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On October 26, yet another hit-and-run occurred in Las Vegas. This collision involved a pedestrian, and tragically, it was fatal for 18-year-old Brianna Roberson.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Brianna Roberson was walking along Boulder Highway on Thursday evening. Right before the collision, Roberson attempted to cross the highway north of Flamingo Road outside of a marked crosswalk. A vehicle traveling north, which witnesses described as a “dark-colored sedan,” struck Brianna. Witnesses confirmed that the vehicle did not slow down or stop. They simply fled off.
Brianna, on the other hand, was severely injured in the crash. Emergency responders located her and rushed her to the hospital as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, authorities were not made aware of the incident for at least two days. Once they were informed, an investigation was prompted. One day later, Brianna Roberson passed away as a result of the hit-and-run-inflicted wounds.
Police say that this recent fatality marks the 125th traffic-related death in Las Vegas in 2023.
Traffic fatalities: is there any legal recourse?
Traffic deaths are tragic. They’re also often avoidable when the right actions are taken because emergency responders are able to promptly treat the injured person. Not every death is avoidable after an accident has already happened, though.
Regardless of how serious you think the injuries are after an accident, you’re always legally obligated to stay at the scene of the crash and report the accident when someone is hurt. The only time that you shouldn’t involve authorities after a car accident is when it didn’t involve any other vehicle, no one got hurt, and the property damage is minimal. Any time injuries are likely or property damage is substantial, it’s best to involve the police.
When someone hits a pedestrian or another vehicle and flees the scene, they’re not only breaking the law, but they’re also breaking their legal duty of care towards the other person. Under the law in Nevada, all drivers automatically assume a legal duty to provide for the care and safety of other motorists and pedestrians.
When this duty of care is breached by a driver who causes a crash, there is legal recourse. After a fatal accident, the surviving loved ones can pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver. This type of civil claim can help the family recover from expenses associated with the crash like medical bills incurred prior to the passing, a loss of financial support, a loss of consortium, pain and suffering, burial costs, and more.
There are a few factors that could impact your claim, though. For one, it may be difficult to prove who the other driver was if they fled the scene. Police will need to conduct a thorough investigation. What’s more, the injured or deceased person’s own negligence may reduce the amount of compensation available if their own recklessness significantly contributed to the accident.
The best way to find out if you’re eligible to recoup some of your losses through a claim after an accident is to speak with an attorney. If you’re in Vegas or a surrounding area, then we can help. Schedule a consultation with our team now to learn more.