Las Vegas, NV (October 16th, 2024) – October has been a deadly month on the roads throughout the city, reports from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department have shown.
Over the first 14 days of the month, there were 11 reported fatal car accidents in the metro area. So far in 2024, the city has seen 123 traffic-related death, exceeding the 118 reported at the same time last year. The recently reported data highlights the serious problem of fatal motor vehicle collisions in Las Vegas.
Factors Contributing to Fatal Accidents
Several factors contribute to fatal car accidents in Las Vegas. Many of these causes are due to driver recklessness or carelessness. Some of the most common factors in deadly auto collisions include:
Speeding
Speeding, which includes driving faster than the posted limit or in excess of what’s reasonably safe for the road and conditions, is a leading cause of fatal traffic wrecks. When traveling at high rates of speed, it can increase stopping distances, making it difficult to avoid obstacles, hazards, or other vehicles. Further, it can make it more difficult to maintain control of vehicles. Which may increase the chances of crashing. The higher the speed, the greater the force of impact, leading to a greater chance of fatal injuries.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s data shows excessive speed is a leading cause of fatal accidents. At this time last year, speeding has contributed to 13 deadly collisions. So far in 2024, it has played a part in 31.
Impaired Driving
The effects of drugs and alcohol can cause impairments that affect drivers’ ability to safely operate their vehicles. For example, after using drugs or drinking alcohol, people may have reduced cognitive function, be more apt to take risks, and experience slower reaction times. Consequently, this may impair their judgment, slow their reaction time and coordination, and increase their likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Such effects and the resulting impairments can make it difficult to respond to hazards.
Although drivers continue to get behind the wheel while under the influence, the data reports show that law enforcement efforts are making progress in reducing fatal drunk driving accidents. As compared to last year, the number of DUI-related traffic deaths is down from 54 to 48.
Distracted Driving
Driver distractions are all over in Las Vegas, and frequently play a part in causing fatal motor vehicle accidents. Engaging in distractions, such as eating, talking, or texting, can take motorists’ attention from the road and operating their vehicles. Consequently, they may be slower to react to emergencies, or be more likely to drift into other lanes of traffic or to stop in time to avoid a crash.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Poorly designed roads, inadequate sidewalks, and a lack of pedestrian crossings, as well as poor visibility, commonly lead to collisions involving pedestrians and bicycles and motor vehicles. Compared to vehicle occupants, pedestrians and bicyclists are more vulnerable to injuries, particularly severe ones, in accidents.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Due to the size and weight differences, commercial motor vehicles are more likely to cause serious injuries or deaths when they are involved in wrecks with smaller passenger vehicles.
What Are the Legal Implications of Fatal Accidents?
Fatal accidents have significant legal implications, including liability and compensation for the affected families. In addition to the civil consequences, at-fault drivers may also face criminal charges.
Liability and Compensation
Determining fault in fatal accidents is crucial for establishing liability. A Las Vegas wrongful death lawyer can help determine whether another driver, a trucking company, or other parties bear liability for deadly motor vehicle collisions. The responsible party may be held liable for the resulting damages.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Las Vegas Car Accident
If a loved one’s death was caused by another person’s negligence, such as in the case of a car accident, the surviving family may consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Such lawsuits seek to hold at-fault parties financially responsible for damages resulting from the loss of life.
How Is Fault Determined in a Fatal Accident Case?
Determining fault is essential to successfully pursuing a wrongful death case. Fault can be established through evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, and expert testimony. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties sometimes share fault.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
The damages in a wrongful death lawsuit will not relieve the loss of a family member, but they may provide support for the financial costs of the death. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, families can seek economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable losses resulting from a wrongful death. They may include lost wages, lost future earning capacity, loss of financial support, and medical expenses resulting from treatment for their injuries prior to their deaths.
Non-Economic Damages
Families can also recover for less tangible losses resulting from the death of a loved one. These non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of companionship.
What Role Does Insurance Play in Fatal Car Accident Cases?
The insurance companies of the at-fault parties in fatal car accident cases are often the first step in victims’ families seeking financial relief. To legally drive in Las Vegas, motorists are required to carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. If they cause a crash, then, their carriers are responsible for compensating victims in accordance with their policy terms and limits.
Several factors can affect the outcome of an insurance claim, including the determination of fault, policy limits, and insurance company tactics. An experienced Nevada motor vehicle accident attorney can help navigate these issues, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you have rights. Our motor vehicle accidents lawyer, George Bochanis, has helped families like yours recover the compensation you need to help support you as you grieve and move forward for more than 30 years. To discuss your case, call the George Bochanis Injury Law Offices team at 702-388-2005.
