Some of the most scenic highways in the United States can be found in Nevada. While many of Nevada’s highways offer stunning views and enjoyable driving routes, some roads are known for increased accident rates in areas difficult for emergency personnel to reach.
If you were injured in a car crash on a Nevada highway, don’t wait to speak with a car accident attorney about seeking the compensation help you need.
Reach out to the Nevada car accident lawyers at Swenson & Shelley today for a free initial consultation. We can discuss how our firm can help you pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve.
Interstate 15
I-15 is one of the busiest highways in Nevada. It connects Las Vegas with Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. With millions of people traveling this stretch of interstate every year, fatal accidents have unfortunately become a common occurrence on I-15.
Common causes for crashes on I-15 in Nevada include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers traveling along I-15 may engage in many kinds of distracting behaviors, such as texting or cell phone use, eating or drinking, adjusting vehicle controls, or reaching around for an item. I-15 travels through the Mojave Desert, so drivers may also become distracted by the scenery along the road or in the distance.
- Drowsy driving – Driving between Las Vegas and Los Angeles can take over four hours, depending on traffic. When drivers choose to make the trip after a day of work for a weekend vacation in either city, they risk becoming fatigued or drowsy behind the wheel.
- Excessive speeding – Portions of I-15 in sparsely populated areas may have light traffic, encouraging some drivers to speed excessively. Unfortunately, this reduces the driver’s time to react to an emergency or hazard on the road.
U.S. 93
U.S. 93 is one of the primary routes between Las Vegas and Phoenix. Unfortunately, the highway also ranks as one of the most dangerous roads in Nevada and the entire U.S.
According to federal crash data, U.S. 93 saw 90 fatalities in 70 separate accidents between 2010 and 2016. In addition, the highway is considered dangerous due to wait times for emergency medical services. Accident victims on U.S. 93 must wait an average of 21 minutes for paramedics to respond to a call. That is the fourth-longest wait time on highways nationwide.
U.S. 50
U.S. 50 runs nearly the entire length of the U.S., spanning from the Atlantic Ocean in Maryland all the way to Sacramento, California. The highway runs through the middle of Nevada in some of the state’s least-populated areas. Nevada’s stretch of the road is nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America.”
U.S. 50 crosses multiple desert valleys in between tall mountain ranges. One particular mountain pass reaches an elevation of 8,000 feet. Much of the highway receives minimal maintenance, which becomes a problem in mountainous areas where winter weather can severely damage the road surface.
The isolated stretches of U.S. 50 in Nevada can become dangerous when vehicles get into accidents. That is because drivers may have no cell service to call for help. Additionally, emergency services may take longer to arrive at the scene.
The Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard, popularly known as The Vegas Strip, is one of the country’s most famous stretches of road. The Strip runs past many of Las Vegas’s glitzy and glamorous casinos and resorts. However, The Strip is considered one of Las Vegas’s most dangerous roads due to the increased prevalence of hazards such as:
- Distracted driving — Drivers may be more focused on the bright lights and attractions rather than looking at the road.
- Tourists — Out-of-town motorists may be unfamiliar with the road and its traffic patterns. Drivers who are unaccustomed to the traffic and flashing lights can cause accidents along this congested road.
- Drunk driving — Many people visit Las Vegas to cut loose and have a good time. However, sometimes people make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol.
- Increased pedestrian traffic — Many people like to walk along The Strip. However, some pedestrians may not be familiar with the rules for pedestrians in a busy city like Las Vegas. Some drivers may also not be comfortable driving on the street with pedestrians.
- Drowsy driving — The fun in Las Vegas seldom slows down. Some drivers may be on the road early in the morning after a late night out. Fatigued driving can increase the likelihood of an accident.
State Route 582 (Boulder Highway)
Nevada State Route 582, also called Boulder Highway, is a major road connecting downtown Las Vegas with the suburb of Henderson. The road runs near several Las Vegas casinos and has been the site of many catastrophic and fatal accidents.
State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway)
Nevada State Route 431, also known as Mount Rose Highway or Mount Rose Scenic Drive, is a scenic road running between Reno and Lake Tahoe. The road passes over the summit of Mt. Rose at an elevation of 8,000. That is the highest mountain pass in Nevada that remains open year-round.
As a result, the stretch of S.R. 431 running over Mt. Rose can become especially dangerous during the winter due to heavy snowfall. Drivers are expected to equip vehicles with snow tires or chains when traveling over Mt. Rose during the winter. But accidents on this stretch of S.R. 431 can be devastating any time of year due to the height of a fall if a vehicle crashes off the roadway.
Common Causes of Crashes on Nevada’s Dangerous Roads
Common causes of accidents on Nevada highways and roads include:
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for road and weather conditions
- Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Driver inexperience
- Unfamiliarity with the road
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unsafe turns and lane changes, including not checking mirrors or using turn signals
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Potholes, debris, black ice, and other dangerous road conditions
- Adverse weather, including heavy precipitation, fog, and high winds
What to Do to Protect Your Rights after a Crash
When you have been involved in a car crash in Nevada, you need to act quickly to protect your rights to pursue a legal claim against those at fault for the accident. Steps to take following an accident include:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible to get checked for any injuries you may have sustained. Taking photos of any visible injuries is helpful as well. It’s imperative to follow the treatment instructions and recommendations that your provider gives you.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Remember to document details such as vehicle damage, the positions that vehicles came to a rest in after the collision, skid marks and debris on the road, the condition of the road (including potholes or other hazards), traffic and lighting conditions at the time of the accident, any visual obstructions for any driver, and the road lines and traffic controls at the scene.
- Keep copies of your medical bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses you incurred because of the accident. Also, request copies of your medical records from the providers who treat your truck accident injuries.
- Keep your pay stubs and income statements if you take time off work during your recovery. It’s essential to keep a record of your lost income if your injuries cause disabilities that restrict or prevent you from returning to work.
- Start a journal to record how your injuries affect your daily life. It’s helpful to document the effects on both your mental and physical states due to your injuries.
- Avoid discussing the accident or your legal case on social media. Don’t post photos or videos of yourself while still undergoing treatment or rehabilitation for your injuries. Any posts that contradict your official claims or photos and video of yourself engaging in activities if you claim to be restricted by your injuries may be used against you by the insurance company.
- Talk to a Nevada car accident attorney from Swenson & Shelley to discuss the next steps to pursue your rights to compensation for the harm and loss you have endured.
Talk to a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer Now
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident in Nevada, contact Swenson & Shelley for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. With decades of experience, our knowledgeable Nevada car accident lawyers can discuss your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Reach out by phone or fill out our online form today. Let our experience work for you.
