Pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer severe injuries and long recovery times. If you or a loved one has been struck while walking in Nevada, Maier Gutierrez & Associates is ready to help. Our pedestrian accident lawyers know how to navigate complex injury claims and hold drivers accountable for careless actions. We’ll work to secure compensation for medical care, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Let us protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. Call 775-406-8981 now for a free consultation with a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer who will put your recovery first.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking in Nevada
Pedestrian accidents happen quickly, often with little warning. One moment you’re crossing the street or walking along a sidewalk, and the next you’re facing serious injuries from a collision with a moving vehicle. These incidents are more common than many people think, especially in Nevada cities like Las Vegas and Reno, where pedestrian traffic is high and vehicle speeds can be fast.
Knowing what to do after being hit by a car can help you protect your health and your rights. The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after the crash can affect your recovery, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Focus on Safety and Medical Attention First
The immediate aftermath of a crash is often chaotic. You may be in shock or struggling to process what just happened. If you are able to move, try to get out of the roadway to avoid further danger. However, if you’re in severe pain, it’s best to stay where you are and wait for medical help.
Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for you. Let the dispatcher know a pedestrian was hit so they can send both police and emergency medical responders. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, do not decline medical attention. Some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—may not be immediately obvious.
Getting examined right away not only ensures your health is prioritized but also creates a medical record that may be important later if you file a claim.
Wait for Law Enforcement and Cooperate
It’s important to remain at the scene until police arrive. Officers will document the accident, gather statements from witnesses, and collect the driver’s information. This report can serve as critical evidence if you pursue a legal claim later.
When speaking to law enforcement, stick to the facts. Avoid guessing about what happened or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Just explain what you remember. If you’re unsure about certain details, it’s okay to say that.
Get Information from the Driver and Witnesses
If you’re physically able, try to gather the following information:
- The driver’s name, phone number, and address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number and vehicle make and model
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
In many cases, police officers will also collect this information. But having your own copy is helpful. Witness statements may support your version of events, especially if the driver claims you were at fault.
Document the Scene as Best You Can
Photos can be very useful when building a case. If possible, take pictures of:
- The location of the accident, including traffic signals or crosswalks
- Vehicle damage
- Your injuries
- Skid marks or road debris
- Any surrounding businesses or security cameras that may have footage
Try to note the time, weather conditions, and any nearby landmarks. These details may help your attorney later when reconstructing what happened.
Seek Medical Care and Follow Up with Treatment
Even if you were treated at the scene, it’s essential to see a doctor after the accident. Some symptoms don’t show up right away. You might feel sore for a few days before realizing something more serious is going on. Having a full evaluation helps catch these issues early.
Keep all records of doctor visits, test results, prescriptions, and recommended treatment. Following your doctor’s orders shows that you are taking your recovery seriously and can support your claim for damages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Even though you weren’t driving, your own auto insurance policy may offer coverage under personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist benefits, depending on the situation. Some health insurance plans also require prompt notification after an accident. Contact your insurer to let them know what happened and find out what coverage is available to you.
Be cautious about what you say when speaking with insurance representatives, especially those from the driver’s insurer. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without legal advice. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than your claim may be worth.
Know Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Nevada
Nevada law provides strong protections for pedestrians. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to people in marked crosswalks and at intersections. However, pedestrians also have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety.
If the driver who hit you was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or failed to yield, they may be held legally responsible for your injuries. Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, you might still have a case depending on the circumstances.
Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced based on your share of responsibility. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you may not recover anything.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney
Pedestrian accidents often result in significant injuries, ranging from broken bones to spinal trauma or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can lead to long hospital stays, time off work, and long-term care needs. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and dealing with insurers can be frustrating.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation. In many cases, your attorney can gather evidence such as surveillance footage, expert opinions, and accident reconstructions that strengthen your case.
There’s also a time limit. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could mean losing the right to take legal action.
Keep Track of All Costs and Impacts
To build a strong case, you’ll want to keep a detailed record of how the accident has affected your life. This may include:
- Medical bills and prescription costs
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Lost wages or missed work opportunities
- Pain, emotional distress, or changes in daily life
- Statements from family or friends about how your life has changed
This documentation can help demonstrate the full extent of your losses and support your claim for damages beyond just medical expenses.
Being hit by a car while walking in Nevada can lead to serious injuries and long-term challenges. But you don’t have to face it alone. Taking the right steps after the crash—getting medical care, documenting the scene, and speaking with an attorney—can help protect your health and your future.
Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Who Will Advocate for You
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney from Maier Gutierrez & Associates can help you hold negligent drivers accountable and seek fair compensation for your injuries. We take pride in standing up for injured pedestrians throughout Nevada and making sure their voices are heard. If you or someone you love was struck while walking, now is the time to act. Call 775-406-8981 for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney who will make your recovery a priority.