Snowstorms and icy roadways may not be characteristic of winters in Las Vegas, but there’s a perfect storm of personal injury potential all the same. December sees a potential increase in a number of injuries due to many contributing factors. Knowing the most common Las Vegas winter injuries can go a long way of keeping tourists and native Nevadans safe—and in recognizing when it’s time to consult a personal injury lawyer. The Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are here with the info you need on Las Vegas winter injuries—and how to avoid them.
1. Parking Lot and Retail Accidents
December is the peak shopping time of the year, and Las Vegas shopping centers experience this rush as well.
Why the Risk Increases
The risk increases as popular retail spots like Downtown Summerlin, Fashion Show Mall, and Town Square Las Vegas become severely congested. Cars are circling the blocks looking for parking spots, pedestrians are dodging between the vehicles, and nerves are frayed.
Common Injuries
- Low-speed vehicle accidents from drivers backing out without scanning their blind spots
- Accidents involving pedestrians and distracted drivers in parking garages
- Physical altercations or vehicle damage resulting from disputes over parking
Even in minor accidents, there could be critical injuries, especially where pedestrians are hurt.
2. DUI and Impaired Driving Crashes
Impaired driving is an important issue throughout the year in Las Vegas, although winter, particularly December, sees an apparent increase in incidents.
Why December Is Different
Office holiday parties, National Finals Rodeo after-parties, Christmas parties, and New Year’s Eve events are all occasions that promote alcohol use.
A disturbing trend is that of “buzzed driving” crashes, where locals tend to underestimate their intoxication levels after holiday dinners or parties.
3. Pedestrian Accidents on the Strip and Downtown
The influx of visitors to Las Vegas during the winter season causes heavy pedestrian activity along Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.
Common Causes
- Jaywalking across the Strip to save time
- The crowd spillover effect, which presses pedestrians towards transport lanes prior to road closures
- Driver distraction in heavily congested resort routes
Pedestrian injuries rank among the most serious Las Vegas winter injury categories, especially owing to car speeds and the concentration of pedestrians.
4. Winter Weather Slip and Fall Injuries
Although Las Vegas rarely sees any snow, rain during winter can be dangerous in ways that many individuals underestimate. Rain in Vegas may sound refreshing, but it actually poses a serious hazard. Roadways accumulate oil from prolonged dry weather. During eventual rainfall, roads can become slick with oil, much like ice.
5. Rear-End Collisions from Stop-and-Go Traffic
December traffic is significant, even more so around the resort area.
Known Trouble Spots
I-15 off-ramps at Flamingo Road, Tropicana Avenue, and Spring Mountain Road witness frequent cases of rear-end collisions during large events occurring in December, including NFR.
6. Injuries Related to New Year’s Eve
The last days of December see an influx in injuries like:
- Injuries from illegal fireworks in residential neighborhoods
- Crowd crush or trampling injuries in ultra-dense areas such as Fremont Street
- Injuries from falling debris such as items dropped from balconies or celebratory gunfire
There is a marked increase in trauma admissions reported during this time.
Here to Help with the Most Common Winter Injuries
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are here with the information you need on the most common Las Vegas winter injuries. We’re also here for you if you suffered such an injury through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of Nevada injury attorneys is ready to help with the claim process and get you the compensation you deserve.
ER Injury Attorneys is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us right now by dialing 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat. You can also fill out this contact form.
ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Get in touch with us today to get the legal advocacy you need.