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Common Types of Car Accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada
Due to heavy vehicle traffic, constant road construction, and high pedestrian volume, car accidents occur every day in Las Vegas, resulting in serious injuries, damage, and even deaths.
However, what types of motor vehicle accidents occur more than others in Las Vegas? This question is important to answer as it provides insights for drivers and pedestrians alike on what dangers to look for on the road and take actions to avoid being involved in a car crash.
#1 Rear-End Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end car accidents result in around 29% of all crashes in the US.
These statistics make rear-end collisions not just the most common type of car accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, but also in the United States.
In Las Vegas, rear-end crashes often result from traffic congestion on major roads, such as the Las Vegas Strip, I-15, and West Sahara Avenue, combined with distracted driving or speeding.
#2 T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents, also called side-impact crashes, often occur at intersections or left turns, when the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another.
A side-impact crash has the potential to result in more severe injuries than other types of car accidents, as the sides of vehicles are often thinner and provide less protection to their occupants.
#3 Drunk Driving Accidents
While Las Vegas's 24/7 nightlife in casinos, bars, hotels, and other entertainment venues is crucial to the Nevada economy, it also, unfortunately, results in drunk drivers whose negligent and reckless actions turn them and their vehicles into threats on Las Vegas's roads and highways.
#4 Distracted Driving Accidents
The first thing we learn when first starting to drive is always to keep our eyes on the road; however, with phones and new in-car technology, staying focused on the road has become harder than ever, and statistics prove it, as the NHTSA reported that distracted driving resulted in 3,275 fatal crashes in 2023.
Additionally, Las Vegas's busy rush hour, notably poor traffic conditions, and erratic drivers, make it only take a second of distracted driving to get into a car accident.
#5 Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Las Vegas has always had heavy pedestrian traffic, especially on the Strip; however, with the boom of E-bikes and E-scooters, car accidents involving non-motor vehicles and pedestrians have skyrocketed in Las Vegas.
Additionally, a pedestrian, bicycle, or e-scooter accident involving an automobile is often a very serious car accident, for the obvious reason that pedestrians and cyclists have little to no means of protection against the impact of a motor vehicle.
#6 Multi-Vehicle Crashes
When a car crash occurs on congested Las Vegas city streets, the potential of a chain reaction of accidents is real.
A sudden stop on the road due to a crash could result in other vehicles facing the same fate.
#7 Head-On Car Crashes
While less common than the other types of accidents in the Las Vegas area, they still do occur on Las Vegas roads, and when they do, they often result in severe injuries, damages, and even fatalities.
Head-on traffic accidents typically occur on highways where an impaired driver or a distracted driver goes the wrong way or on small two-lane roads.
What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas
From contested areas to road hazards, auto accidents occur in Las Vegas for a variety of reasons; however, there are a few causes that stand out, which are:
- Distracted driving (Texting, using in-car tech, or personal grooming while driving)
- Impaired driving (Drugs or alcohol)
- Speeding
- Violating traffic laws
- Poor roads or weather conditions
- Drowsy driving
- Vehicle defects (Braking system errors or tire bursts)
Regardless of the cause of your car accident, you'll have an experienced car accident lawyer at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm ready to fight for the highest possible financial settlement on your behalf.
Schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney from our Nevada law firm today by calling (702) 566-3600.
How to Avoid Being in a Car Accident in Las Vegas
Some car wrecks, such as a driver running a red light or a distracted driver rear-ending the vehicle ahead of them, are unpreventable; however, there are some car accidents that are preventable by taking the right steps and precautions.
Focus on the Road 100%
Under no circumstances should you lose focus on the road, especially in congested areas, as even in a split second, the traffic flow can change, and if you're distracted, you may not have the reaction time to adapt to changes.
Never Drive After Drinking (Even One Drink)
While consuming alcohol is legal as long as you're of age, it becomes illegal the second you enter a vehicle.
Even though the legal BAC limit in Nevada is 0.08% even one light drink can affect the way you operate your vehicle.
Follow the Speed Limits and Traffic Laws
Always follow the posted speed limit and all applicable traffic rules, even if drivers behind you are pressuring you.
By breaking traffic laws, not only are you at risk of an accident, but you could also be cited, which may result in higher insurance premiums.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
When wanting to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, it's highly recommended to utilize the National Safety Council's three-second rule, which states that you should make a maker such as a road sign or tree and then note when the vehicle infront of you passess it, when is passess it count how long it takes for you to pass the same marker, if it's not at least three seconds that indicants you should increase your following distance.
Avoid Being Near Out-of-State Drivers
While this may sound like a personal grudge, it's not, trust me.
Due to Las Vegas's large yearly tourist volume, there are thousands of out-of-state and rental vehicles on the road at one time, and the drivers of these vehicles are often unfamiliar with Las Vegas's roads, patterns, and behaviors, making them more susceptible to making last minute turns, sudden stops, and other unexpected maneuvers that could put you in a dangerous situtation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Las Vegas
After a car accident in Las Vegas, the steps you take after it are crucial to ensuring a fast recovery and fair financial settlement.
The most recommended course of action to take after a car crash in Las Vegas, Nevada, is:
- Check for Injuries: Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved in the motor vehicle crash for injuries. If anyone is injured beyond small cuts or bruises, immediately call emergency medical services.
- Move to a Safe Location: Move yourself and others out of oncoming traffic, to avoid any further incidents, and if your vehicle is operable, move it as well.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Under Nevada law, NRS 484E.030, you must contact the police if the car crash resulted in injury, death, or property damage of $750.
- Exchange Information: Trade contact and insurance information with the other drivers. Additionally, if there are any witnesses, gather their statements and contact information, as they could prove valuable to your car accident claim.
- Gather Evidence: Using your phone, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including key elements such as vehicle damage, traffic signals, road signs, and other relevant objects.
- Seek Medical Treatment: No matter how you feel after the car crash, it's vital to your health and insurance claim to seek medical care from a doctor or, at a minimum, a physical therapist. Seeking prompt medical care can help ensure any hidden injuries are taken care of and that the insurance company can't undervalue your claim.
- Consult with a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney: The legal team at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm is one of the most seasoned teams in the state of Nevada, meaning we have the necessary skills to recover the largest possible settlement on your behalf, no matter the odds. Schedule a free consultation with our Las Vegas car accident lawyers today by calling (702) 566-3600.
How Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Wreck
The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm is one of the most experienced Las Vegas car accident law firms in the city, having over 20 years of legal experience.
Our attorneys are well-versed in the community and legal space and can provide many different benefits during your journey to recover compensation after a motor vehicle crash.
Determining Liability in Your Car Accident
Our attorneys will analyze all relevant evidence, such as police reports, surveillance footage, and accident photos, to determine and prove which driver acted negligently.
Ensure Your Claim Compensates You for ALL Your Damages
Using medical bills, lost wage statements, and a financial expert's opinions, we'll calculate the past and future damages the car accident caused to your life.
Through our advanced claim calculation process, our attorneys can ensure our clients are fairly compensated.
Handle Communications with the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses, meaning they must make a profit.
The goal of making a profit often leads insurance companies to minimize payouts on personal injury claims, leaving victims undercompensated and requiring them to use their own finances to cover injuries and damages.
However, our Las Vegas attorneys are relentless and will stand against all insurance company tricks on your behalf, ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve.
Fight for Your Settlement in Court
If the insurance companies don't offer a settlement that we find will compensate you for your damages, our car accident attorneys possess trial experience and are ready to fight for your settlement in the Nevada court system.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
