It is no secret that Las Vegas is a well-visited tourist destination, with millions coming to the city each year from across the country and around the world. Just like other popular tourist destinations in America, car accidents tend to happen more often in places like Las Vegas than in less visited cities. This is because of an increase in traffic congestion as well as outside drivers who are not familiar with the area using the roads. Nevada authorities—including the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) and the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), along with several other agencies—collect information on car accidents to determine the highest risks to drivers.
Car Accident Statistics
Approximately 20,000 car accidents happen each day in Las Vegas, according to research. This averages out to 55 crashes every day. Across Nevada, about 50,000 to 60,000 traffic collisions are reported annually. Las Vegas is the largest contributor to Nevada’s total accident rate compared to other populated areas in the state. According to the data compiled by ZeroFatalitiesNevada, deaths, and fatal car accidents have gone up over the past decade.
Common Car Accident Causes
Car crashes happen in Las Vegas for numerous reasons. According to statistics, however, the most common causes of crashes in Nevada include:
- Distracted driving—this is the top cause of all car accidents in America each year. Any activity that takes the driver’s focus and attention away from the road is considered a distraction and can result in a crash. The most commonly reported form of distracted driving in Las Vegas is cell phone use.
- Driving over the speed limit—a driver automatically increases the risk of a car accident when they speed. Driving fast also significantly impacts the severity of the impact and seriousness of the injuries. Excessive speeding can result in a charge of reckless driving, depending on the circumstances.
- Driving while impaired (DWI)—someone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause serious injuries or even death if involved in a car crash. Many visitors come to Las Vegas to gamble, often enjoying alcoholic beverages and becoming intoxicated. Nevada law makes DWI a punishable offense with fines, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines.
- Traffic violations—when a driver does not obey the law, such as performing an illegal turn, failing to yield the right of way, or running a stop sign or red light, an accident is likely to occur.
Keep in mind that Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning that a person harmed in a car accident must show how the crash occurred and that the other driver was responsible for the accident.
Contact Our Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know is planning on visiting Las Vegas soon and will be sharing the road with others, it is critical to understand the risks you may be facing regarding car accidents. You can reduce your risk of a crash by driving defensively and responsibly, even if you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road. Contact our personal injury attorneys at H&P Law today if you are involved in a crash. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.
