Las Vegas, NV (February 5th, 2026)—A crossing guard was struck by a vehicle outside Cambeiro Elementary School on the morning of February 4, 2026, highlighting the serious dangers pedestrians face in school zones throughout Las Vegas.
The male crossing guard, in his sixties, was in the crosswalk at Washington and Eastern when he was hit by a vehicle making a right turn. According to All City Management Services, the company that employs the guard, he was ensuring the area was clear for students to cross when the collision occurred. Children were waiting on the curb at the time. The guard was transported to University Medical Center with hip injuries and shoulder trauma and was later released.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in a Las Vegas school zone accident, understanding your legal rights is essential to protecting your recovery. George Bochanis Injury Law Offices represents injured pedestrians throughout Las Vegas and can help you pursue fair compensation. Call (702) 388-2005 for a free consultation.
The Vulnerability of Pedestrians in Las Vegas School Zones
School zones are meant to be some of the safest areas on Las Vegas roads. Nevada law requires reduced speed limits during designated school hours, typically 15 mph when children are present. Enhanced crosswalk markings, flashing signals, and the presence of crossing guards all aim to protect students, parents, and school staff.
Despite these protections, pedestrian accidents continue to occur in school zones across the Las Vegas Valley. Distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, speeding through active school zones, and ignoring crossing guards all contribute to preventable collisions. Representatives from All City Management Services indicated the Cambeiro Elementary incident was another case of driver distraction.
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, even at reduced speeds, the injuries can be severe or life-threatening.
Crossing guards, parents walking with children, and students themselves are all at risk. The recent incident involving a crossing guard performing his duties demonstrates that even those specifically tasked with ensuring safety are not immune from negligent drivers.
Understanding Pedestrian Injuries in School Zone Collisions
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because the human body has no protection against the force of a vehicle. Common injuries in school zone pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures, including hip injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries, including shoulder trauma
- Psychological trauma, especially in children who witness or experience these accidents
Even collisions at school zone speeds of 15-25 mph can cause significant harm. The crossing guard at Cambeiro Elementary sustained hip injuries and shoulder trauma, even though he was in a marked crosswalk. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size, and adults who are struck while bending or turning may suffer additional complications.
Recovery from pedestrian accident injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Victims may face permanent disabilities, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
Nevada Legal Framework for School Zone Pedestrian Accidents
Nevada law establishes specific duties for drivers in school zones. Under state law, for example, drivers must reduce speed to posted limits when children are present and exercise heightened caution. Further, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to do so can constitute negligence.
When a driver violates these statutes and causes injury to a pedestrian, they may be held liable for resulting damages. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system. Therefore, an injured pedestrian can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
In school zone cases, crossing guards and other pedestrians who are following traffic laws and using designated crosswalks typically bear little to no fault. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or failing to observe school zone regulations are frequently found primarily responsible for these collisions.
Who May Be Responsible for a School Zone Pedestrian Accident
Determining liability in a Las Vegas school zone pedestrian accident requires careful examination of the circumstances. Responsible parties may include:
The driver who struck the pedestrian, if they were speeding, distracted, failed to yield, or otherwise violated traffic laws. Evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports can establish driver negligence.
The driver’s employer, if the collision involved a commercial vehicle or occurred during the course of employment. Nevada recognizes vicarious liability for employers whose employees cause accidents while performing job duties.
Vehicle manufacturers, if a mechanical defect such as brake failure contributed to the accident. Product liability claims may apply when defective auto parts prevent drivers from stopping safely.
Government entities, in limited circumstances where dangerous road conditions, obscured signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the collision. Claims against public entities are subject to Nevada’s Government Tort Claims Act and strict notice requirements.
Establishing responsibility requires thorough investigation, including accident reconstruction, review of school zone traffic patterns, and analysis of driver behavior leading up to the collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover compensation if I was hit in a school zone crosswalk?
Yes. If you were lawfully using a marked crosswalk and a driver failed to yield or was otherwise negligent, you likely have a valid claim for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Nevada?
Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. However, claims against government entities require written notice within a much shorter timeframe, sometimes as brief as 30 to 180 days.
What if the driver claims I stepped out suddenly?
Nevada’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you bear some fault, provided you are less than 50% responsible. Evidence such as witness statements, traffic signals, and crosswalk markings can establish that you were using the crosswalk properly and the driver failed to exercise appropriate caution in a school zone.
Understanding Your Legal Options After a School Zone Pedestrian Injury
When a pedestrian is struck in a Las Vegas school zone, the consequences extend far beyond immediate physical injuries. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages during recovery, and long-term impacts on their quality of life. The crossing guard injured at Cambeiro Elementary, for instance, sustained hip and shoulder injuries that required hospitalization—injuries that could affect his ability to continue working and performing daily activities.
Nevada law provides injured pedestrians with the right to pursue compensation from those responsible for their harm. However, insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto victims, even when drivers were clearly at fault for failing to yield in crosswalks or driving distracted through school zones.
Legal representation ensures that your claim is thoroughly investigated, that all responsible parties are identified, and that you receive fair compensation reflecting the full extent of your injuries and losses. An experienced Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather critical evidence, and, if necessary, take your case to trial to protect your rights.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a Las Vegas school zone accident, George Bochanis Injury Law Offices can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 388-2005.
