On February 2nd, 2024, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that a pedestrian was hospitalized after a crash on the Vegas Strip. Unfortunately, the pedestrian’s injuries were reportedly very serious, potentially even life-threatening. The incident occurred near the valet area of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. An eyewitness told officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) that the driver sped out of the casino’s valet area and struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation by the LVMPD.
Pedestrian Safety is a Big Problem (And it is Getting Worse)
It is clear that more needs to be done to make our roads safer for pedestrians. According to the most recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), “pedestrian deaths are increasingly faster than all other traffic fatalities.” For reference, the GHSA finds:
- Traffic deaths nationwide increased by 14 percent between 2010 and 2020; and
- Pedestrian deaths nationwide increased by 54 percent during the same period.
Alarmingly, pedestrian fatalities hit a four-decade high. Even when adjusting for population growth and vehicle miles traveled, the number of catastrophic pedestrian crashes has risen in recent years. The pedestrian fatality rate per vehicle mile driver is about 20 percent compared to a decade prior.
Nevada Performs Poorly On Pedestrian Safety
According to GHSA data, Nevada is consistently among the worst performing states for pedestrian safety. The pedestrian death rate in our state was 20 percent higher than the national average in 2021 and 25 percent higher than the national average in 2022. Adjusting for population and vehicle miles driven, the GHSA found that Nevada was the 10th most dangerous state for pedestrians in 2022. The majority of serious pedestrian accidents in our state happen in or near Las Vegas.
Speeding is Cited as a Factor in Many Pedestrian Collisions
Motorists must comply with the speed limit in every situation. Of course, doing so is especially important in busy urban areas where there are a lot of pedestrians. Speeding is cited as a causal factor in many accidents involving pedestrians. When drivers go too fast, they have less time to see someone walking and react to avoid hitting them. It makes our streets unacceptably dangerous.
Not only are accidents more likely to happen, but higher speeds also mean harder impacts. The faster a vehicle is going, the greater the chances that a victim will suffer a serious injury or even a fatality. The research is clear: Studies show that when cars slow down, it significantly lowers the risk of crashes and the severity of all resulting injuries.
Why Speeding is So Dangerous for Pedestrians (A Scientific Breakdown)
Speeding is even more dangerous for pedestrians that most people realize. It is a public safety problem that can be best understood with a scientific explanation. You might be tempted to think that a car going twice as fast is twice as dangerous. However, that is not accurate. A car going twice as fast is four, five, or six times as dangerous. The average new car sold in the United States in 2023 weighs approximately two tons (4,000 pounds). How much force does that vehicle carry? It depends, in part, on the speed. Here is an overview:
- For a 4,000-pound vehicle going 20 miles per hour, the kinetic energy is calculated at 72,094 joules.
- For a 4,000-pound vehicle going 30 miles per hour, the kinetic energy jumps to 162,212 joules.
- For a 4,000-pound vehicle going 30 miles per hour, the kinetic energy jumps to 288,365 joules.
- If that same vehicle is traveling at 60 miles per hour, the force increases all the way to an astounding 652,665 joules.
Simply defined, joules are a unit of energy that is used to measure force. For reference, the force of gravity is slightly less than 1 joule. The mathematical breakdown illustrates that as speed increases from 20 to 30 to 40 miles per hour, the kinetic energy—and therefore the potential force of impact—does not just increase linearly. Instead, it nearly quadruples from 20 to 40 MPH.
What may seem to drivers likely relatively modest speed—such as going ten miles per hour over the speed limit in an urban area—actually dramatically increases the amount of potential force that would come with any impact. It is a significant safety hazard for pedestrians. Another alarming factor is that 4,000 pounds is merely the average vehicle. Many new vehicles are even heavy, and a consequence, more hazardous for pedestrians.
Pedestrian Accident Victims in Las Vegas have a Right to Seek Compensation
Given that pedestrian accidents can cause catastrophic harm to victims, it is imperative that they are able to effectively navigate the legal process so that they can recover the full and fair financial support that they need to put the pieces back together. In Nevada, the at-fault driver (or other at-fault parties) can be held liable for the full extent of a pedestrian’s damages, including both their economic losses and their non-economic damages. At the Ladah law firm, we advocate tirelessly to help victims and families maximize their financial recovery. Along with other types of damages, pedestrians may be entitled to recovery monetary support for:
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Disability/disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
At the Ladah law firm, our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers are aggressive, effective advocates for injured victims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash caused by speeding, we can help. Get in touch with us at (702) 252-0055 or send us a message online for your free, no obligation case review. With an office in Las Vegas, we represent pedestrian accident victims in their families throughout Clark County, including in Summerlin, Enterprise, Sunrise Manor, and Henderson.