Car accidents can cause serious injuries, or may even result in death. This is especially true when a driver does not hit another car, but instead strikes a pedestrian. These incidents can be devastating, but they can also be extremely frustrating when the at-fault driver chooses to flee the scene in order to avoid liability. One such hit-and-run recently happened took place in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of a pedestrian.
Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that the coroner has identified a pedestrian recently killed in local hit-and-run accident. The 27-year-old man was crossing Tropicana Avenue where it intersects with South Jones Boulevard when a driver struck him. The impact threw the young man into a palm tree, and his injuries proved to be fatal. Rather than stopping to assist the dying man or to talk to police and emergency responders, the driver fled the scene. The accident happened around six o’clock in the morning.
Hit-and-Run Accidents are a Growing Problem
USA Today reported on our growing national problem of hit-and-run incidents back in 2013. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatal hit-and-run accidents in the country was 1,274 in 2009, 1,393 in 2010, and 1,449 in 2011. Over that three-year period, hit-and-run deaths increased dramatically nationwide, while overall traffic deaths declined. Additionally, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately one out of every five pedestrian fatalities is the result of a hit-and-run, and three out of every five people killed in hit-and-run accidents are pedestrians. Drivers who have been drinking, who are not properly licensed, or who are young are the most likely to be the drivers in these situations.
Characteristics of Pedestrians Killed in Crashes
In 2008 NHTSA released a report that, among other things, described characteristics of the most likely victims of fatal pedestrian traffic accidents. More than two-thirds of pedestrians killed in these crashes between 1997 and 2006 were male. Sixty percent of those killed during that time period were white, fifteen percent were black, two percent were Asian or Asian-American, two percent were American Indian, and 21 percent were of other or unknown races. Pedestrians over age 64 made up over one-fifth of the fatalities and children under the age of 16 accounted for 10 percent. Only 12 percent of the accidents involved pedestrians who darted out into the road. As for the drivers involved in these deadly accidents, over one-third of them had a BAC of over .08.
Call Naqvi Injury Law
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run or any type of traffic accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering. To seek that compensation you will need the help of a passionate and experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney at Naqvi Injury Law. Call us at (702)-553-1000 to schedule a consultation. We are prepared to advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.