Why Are There So Many Car Accidents in Las Vegas?

Car accidents are an everyday occurrence in Las Vegas. In 2022, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) recorded a total of 19,891 collisions. Although this represents a decrease of more than 2% from the year prior, car accidents in Las Vegas last year still resulted in 11,071 injuries and 152 fatalities.

It is important to understand what issues lead to crashes. Victims also need to be aware of the importance of talking to a car accident attorney promptly after suffering injury or losing a loved one in a collision that was not their fault.

Burg Simpson serves clients who have been injured in car accidents in Las Vegas and other areas of Nevada. Call 702-668-2070 today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.

What Are the Top Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas?

Most car accidents occur due to driver error. This may include negligence on the part of a single motorist, or errors committed by multiple drivers involved in the crash. Investigating who caused the accident is crucial for determining who is at fault and what legal options you may have.

The leading causes of car accidents in the Las Vegas metro area include:

1. Driver Inattention

Multiple forms of negligence could be considered “driver inattention.” The most prominent example today is texting and driving, but there are a number of additional inattentive behaviors that can contribute to car accidents:

• Answering calls, dialing phone numbers, texting, and talking on the phone
• Eating and drinking
• Internal distractions, such as looking for objects inside the vehicle, adjusting the climate control or radio, interacting with passengers, etc.
• Grooming
• External distractions, such as looking at objects outside the vehicle
• Smoking

Distractions can also be emotional or physiological in nature. Motorists who are fatigued, sick, or under emotional strain are less likely to give their undivided focus to the task of driving.

No matter the nature of the distraction, the consequences of driver inattention can be dire. Prompt investigation of the accident can reveal the cause of the accident and who is responsible.

2. Unsafe Backing

Back-up accidents can range in severity from a minor fender-bender to a serious collision. Drivers need to exercise caution any time they are driving in reverse, especially when cyclists and pedestrians are present.

From the parking lots and parking garages around the Strip to street parking throughout the city, unsafe backing can be a hazard anywhere in Las Vegas. The majority of these accidents occur because the driver who is backing up fails to check for nearby vehicles and people.

3. Improper Turns

The rules of the road for turns can be found in Sections 484B.400–420 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS). Drivers who cause accidents can be held liable for improper turns such as:

• Turning from the wrong lane
• Failure to stay within the designated lane while turning
• Making an unauthorized U-turn
• Failure to signal a turn
• Turning against a traffic signal or other device that regulates or prohibits turns

Fault for a car accident involving an improper turn can often be assigned based on the positioning of the vehicles in the crash. Take notes and pictures at the scene so you have proof that the other driver was to blame.

4. Failure to Yield the Right of Way

Nevada’s right of way law can be found in NRS § 484B.250–270. Failure to yield the right of way at an intersection, when entering or exiting a highway, etc. may result in an accident for which the driver who violated your right of way can be held liable.

5. Following Too Closely

Rear-end collisions are among the most common type of motor vehicle accidents nationwide. Tailgating (i.e., following another vehicle too closely) is a major cause of these crashes.

Most rear-end accidents occur due to simple carelessness on the part of the trailing driver. In more extreme cases, however, these collisions may be caused by aggressive driving and even road rage.

6. Excess Speed

Drivers have a duty to obey the posted speed limit. They are also responsible for reducing or modifying their speed to suit road and weather conditions. Despite these obligations, far too many motorists drive too fast, putting themselves and others at risk.

The rate of speed at the time of the collision correlates strongly with the severity of the accident. A car accident lawyer will examine the evidence and consult experts who can aid in reconstructing the crash. If the evidence shows that the other driver was speeding or driving too fast for conditions, you likely have a strong claim for damages.

Drunk Driving and Car Accidents

LVMPD records thousands of DUI arrests every year. Alcohol is readily available at countless establishments throughout Las Vegas. This makes drunk driving a major safety concern, with DUI crash fatalities accounting for a staggering 42.76% of all deaths in traffic accidents last year—more than 10% higher than the national average.

In addition to facing criminal liability for driving under the influence, motorists who drink and drive and cause accidents where someone is hurt can be sued for damages. Proof of the driver’s intoxication is critical for establishing fault, so it is important to make note of the driver’s behavior at the scene (i.e., Was he slurring his words, stumbling, etc.?) and consult a lawyer who can obtain a copy of the police report and additional evidence on your behalf.

Award-Winning Law Firm Serving Victims of Car Accidents in Las Vegas

Car accidents have many different causes. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, skill, and resources to get to the bottom of what caused the accident and hold the driver and any other negligent parties accountable.

Attorneys at Burg Simpson have won multiple awards and accolades for their handling of plaintiffs’ personal injury claims. Car accidents account for a substantial portion of our clients’ cases, and we know how to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

For a FREE and confidential case evaluation, contact Burg Simpson today. We represent clients who have been hurt in car accidents in Las Vegas and nearby areas of Nevada.