The Reality of Car Accidents in Las Vegas
Between major tourist events like EDC, CES, and March Madness, packed resort parking garages, and the steady expansion of suburban areas like Henderson and Summerlin, the risk of serious crashes in the Las Vegas area is constant. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, Clark County sees the majority of the state’s motor vehicle accidents—many happening at intersections like Flamingo and Maryland Parkway, Sahara Avenue and Decatur, or along dangerous stretches of I-15 and U.S. 95.
Common types of car accidents in the Las Vegas area include:
- Rear-end collisions during Strip congestion or highway traffic
- T-bone crashes at busy intersections with complex light cycles
- Head-on collisions on rural desert highways
- Sideswipe accidents involving rideshare and taxi services
- Multi-vehicle crashes on I-15 and I-215 during rush hour
- Crashes involving drunk or impaired drivers leaving casinos or bars
- Accidents caused by distracted drivers on phones or GPS devices
In 2023, there were 351 fatal traffic accidents in Nevada. 239 of these occurred in Clark County alone, claiming 258 lives.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas
On April 19, 2025 at about 4:52 a.m., a crash on Summerlin Parkway claimed one life. A Jeep Wrangler veered out of its lane and collided with an unoccupied vehicle parked on the shoulder. The Jeep rolled over into an embankment, ejecting a passenger, who died at the scene. The driver of the Jeep was taken to a local hospital and later charged with DUI.
Nationwide, car accidents have three primary causes: distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. These are similar in the Las Vegas area, with tourism, 24/7 entertainment, and desert driving conditions creating additional risks that are unique to Southern Nevada.
Common causes of car accidents in Las Vegas include:
- Drunk & Drugged Driving: Las Vegas nightlife doesn’t end at 2 a.m., and impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal and serious crashes throughout the region.
- Distracted Driving: With countless tourists navigating unfamiliar roads and locals relying heavily on smartphones for navigation, distractions are a serious problem on Las Vegas roadways.
- Speeding & Aggressive Driving: From the wide-open stretches of Summerlin Parkway to the race-like mentality of some drivers on the Bruce Woodbury Beltway, speed kills.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers not used to U-turn-heavy traffic patterns (common in Vegas and Clark County) may cause collisions at major intersections and driveways.
- Poor Road Design or Maintenance: Construction zones on city and suburban streets, sudden lane shifts on freeways, and confusing detours near the Strip can increase accident risks.
- Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft drivers rushing to pick up fares in Las Vegas may stop or turn unexpectedly to pick up or drop off passengers, creating hazards for everyone around them.
Injuries We Commonly See in Las Vegas Car Accident Cases
The force of two or more vehicles colliding at high speeds—or even low speeds when heavy vehicles are involved—can cause catastrophic injuries. Some of these injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. This is one of many reasons to seek medical attention after any type of car accident. A qualified medical professional will know what injuries to look for, and you’ll have the added benefit of starting a record of your treatment.
Some of the most common injuries we see after Vegas car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns, often from engine or fuel fires
- Crush injuries in rollovers or multi-car pileups
- Wrongful death
Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys work closely with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to ensure our clients’ long-term needs are fully understood and aggressively pursued.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Las Vegas Car Accident?
Depending on the facts of the crash, multiple parties may share responsibility. Our legal team investigates thoroughly to identify every liable party. While many car accidents involve driver wrongdoing, such as speeding or driving while distracted or impaired, companies and other entities can also be held accountable.
This may include:
- Hotels and casinos that offer transportation services
- Commercial vehicle operators and their employers
- Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers, if a defect caused the crash
Holding every liable party accountable increases the compensation available to our clients—and forces real changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in Nevada
Car accident survivors may be eligible for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Rehabilitation and long-term care needs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence
At Arnold & Itkin, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers know that real compensation isn’t just about medical bills. It’s about giving families the support they need to rebuild.
Why You Need a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer After a Serious Crash
Insurance companies are not on your side. Whether you're dealing with your own insurer or the at-fault party’s provider, they will look for ways to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. After a serious crash, you need a legal team that will fight for you—and has the track record to back it up.
Arnold & Itkin has won more than $20 billion for people who needed real help after life-changing accidents. We are ready to put our experience to work for you, so you can focus on healing while we handle everything else. If you were hurt in a car accident anywhere in Clark County—from downtown Las Vegas to Henderson, North Las Vegas, or beyond—our team is here to help you get the answers and justice you deserve. We represent clients nationwide.
Call (888) 493-1629 now or contact us online for a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney.
