Las Vegas Metro Police have revealed that they believe they have pinpointed the cause of a fatal hit-and-run that occurred over Valentine’s Day weekend near Stober Boulevard.
According to Metro police, a 69-year-old man was attempting to cross the road when he was suddenly struck by a 2008 Jeep Liberty. Though the victim was alive at the scene, he was later pronounced dead at University Medical Center.
The incident highlights an unfortunate start to the year for Metro’s jurisdiction in Las Vegas, with a staggering 14 traffic-related fatalities already on the books in 2016.
The driver, who had initially fled the scene immediately after the collision, returned more than an hour later with his passenger, and was apprehended for demonstrating signs of impairment due to alcohol. Metro Police revealed the driver was booked on charges including failure to stop at the scene of an accident, as well as driving under the influence.
Pedestrian accidents continue to be a common cause of injury or death in many cities across the country, including the bustling tourist hub of Las Vegas. When these types of incidents occur, victims may require legal assistance, in order to pursue a personal injury claim.
Personal Injury and Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are an all-too-common occurrence in busy metropolitan areas, especially Las Vegas. In fact, the city long held the record as the nation’s sixth most dangerous metro area for pedestrian accident fatalities between the years 2000 and 20009, amassing a staggering 421 deaths.
The numbers on the national scale are not much more encouraging, with statistics estimating nearly 48,000 pedestrian deaths over the course of the same period. As drivers face a number of new distractions behind the wheel, safety for pedestrians has become a key focus across many communities looking to minimize the risk and severity of such incidents.
Though many pedestrian accidents occur as pedestrians are crossing the street, some other scenarios consistent with this type of accident include:
- Driving under the influence
- Jaywalking
- Drivers running red lights
- Pedestrians failing to obey traffic signals
- Driver or pedestrian inattention
Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you or someone you love has sustained injury due to a pedestrian accident or a driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to submit a personal injury claim to cover medical bills, lost wages or other damages.
In the Las Vegas Metro Area, the personal injury specialists at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen are available to assist victims of pedestrian accidents with their recovery. We understand that dealing with significant or long-term injury is never easy, and that’s why our Las Vegas DWI attorneys are committed to working with you to build a strong, convincing case that yields only the most favorable results.
