May is Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month, and ER Injury Attorneys want to help keep you and your family safe. One of the best ways to do so is by being armed with information. To that end, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers want to make sure that you’re aware of three injuries that become more prevalent during Las Vegas wildfire season so that you can avoid them.
Avoid These Las Vegas Wildfire Season Injuries
Las Vegas wildfire season runs from May through October. During these months, which are typically the driest and hottest in Clark County, the chances of wildfires increase. Although some of these fires are natural occurrences, such as those started by lightning strikes during thunderstorms, others are caused by negligent acts such as unextinguished cigarette butts or charcoal.
No matter the cause, wildfire activity increases the chances of certain types of injuries. Here are three to keep an eye out for.
1) Car Accidents
Wildfires in Clark County can elevate the risk of car accidents for several reasons. Smoke drift from these fires can significantly reduce visibility on Las Vegas roadways, making it harder for drivers to perceive other vehicles, pedestrians, and hazards, thereby increasing the likelihood of collisions. Furthermore, the awareness and news coverage of distant wildfires, along with the presence of emergency responders, can distract drivers, causing a lapse in focus on driving tasks.
While less directly impactful, the extreme heat prevalent during wildfire season can contribute to vehicle malfunctions, such as tire blowouts, if proper car maintenance is neglected. Additionally, the possibility of heavier concentrations of smoke and ashfall creating slick road conditions exists.
2) Pedestrian Accidents
Las Vegas wildfire season can elevate the risk of pedestrian accidents. Smoke can significantly reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, making it challenging to perceive each other. Also, as people seek to avoid the intense daytime heat common during wildfire season, there may be an increase in pedestrian activity during dawn, dusk, or nighttime, when visibility is naturally lower. This combination of reduced visibility and increased pedestrian presence during darker hours can heighten the potential for accidents.
Similar to drivers, news coverage of wildfires can create distractions and stress for pedestrians. Walkers might be less attentive to traffic due to concerns about the fires and their potential impacts. This decreased attention to road safety can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, even if the fires are miles away from the pedestrian’s location.
3) Heat-Related Illnesses
Wildfire season in Clark County can exacerbate heat-related illnesses. Smoke drifting into the valley can trap heat, leading to even higher temperatures and prolonged extreme heat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations, outdoor workers, and those without sufficient cooling. While not always direct, wildfires can also cause power outages, potentially extending beyond the immediate fire zone. The loss of air conditioning during already high temperatures significantly increases the danger of heat-related illnesses.
Tourists, some of whom are unaccustomed to or unprepared for Las Vegas wildfire season heat, are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. It is crucial for visitors to take extra precautions during this time to stay safe. Businesses that host tourists may be liable for damages if they do not provide a safe environment for their guests. Broken air conditioning, poor airflow, and insufficient water may leave businesses open to premises liability lawsuits.
Contact a Las Vegas Injury Attorney Near Me
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you found this information on Las Vegas wildfire season injuries useful. Please share it with your family and friends to increase their safety. If you or a loved one were injured during wildfire season and believe that those injuries were caused by another party, then contact us for immediate assistance. Our team of accomplished Nevada legal professionals will review your claim and determine your best legal options. Contact us today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
You can reach our Las Vegas injury lawyers 24/7 by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our Nevada injury lawyers have successfully recovered top settlements for clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other parts of Southern Nevada. Take the first step towards the settlement and service that you deserve by reaching out to ER Injury Attorneys today.