A woman died in a Fernley pedestrian crash when a car apparently struck her as she crossed the street within a marked crosswalk, according to police sources. The Nevada Highway Patrol reports that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the street at the intersection of Farm District Road and Jennys Lane when she was run over by a car that failed to stop at the intersection. Police are continuing to investigate the accident, and the driver is being cooperative. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, but no one in the car was injured in the crash. No charges have been filed against the driver at this time.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS PREVALENT IN NEVADA
In 2006 and 2007, according to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, there were an average of 50 pedestrian deaths statewide. This number has peaked at around 70 in 1996 and 1999 and dipped to a low of 42 in 2000. Pedestrian deaths and injuries often occur when cars hit those on foot. In fact, in a collision between a car and a pedestrian, it is almost a foregone conclusion that the pedestrian will suffer the worst of the physical damage. Pedestrians have no protection when they are hit, unlike occupants of passenger vehicles who have access to seat belts as well as the protection of air bags and other safety feature included on cars. Pedestrians may suffer traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones and internal organ damage when hit by a vehicle. A pedestrian injured in a crash may require months or even years of rehabilitative therapy to achieve normalcy after an accident.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM THE VICTIM OF A PEDESTRIAN CRASH?
If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. Even if you do not believe that you have been injured, it is possible that you have suffered the type of injury whose symptoms may not appear for several days. Be sure to follow all directions and follow-ups recommended by your doctor. Once you have received medical treatment, talk to a personal injury attorney about your case. The attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law in Las Vegas are ready to help you if you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident. Contact High Stakes Injury Law today to find out how they can help you recover damages in your accident case.