drivers are the main casualties in fatal traffic collisions, pedestrians account for roughly 24 percent of the overall fatalities, according to the Office of Traffic Safety. The statistics also show that a little over 20% of fatalities involve unrestrained drivers who are not wearing seatbelts. The two main factors that contribute to most of these deadly collisions are drunk driving and speeding.
To help decrease the leading 2 causes of traffic deaths, Las Vegas, as well as the larger Nevada region, has implemented measures like traffic monitoring and motorist education initiatives.
According to the same statistics, fatalities have increased by around 24% since 2020, with motorcycle deaths experiencing a similar rise. Compared to the rest of Nevada, Clark County has a significantly higher rate of fatalities among motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Unrestrained passenger fatalities somewhat decreased in 2020, but consistent seat belt use may have saved more lives. The number of pedestrian fatalities has decreased slightly as well, however, this figure could decrease if pedestrians implemented certain safety measures, such as stopping jaywalking and sporting dark clothing when walking on the street.
What are the Leading Causes For Traffic Deaths?
Driver intoxication and speeding are among the main factors contributing to traffic deaths in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. In Nevada, driving while intoxicated is the main reason for collisions, injuries, and fatalities, accounting for 133 fatalities in 2018, according to the Department of Public Safety. The second most common problem is excessive speed, both of which are easily avoidable.
As per the data, approximately 40% of road fatalities in Nevada are caused by drunk driving, which includes using alcohol, cannabis, or prescription medications. The permissible blood alcohol content, or BAC, the threshold for drivers is 0.02 percent for those below 21 years, 0.04 percent for those with commercial licenses, and 0.08 percent for every other motorist.
When it comes to driving under the influence, law enforcement treats marijuana consumption similar to drunk driving, making arrests based on observed intoxication. Charges of driving under the influence might result from using prescription drugs as well.
Speeding is yet another leading cause of fatal accidents. Impaired driving is a contributory factor in most incidents triggered by speeding motorists. High-speed collisions are happening more frequently in the Las Vegas region. Speeds higher than 100 miles per hour result in many moving offenses, with the majority of fines recorded in Las Vegas.
Straight, level, and open roads encourage driving at faster speeds, particularly when shared by drivers of other fast cars or those who could be under the influence of alcohol. Among the steps taken to lessen excessive speeding are teaching drivers about the risks, designing roadways with traffic-calming measures, stepping up enforcement, reducing the width of roadways, and putting up flashing interactive signage to alert speeders.
Lane deviations and intersections are other contributing factors in accidents. Accidents could be prevented by using safe driving techniques including being attentive. Additionally, initiatives like road design and educational programs can help create a safe and secure driving experience. Accidents are also caused by distracted driving, which includes chatting, texting, snacking, using phones, and other things that divert focus from the roads in front of you.
Non-drivers must use caution as well. The majority of pedestrian fatalities happen in the middle of the street when there isn't a designated crossing. Even though wearing seatbelts can't stop accidents from happening, it is a protective measure that might have been able to stop fatalities including unrestrained passengers or drivers.
The Las Vegas region sees an increase in car accidents every year, most of which are the result of negligence. In Las Vegas, drivers as well as other accident victims are required to prove liability. It is critical to have an expert lawyer on your side to safeguard your claim for fair recompense for property damage and injury.
Have You Been Involved in a Car Accident in Las Vegas? What You Should Know
What you will do next after a Nevada traffic accident could make a huge difference. If another motorist was to blame, you have a legal right to demand compensation. However, you might not receive everything you expect, if you don't take the correct steps. Our Las Vegas attorneys, Nevada advise you to take these steps after a car accident to assist you to obtain your compensation:
Was Anyone Injured? Stay Put At the Accident Scene
Unless you require urgent emergency medical help, stay at the accident scene if anyone has been killed or hurt. Failing to comply with this (also known as a Nevada hit-and-run) is a crime that carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.
Seek Medical Attention If Necessary
Call 9-1-1 or have someone else call on your behalf if you require emergency medical care. If you can, make a point of asking the medical professional to take thorough notes.
Move to a Secure Location
Vehicles that are obstructing traffic can cause additional injury. When someone has been critically wounded, it is advisable to keep the vehicles where they are till the authorities arrive. Alternatively, if it is possible to do so, pull over your vehicle to the side of the roadway.
Keep a Record of the Other Motorist’s Details
Note down or take a picture of the registration number, as well as its make, model, and colors of the other cars implicated in the collision, as soon as you are certain nobody is gravely hurt. Take pictures of the incident and any car damage if you can and it is safe to do so.
Get the Names and Numbers of Other Motorists and Witnesses
The most crucial information you could obtain is the other driver's name, the insurance company as well as policy number, and also the other motorist's Nevada license number. Obtain the most recent contact details from everybody who was an eyewitness to the incident or who saw it happen, if at all. Record the names of any law enforcement personnel who responded to the incident and note it down.
Another crucial piece of evidence is the other vehicle's identification number. The VIN needs to be included on the other motorist's insurance card.
You might be able to locate the proof of insurance on the motorist's dashboard or in the door if the other motorist does not have their insurance or is uninsured. When another motorist won't cooperate, don't try to obtain the Vehicle Identification number from their vehicle. Just jot down or take a picture of the license plate.
Irrespective of who's at fault, make sure to give the other motorist your information.
Don't Admit Liability
This point cannot be emphasized enough. Even though you believe you were to blame, avoid admitting any fault on your side. It's possible that the other motorist contributed to the collision or that you were mistaken about its cause.
Admitting guilt or even expressing regret can result in you having to make payments you don't have to or prevent you from receiving the compensation you are entitled to for your vehicle accident. It's okay to inquire if the other motorist is hurt or requires medical attention. Request the other motorist to phone your insurance provider if they’re attempting to get you to acknowledge fault.
Do Not Tell the Other Driver That You are Not Injured
Do not tell the other motorist that you are fine, even when you don't believe you were hurt. It may take days for injuries to appear. By saying you are fine, you grant the other motorist's insurance provider or attorney grounds to reject or scale back your claim.
But don't make up an injury when you don't have one or if you're unsure. Keep your possibilities open until several days have passed so that you may assess how you are feeling and get medical help if necessary.
Take Immediate Note of Your Impressions
Write down all that you can recall about the incident as early as possible, including:
- the date and time when the accident happened
- Each vehicle's cross streets as well as the direction of travel
- Your best approximation of the speed of each driver, and
- any unfavorable traffic conditions
Take a picture of any scrapes, bruising, or other obvious wounds, or even better, ask a friend to take photos. The more proof of the damages you have, the higher your chances of receiving the optimum compensation you demand.
File an Accident Report
You must inform the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles before 10 days have passed since the collision if there were any fatalities or serious injuries, and whether any cars or property damaged were worth $750 or maybe more. You risk having your Nevada driving license suspended for up to one year if you don't do this.
If another motorist was implicated in the collision, you should let your insurance company know. Most insurance companies demand that you report car accidents. An accident won't increase your premiums if you weren't at fault. Furthermore, when you're at fault, early notification can give the insurer a higher chance of successfully contesting your claim.
There is more room for discretion if there were no other motorists present. Consumer Reports advises documenting an accident throughout all circumstances, except for low-speed, single-car collisions (like driving into a wall or garage) in which there are no injuries and the damages is less than your accident deductible value.
Consider Hiring an Attorney
An expert Las Vegas car accident attorney can assist you in protecting your rights and determining if you are eligible for compensation.
Understanding How Nevada Fatal Car Accident Claims Work
When a loved one passes away in a Nevada vehicle accident, their parent, domestic partner, child, or spouse is entitled to reimbursement from the at-fault motorist's insurance company. If an accident results in injury to you, the insurance provider owes you compensation.
If you have been injured, restitution should take care of:
- Hospital fees and ongoing treatment expenses
- Long-term care healthcare expenses
- Lost wages, whether they be long-term or short-term, along with potential lost income
- Loss of capacity to work (in the event of a disability caused by the accident)
- Damage to property
- Suffering and pain
- Emotional suffering
It is said that the majority of insurance carriers don't hesitate to unjustly dismiss claims, even if it is obvious that you are eligible to claim compensation for hospital bills and property damage. You are responsible for seeking reasonable compensation for injuries or deaths sustained in the accident.
Dialogue with insurance carriers frequently takes a turn for the worse as they compete to grant the lowest amount possible in a settlement. It'd be appropriate if you had a knowledgeable attorney on your side who could handle all discussions and fight for the maximum settlement amount. If discussions fail, a skilled lawyer will be prepared to go to trial.
Every year, our knowledgeable legal team handles a large number of cases. These professionals have acquired the techniques necessary to influence insurers' judgments during talks on behalf of our clients. If the negotiations are satisfactory and a lawsuit is averted, you should get your payment within a few weeks.
If a Loved One Passes away in a Traffic Accident Compensation Should Take Care of:
Your Nevada fatal vehicle accident attorney will work to establish that another person is accountable for the death of your loved one before you obtain a payment. The expert can explore several compensatory claims that are probable to impact your future with the proof acquired. Among them are:
Medical Expenses
The medical expenses accrued should be covered by the liable party's insurance provider if your loved one received medical assistance before passing away from their injuries. This can amount to thousands of dollars in certain circumstances.
Funeral Costs
These expenses are related to planning a final sendoff for your loved one who has passed away. The cost of funeral arrangements lies with the liable party.
Loss of Companionship
It is impossible to accurately measure the death of a lifelong partner. Similarly, you need an attorney to assist you in coming up with an estimate that would make living a little pleasant, even after losing your spouse, child, or domestic partner.
Suffering and Pain
The passing of a partner or family can harm your psychological well-being. Such a loss can have a catastrophic impact on almost all facets of your existence. This encompasses your overall health as well as your capacity to retain a job and pay for your basic needs.
Punitive Damages
The responsible party cannot avoid the far-reaching power of the authorities if they were excessively negligent or purposefully caused the accident. Punitive damages may be paid by the offender through doing community service or jail time. Notably, punitive damages don't provide compensation. Rather, they punish the offender for wrongdoing.
Elements of Wrongful Death Following a Fatal Car Accident
You must demonstrate that the defendant was legally accountable for your loved one's demise to be awarded compensation. To prove that the defendant violated the duty of reasonable care and caused the death of your loved one, your attorney will assist you in presenting "clear and compelling" proof in court. To put it simply, you must establish certain components of wrongful death before receiving compensation. These components are:
- Death of a loved one
- You're a personal representative or heir of the decedent
- The loss of a loved one resulted in financial losses
Demonstrating that somebody passed away is as easy as producing the medical documents and the deceased's death certificate. However, you might need help from a professional attorney to show that the accused acted knowingly, negligently, or carelessly resulting in a death that could've been prevented.
Nevada law (Nevada Revised Statutes 41.085) grants you the ability to file a wrongful death lawsuit against an offender whose acts resulted in the death of your loved one. You could still pursue the claim when the at-fault party also perished during the automobile crashes.
Ultimately, submitting a claim can be nerve-wracking. Wrongful death claims in car accidents are more emotionally taxing than personal injury claims since the stakes are raised. With our skilled attorneys defending your rights, you shouldn't have to put yourself through further pain.
The Nevada Statute of Limitations and When to Contact a Fatal Car Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in a Nevada car accident, it's critical to submit your claim before the statute of limitations expires. You would benefit from having basic knowledge of these statutes' operation and potential impact on your case. The state-imposed limit for submitting a claim following a loved one dying in a fatal automobile accident is 2 years.
Your efforts to obtain wrongful death in Nevada could be ineffective when the two-year window has passed. Please remember that the Nevada Statute of Limitations starts on the day of the accident.
Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the incident.
There is a different Statute of Limitations for making claims for property damages resulting from a car accident. In this instance, you get a three-year limit to seek compensation from the liable party's insurance provider.
It's best if you can contact a Las Vegas fatal vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible. It is, nonetheless, totally acceptable to get medical attention first and receive basic care for any injuries sustained. When you are ready to lodge a compensation claim, be sure you hire an attorney you can depend on. We can further help enhance your claim to offer you a dominant position during insurance discussions.
Find a Las Vegas Fatal Car Accident Attorney Near Me
If you have lost a loved one in a vehicle accident as a result of someone else's irresponsible or negligent conduct in Las Vegas, NV, you should seek legal representation immediately. At the Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney Law Firm, we are prepared to look into your case and help you recover the compensation you are eligible for. Call us today at 702-576-0010.
