Car accidents occur every day on Nevada roads, leading to serious injuries and extensive vehicle damage. These collisions can happen for many reasons, from inclement weather to dangerous and defective roads. However, many motor vehicle accidents occur due to negligent driving behaviors that put others on the road at risk. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Nevada include drunk driving, running red lights, and failure to follow traffic signs and signals. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to a negligent driver, contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer for help navigating the legal process.
Distracted Driving
To operate a vehicle safely, it is important for a driver to focus his or her mind, hands, and eyes on the act of driving. Anything that distracts a driver from operating his or her car can be very dangerous. If a driver is distracted, he or she will be unable to quickly respond to hazards on the road and can easily collide with another vehicle or lose control of his or her car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 3,142 people died in distracted driving accidents during 2019.
Driving Under the Influence
It is highly illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances severely impair many of the functions required for safe driving, such as judgment, concentration, motor skills, and reaction times. Driving under the influence heightens the risk of an accident, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in serious danger. According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, 87 people died in drunk driving accidents in Nevada during 2018, and 10,984 people were arrested for drunk driving during that year.
Speeding
Drivers have a responsibility to obey the posted speed limit. Driving over the speed limit can have dangerous consequences; a driver may strike an unexpected pedestrian, collide with a vehicle that comes to a stop in front of him or her, or be unable to respond to an unexpected hazard on the road. If a driver is traveling at a very high speed, the impact of an accident can be extremely severe, leading to very serious and sometimes life-threatening serious injuries.
Failure to Follow Traffic Signs and Signals
Traffic signs and signals, such as red lights, yield signs, and stop signs, help control the flow of traffic and protect drivers from colliding with one another. However, not all drivers obey these important road markers. As a result, drivers can collide with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, it’s important to contact a Las Vegas, NV pedestrian accident lawyer for help navigating the legal process.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Before merging or changing lanes, drivers have a duty to ensure that the roadway is clear. If a driver fails to check for other vehicles, he or she can collide with oncoming cars, cyclists, or motorcyclists. These types of accidents can cause severe injuries and extensive vehicle damage.
Contact a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a car accident in Nevada, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Through a car accident insurance claim or lawsuit, you can recover damages related to your accident, including lost wages, medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. In these situations, it is important to hire a top-rated car accident attorney in Las Vegas who can represent your claim and fight for your best interests.
A Nevada car accident lawyer will have the skills and experience necessary to navigate your claim and secure the compensation you deserve. As soon as possible following your accident, speak to an attorney to discuss your case and plan your next steps.
Contact The Janda Law Firm today for a free consultation!