Types Of Auto Accident Claims: Unsafe Roads

The roads of Nevada are some of the most spectacular and diverse in the country – from flat, open highways to winding mountain passes. While driving through the Silver State can be a rewarding experience filled with jaw-dropping views, there is one caveat. 

Many of these roads are also some of the most dangerous in the nation. From icy winter conditions to steep grades and narrow turns, Nevada’s scenic but dangerous roads require travelers to exercise caution before hitting the pavement and know what to do if they are injured in an auto accident.

What are the most dangerous roads in Nevada?

• U.S. Route 95: A north-south highway between Reno and Las Vegas, U.S. 95 has a history of deadly crashes due to high traffic volumes, dangerous curves, and long stretches without guardrails or emergency pull-outs. 
• I-15: The interstate that connects Southern Nevada with Northern California has no barriers to separate oncoming traffic. This stretch has been all too often fatal for unsuspecting motorists, who may not expect people driving at extreme speeds combined with congested traffic.
• SR 373/Kyle Canyon Road: This curving mountain road near Mount Charleston serves as one of the main routes leading into nearby Pahrump from Las Vegas Valley but can be especially dangerous in wet weather conditions when slick roads make it easy to lose control while navigating hairpin turns more than 5500 feet above sea level.
• Nevada State Route 375 (Extraterrestrial Highway): A winding two-lane highway nicknamed the Extraterrestrial Highway due to its proximity to the infamous Area 51 military base. This route is home to some of Nevada’s most unexpected wildlife. As such, speeding cars are no match for animals darting across unmarked roads. 
• Red Rock Canyon Loop Road: This scenic route is a popular spot for tourists looking to get a glimpse of some breathtaking views, but the sharp curves and elevation changes can make it dangerous for drivers accustomed to more flat and straightforward roads. The rugged terrain combined with long stretches without guardrails, emergency pull-outs, and speeding vehicles are all too common causes of accidents. 
• The Vegas Strip: Although overshadowed in terms of overall fatalities, the Strip is still one of Nevada’s most dangerous roads due to its sheer volume of traffic and busy tourist attractions, making it difficult for anyone to keep their eyes on the road at any given time. It’s marred by distracted drivers and reckless pedestrians dashing across streets.
• Lake Tahoe Loop Road: Crossing through mountainous terrain and several major ski resorts, the Lake Tahoe Loop Road is full of tight turns, sandy roads, thick traffic in summer months, and poor visibility due to frequent fog or snow. 
• Charleston Boulevard: This city street is one of the most dangerous streets in Clark County due to its heavy vehicular traffic, excessive speeding, and inadequate lighting. 
• NV-160/Blue Diamond Road: Blue Diamond Road has seen an uptick in fatal crashes due to its availability as a shortcut from Sin City. Poorly maintained shoulders combined with dips and rises cause careless drivers to take this route far beyond the speed limits making it increasingly easier for tragic events like head-on collisions to occur. 
• State Route 318: Stretching from the town of Beatty to northern Nevada, this exposed highway is considered one of the deadliest roads in the state. Its lack of guardrails, winding curves, and infrequent road maintenance contribute to its risky nature resulting in fatalities far more often than one would expect, considering its remote location.

Common causes of crashes on Nevada’s unsafe roads

• Distracted driving
• Poor or limited visibility
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Unfamiliarity with the type of road
• Driving offensively 
• Tailgating
• Improper passing
• Poor road conditions
• Wildlife crossing the road

What to do after a crash

• Remain calm: Staying calm and level-headed is essential after a crash
• Check for injuries: Check yourself, your passengers, the other driver, and their passengers for potential injuries as soon as possible. Even if there are no apparent physical injuries, you should always seek medical attention immediately following an accident. 
• Call 911: Make sure emergency personnel are dispatched to the scene of the crash
• Exchange info with the other driver: Exchange car insurance information, names, and contact details with the other driver
• Document everything: Take pictures of all vehicles involved, including license plates, damages sustained by each party, and contact details for witnesses. Additionally, write down what happened from your perspective.
• Notify your insurance company: Be sure to inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible
• Contact a car accident injury attorney: If you or someone else sustained injuries caused by the at-fault party, it is wise to consult with a personal injury attorney to learn more about filing an injury claim

Can you sue for bad roads?

Yes, you can sue for bad roads. Depending on the situation and facts surrounding a road crash, a person may be able to successfully file a personal injury lawsuit or premises liability lawsuit against those responsible for bad roads when they are determined to be the cause of the accident. 

It is necessary to prove negligence in order to receive compensation for personal injuries and property damage from the party that is liable for poor design or lack of maintenance on public roads. Therefore, obtaining assistance with your claim from an experienced attorney is recommended. 

Who could be held responsible for bad roads?

Potentially any individuals or agencies responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of public roads can be held liable if it is determined that their negligence caused an accident or property damage. Common entities/parties include local city and county governments, the state Departments of Transportation, contractors in charge of roadway design, and other parties such as construction companies involved with repair jobs on damaged roads.

What damages can I sue for?

• Current and future medical expenses: This includes doctor and hospital visits, surgery bills, medication costs, medical devices, physical therapy bills, counseling expenses for emotional trauma caused by the accident, and any additional medical costs
• Present and future lost wages: If you cannot work until your injuries heal, can only work limited hours, or are left disabled, you can seek compensation for lost income
• Non-economic damages: These damages are intangible losses caused by an incident, like pain and suffering, mental anguish, PTSD, and anxiety
• Property damage: Reimbursement is possible for property damage to the vehicle or personal property inside the car
• Funeral expenses: In cases where wrongful death occurred, families are entitled to compensation to cover funeral expenses and additional compensation to cover any financial losses experienced

How can an attorney help me with my unsafe road injury claim?

A skilled attorney can help you assess the specifics of your unsafe road injury claim by determining who is liable for your injuries. We will guide you through the complexities of filing a lawsuit and researching supporting evidence to back up your claims. 

Furthermore, we negotiate with insurance companies or represent your interests in court proceedings to ensure you are fairly compensated. Our skilled attorneys will also handle any appeals that arise after a court ruling in your favor. 

What is the statute of limitations to file a claim in Nevada?

The statute of limitations to file a claim in Nevada is two years from the date of the injury or accident. Some exceptions may extend or reduce that timeline to only a year. As such, speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is crucial.

How long does it take to settle a claim?

The time it takes to settle a claim varies depending on the case’s complexity and other factors, such as availability, responsiveness, and willingness from insurance companies to settle. Generally, cases with clear facts and fewer parties involved are settled amicably within a few months. However, more complicated claims or cases where insurance companies are uncooperative can take much longer before an agreement is reached.

Talk to a Nevada car accident attorney for free today

When you have been injured on one of Nevada’s unsafe roads, and another party is responsible for your injuries, get the help and assistance you need from Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you during this difficult time and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Sources:

Akers, M. (2023). 2022 One of Deadliest on Nevada Roads in Decades.

Elements of a Negligence Case. (2022).

Lee, C. (2023). Auto Accident Settlement and Lawsuit Timeline.