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On Monday morning, shortly before 6 a.m. on October 26, an 84-year-old woman was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of East Cheyenne Avenue and North Walnut Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard. The incident involved a burgundy Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, with the driver reportedly traveling westbound on East Cheyenne Avenue.
The victim, who was in a wheelchair, was struck while crossing outside of a marked crosswalk by the SUV's right front and was projected westbound onto the north curb. She was later taken to University Medical Center's Trauma Unit, where she was pronounced dead.
The driver of the SUV fled the scene westbound on East Cheyenne Avenue. The roadway was closed for investigation, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Collision Investigation Section is seeking information from witnesses. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department at (702) 828-3595 or (702) 828-2892 (anonymous hotline).
Alternatively, Crime Stoppers can be reached at (702) 385-5555 or through the website www.CrimeStoppersOfNV.com, or via the mobile app "P3."
Attorney Opinion on This Fatal Hit-and-Run
This is a tragic incident that the driver of the SUV has made worse for themselves. Based on the information given to us now, if the driver of the Tahoe had remained at the scene, cooperated with police, was not under the influence, and didn't commit any reckless driving actions, I could see them not facing any criminal charges for the reason that the pedestrian was reportedly crossing outside of a designated crossing zone.
However, they could still face a civil wrongful death lawsuit because, even though jaywalkers are technically breaking the law, drivers owe a high duty of care to pedestrians, meaning that even with a jaywalking pedestrian, you must do everything in your power to avoid hitting them.
But since the driver fled the scene, they'll probably be charged with a felony hit-and-run, along with a potential civil lawsuit, which is going to be harder to defend because they fled.
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The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm that specializes in representing those in car, truck, bus, and motorcycle accidents. Founded in 2001, our law firm has over 20 years of legal experience in Nevada and has remained dedicated to securing the maximum settlement for those injured in motor vehicle accidents. Our firm offers free consultations, which can be set up by calling or sending an email inquiry.
