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Pedestrian In Wheelchair Struck by Car on February 12th in Las Vegas
A pedestrian was hurt this week in central Las Vegas when his wheelchair was struck by a vehicle on February 12th, the Review Journal and other news outlets reported. The collision occurred at 6:45 p.m. on Wilbur Street, near the intersection with East Tropicana Avenue and Maryland Parkway. After the collision, the victim was taken to Sunrise Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver remained at the scene and was not suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Further details regarding the cause of the crash were not available. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was the agency investigating the cause of the Las Vegas pedestrian accident.
A pedestrian in a wheelchair is lower to the ground than someone walking, and is generally much more vulnerable to being struck by a car. One study has confirmed the greater dangers and vulnerability of pedestrians in wheelchairs. A team of Georgetown University researchers evaluated national crash data between 2006 and 2012, reviewing 528 fatal pedestrian accidents involving pedestrians in wheelchairs.
The study found that roughly half of all crashes took place at an intersection and significantly, more than 75 percent of fatal wheelchair crashes found that the driver failed to take measures to avoid the crash such as braking or steering. In these situations, it was extremely likely that the drivers simply did not see the pedestrian before the collision occurred.
Statistically, more than half of all fatal pedestrian accidents occur at night. People driving at night, especially those distracted or not paying attention, may not be looking for pedestrians. At night, visibility is reduced, and reduced visibility causes reduced reaction time for motorists. Drivers have a responsibility to use extra caution when driving at night and watch out for people walking.
Pedestrians do not wear helmets or have protection in the event of an accident, making them much more likely than people in vehicles to sustain a serious injury including broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Any of these can be permanently disabling or even fatal.
If you have been injured as a result of being struck by a car, you may be entitled to recover compensation in a personal injury claim. A skilled and experienced attorney can help you file a claim in court and recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings / loss of earning capacity, disability, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Before you accept any compensation for your injuries, talk to a lawyer.
Las Vegas personal injury attorney Zachary D. Clayton exclusively handles personal injury cases and has represented many people injured in pedestrian accidents. Zachary’s goal in all cases is to help his clients protect their rights, hold negligent wrongdoers accountable for their actions, and ultimately, recover the full and fair, maximum compensation that they deserve.
All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients pay nothing until and unless money is recovered. Contact Zachary and his team today for a free consultation of your potential case.
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