Pedestrian accident in Las Vegas leads to critical injuries

March 12, 2014 (Press-News.org) Pedestrian accident in Las Vegas leads to critical injuries

Article provided by Ralph A. Schwartz, P.C.
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A man from England was crossing Flamingo Road in Las Vegas when he was struck by a commercial truck. The truck was allegedly turning left on a green signal when it struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing in the designated crosswalk at the time of the accident.

The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital for treatment. According to a recent report by the Las Vegas Sun the man's medical status is listed as critical. Although critics of the accident argue the intersection is dangerous and visibility in the area is less than ideal, drivers of motor vehicles owe pedestrians a duty of care when operating their vehicles. If an accident results because this duty was violated, the driver of the vehicle could be held liable for the injuries.

Nevadans at an increased risk of injury from motor vehicle accidents

In addition to the legal duty of the driver, the accident also draws attention to Nevada's high rate of injuries in motor vehicle related accidents. A report previously released by the University of Nevada Las Vegas' School of Community Health Sciences in collaboration with Nevada's State Health Division and the Bureau of Child Family and Community Wellness found the injury mortality rate of Nevadans exceeded the national average.

More specifically, according to the report the leading cause of death for Nevadans between the ages of 5 and 34 were motor vehicle crashes. The study also found that pedestrians were at increased risk.

Compensation may be available

The cost of treating these injuries is high. The same study estimated treatment for these types of injuries in the United States cost over $200 billion a year. Although this figure takes medical expenses into consideration, it does not account for the high human cost. This can include lost wages, reduced quality of life and the loss of a loved one.

In many cases, these accidents can be prevented. If the accident is the result of a reckless or careless act, the driver can likely be held liable for his or her actions. In most cases, the legal theory of negligence can be used to hold the driver accountable. Essentially, a driver is negligent if he or she operated the vehicle in a manner that led to an accident which resulted in injuries.

Establishing negligence can be difficult. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, contact an experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer. This legal professional will review your case and help you better understand your legal options and rights.