Downtown Reno Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise
Downtown Reno has become busier and busier. New housing, restaurants, and entertainment have been added along Virginia Street, Midtown, and the Truckee River. These changes have made the area more walkable and pedestrian friendly.
Unfortunately, more activity has also brought more pedestrian accidents. Nevada ranks among the top states for pedestrian fatalities per capita. Our region is no different. Washoe County has seen an increase in collisions in recent years.
A vehicular accident can be devastating for everyone involved. In this blog, we review steps to protect your health and financial future if you’ve been in an accident.
File a Claim with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
In Nevada, you have two years to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. Your time limit starts from the date of the crash (NRS 11.190). If you wait too long to file a claim, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Involving a Reno personal injury attorney upfront ensures critical evidence is preserved before it legally disappears. Getting legal help early lets your lawyer deal with insurance companies right away. This also protects you from low offers and missed deadlines.
Reno’s Most Common Pedestrian Accident Hotspots
Certain Reno intersections pose higher risks due to heavy traffic and limited visibility. Some of the most accident-prone areas include:
- Virginia Street and 1st Street – near the Truckee River Walk and downtown casinos
- Midtown – at the crosswalks between Liberty and Taylor Streets
- 4th Street and Keystone Avenue – heavy traffic and mixed-use development
- Downtown event zones, especially during street festivals
- Sierra Street – near UNR campus area
Nevada Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws Explained
Nevada law defines driver and pedestrian responsibilities. NRS 484B, requires drivers to:
- Yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Stop completely if another vehicle has already stopped for a pedestrian.
- Exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Pedestrians also have a duty to obey traffic signals and avoid sudden entries into roadways.
Pedestrians are not automatically at fault if hit by a vehicle outside of a crosswalk. Liability depends on the total circumstances like speeding, distraction, intoxication, or visibility. These situations together factor into who is legally responsible for the accident.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Reno
Many pedestrian injuries result from driver negligence, including:
- Distracted driving such as texting or adjusting music while behind the wheel
- Failure to yield at busy crosswalks or when turning left
- Speeding through downtown zones
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Poor lighting or obstructed views at night
Even a moment’s inattention can have lifelong consequences. At Carlson & Work, our lawyers often deal with pedestrian cases caused by negligence in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.
Injuries Common in Pedestrian Collisions
Pedestrian victims often sustain severe trauma. Driving speeds don’t have to be high for one to sustain significant injury. Severe vehicular injuries may include:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord or nerve injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain
- Broken bones or fractures
Symptoms sometimes develop over hours or days. Always seek immediate medical evaluation after a collision, even if you feel OK at the scene.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Reno
If you are hit by a car while walking, you need to take the following immediate steps:
- Call 911 and request a police report.
- Seek medical care even if you think your injuries are minor. Injuries often worsen later.
- Collect evidence, including photos, witness names, and driver information.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact a Reno injury attorney experienced in pedestrian cases.
Prompt legal representation helps preserve evidence, obtain traffic camera footage, and negotiate with insurers before deadlines expire.
What if the Driver Flees the Scene During a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run Reno pedestrian accidents occur more often than they should in Sparks and Reno NV.
If a driver leaves the scene:
- Call 911 immediately and note any vehicle details.
- Ask nearby businesses for video footage.
- Contact your attorney to explore claims under uninsured motorist coverage.
Even if the driver is never identified, you may still recover damages through your own policy or victim assistance programs.
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Accident?
Victims often encounter medical bills long before their case is fully settled. To make matters worse, some suffer from lost wages as part of their injury. So where do payment sources come from?
- The at-fault driver’s insurance
- Your own health insurance
- Medical Payments Coverage under your auto policy
A skilled Reno injury lawyer can help manage these payments. They can negotiate liens and help you with economic damages from your pedestrian accident in Reno, NV.
Understanding Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Nevada uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you were partly responsible you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your share of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you were found 20% at fault, you may be able to recover $80,000. Your attorney’s job is to build your case with clear proof of driver negligence. They also work to reduce your share of fault.
Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For
Insurance adjusters often move quickly to limit payouts. Be cautious if you hear any of these
- You weren’t in a crosswalk, so we can’t help you.”
- “You don’t need a lawyer, we’ll take care of you.”
- “Sign this release so we can process your claim.”
Early settlements are usually far below what your case is worth. Carlson & Work’s injury attorneys understand these tactics. They fight to get fair compensation for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Pedestrian Claims
Tragically, not all victims survive pedestrian collisions. Under NRS 41, family members may file a Reno wrongful death claim to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses before death
- Lost financial support and companionship
Our firm provides compassionate, aggressive advocacy to help grieving families find accountability from a motor vehicle accident.
How the City of Reno Is Addressing Traffic Safety
The City of Reno has joined the national Vision Zero movement to eliminate serious and fatal crashes. Efforts include:
- Lowering speed limits in high-density pedestrian zones
- Installing pedestrian beacons and improved lighting downtown
- Expanding sidewalks and protected bike lanes
Despite these safety initiatives, distracted and impaired driving remain leading causes of preventable injuries. Legal accountability is a key part of improving community safety. Our legal team can help with your personal injury case to seek compensation.
Why Hire a Local Reno Injury Attorney
Choosing a local law firm can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Carlson & Work brings:
- Knowledge of Washoe County courts and judges
- Relationships with local medical experts and investigators
- Proven success negotiating with Nevada insurance companies
We know Reno’s streets, its legal system, and its people. Our mission is to ensure victims get justice quickly and completely.
Call Carlson & Work: Reno’s Trusted Pedestrian Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been hit by a vehicle while walking in Downtown or MidTown Reno, get help now. Don’t handle the insurance companies by yourself.
Call 775-386-2226 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Reno will assist you. They will help you gather evidence and prepare your claim. They will also work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
