If ever there is a question about who is responsible for an accident between a pedestrian and a motorist, the answer may be deceptive. Even though there are many laws that protect Las Vegas pedestrians from motorists, there are a few cases where pedestrians can be found at fault in an accident.
Knowing the difference cans save a motorist a lot of money and a lot of emotional trauma if someone is seriously injured in an accident.
Crossing zones
Nevada statute regarding pedestrians and motorists clearly determine fault for accidents surrounding crosswalks. Pedestrians generally have the right of way when there are crossing signals indicating pedestrians may cross.
When a pedestrian is at an intersection or designated crossing location without signals, they must yield to traffic. Likewise, when a pedestrian is crossing at any location without a designated crossing zone, they must yield to traffic.
Unclear zones
Not every area of Las Vegas has locations where pedestrians may clearly and safely cross a road. A pedestrian that crosses a street outside a designated crossing zone when they could have reasonably crossed at a designated location is guilty of jaywalking. Jaywalkers may be punished with a ticket or otherwise as reasonably pertains to the circumstance.
If a pedestrian could not reasonably be expected or could not possibly be able to cross in an area with a designated crossing zone, they are to yield to traffic.
Using caution
As the Las Vegas area is a high pedestrian zone, extreme caution is necessary to avoid incidents. Laws are established as a means to keep individuals in the right way and are no guarantee that an individual will do so. Both pedestrians and motorists should consider in which situations they have right of way to avoid any potential altercations and other negative consequences.
