Car-Pedestrian Crash at Eldorado Hotel and Casino

A serious Reno hotel accident on August 6, 2025, has raised new concerns about pedestrian and guest safety in Northern Nevada. According to a report from MyNews4, Reno police are investigating an incident that occurred outside the Eldorado Hotel and Casino when a vehicle struck a pedestrian near the entrance. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. While the investigation is ongoing, the crash highlights the risks that hotel visitors and passersby face in busy downtown Reno.

The Eldorado Hotel and Casino, located in the heart of downtown Reno’s entertainment district, is a high-traffic area that attracts thousands of visitors each day. With heavy vehicle and pedestrian activity around the hotel’s entrances, collisions of this nature create serious questions about liability, safety precautions, and whether additional protections should be in place for guests and pedestrians. Investigators have not yet released full details about the victim’s condition or whether driver negligence or roadway design played a role in the accident.

At Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, we believe hotel guests and pedestrians deserve to feel safe in public spaces without fear of life-altering injuries. Our legal team will explore the details of this Reno hotel accident, examine the legal responsibilities of drivers and property owners, and explain what rights injured victims and their families have under Nevada law.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a Reno hotel accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Call our office at (702) 623-4518 for a free consultation with an experienced Reno personal injury lawyer.

How an Experienced Reno Hotel Accident Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

Hiring a Reno hotel accident lawyer can make a decisive difference in the outcome of your case. Hotels and casinos in Nevada are legally required to maintain safe premises, but when they fail to do so, guests can suffer severe injuries. An attorney who focuses on hotel accident claims understands how to investigate negligence, preserve evidence, and hold powerful hospitality companies accountable. Victims deserve representation that ensures their voices are heard and their rights are not overshadowed by corporate interests. At Ed Bernstein & Associates, our team is committed to standing up to large hotel corporations, protecting your rights, and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

The Role of a Hotel Accident Attorney in Reno

A hotel injury attorney provides guidance from the earliest stages of a claim. This includes collecting witness statements, securing surveillance footage, and reviewing incident reports. Attorneys also work closely with medical experts to establish the extent of the harm caused by the accident. The American Bar Association explains that attorneys often rely on expert witnesses to help juries understand complex issues related to liability and damages, which can strengthen a victim’s case in court.

Protecting Victims from Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies representing hotels frequently attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims outright. A skilled Reno hotel accident attorney negotiates directly with adjusters to prevent victims from being pressured into unfair settlements. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides insight into how insurers evaluate and limit claims, underscoring why professional legal representation is essential for achieving fair compensation.

Establishing Liability Under Nevada Premises Liability Law

Nevada premises liability law requires hotels and casinos to keep their properties reasonably safe for guests. When businesses fail to repair hazards, warn of dangerous conditions, or adequately train staff, they may be held legally responsible. The Nevada Legislature outlines these obligations, and case law in the state continues to reinforce a property owner’s duty of care. An attorney evaluates whether the hotel had actual or constructive notice of the hazard and whether its failure to act constitutes negligence.

Examples of Negligence in Hotel Accident Cases

Negligence in Reno hotel accidents can take many forms. Wet floors in lobbies, poor lighting in stairwells, malfunctioning revolving doors, or negligent valet operations all pose risks to guests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries nationwide, which makes hazards like slick lobby surfaces especially dangerous. Demonstrating how these unsafe conditions caused injury is a critical step in proving liability.

Why Legal Representation Protects Your Future

Victims of hotel accidents often face overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and long-term physical or emotional suffering. By hiring a Reno hotel accident lawyer, you ensure that all aspects of your damages, including future rehabilitation costs and reduced earning potential, are fully documented and presented. According to the National Safety Council, disabling injuries often result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime costs. Without legal support, victims may struggle to recover the compensation they truly need.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Reno Casino or Hotel Accident

Filing a personal injury claim after a Reno casino or hotel accident can feel overwhelming, but it is the key to protecting your health and financial future. Nevada law gives injured guests the right to pursue compensation when a hotel or casino’s negligence causes harm. This process involves several critical steps, from reporting the accident to documenting medical care and working with an attorney who understands Nevada premises liability law.

Reporting the Hotel or Casino Accident Immediately

The first step in protecting your claim is to report the accident to the hotel or casino management right away. Many large resorts have risk management departments that require internal documentation of all incidents. Filing an official report creates a record of the event, which may later be compared against surveillance video and witness statements. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry encourages accident victims to keep detailed records when injuries occur on commercial properties, as this information often becomes vital evidence in legal proceedings.

Why Documentation Is Essential from the Start

Without a paper trail, hotels and casinos may later dispute that the incident ever occurred. An attorney ensures that your statement is consistent with your recollection and that all available evidence, such as video footage and maintenance logs, is preserved before it disappears.

Preserving Evidence of Unsafe Conditions

An attorney may also send letters requesting the preservation of evidence. This step prevents the destruction of video surveillance, employee schedules, or maintenance records. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, property owners have a duty to identify and correct hazards in public spaces. Demonstrating whether the hotel complied with these responsibilities is a crucial part of any claim.

Seeking Immediate Medical Treatment After the Accident

Medical treatment is both a health priority and a legal necessity. Even if injuries appear minor, a doctor’s evaluation helps establish the connection between the hotel accident and the harm suffered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses that many injuries, including concussions and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can become life-threatening if untreated.

How Medical Records Strengthen a Legal Claim

Accurate medical records serve as proof of injury and are used to calculate damages in a personal injury case. These records may include hospital intake notes, diagnostic test results, and follow-up treatment plans. A Reno hotel accident attorney ensures that all documentation links directly back to the incident.

Long-Term Medical Costs Must Be Considered

An initial emergency room bill may be just the beginning. Injuries from hotel slip and falls or vehicle accidents near valet stations often require months of therapy or even surgery. The National Institutes of Health has found that traumatic injuries can lead to lasting disability and high long-term healthcare costs. A strong claim accounts for both current and future treatment.

Determining Liability for a Reno Hotel or Casino Accident

Identifying who is legally responsible is central to any personal injury claim. Liability may rest with the hotel, a third-party contractor, or, in some cases, a government entity responsible for road or sidewalk conditions.

Hotels and Casino Operators as Defendants

Hotels and casinos have a heightened duty of care because they invite the public onto their property for profit. The American Hotel and Lodging Association sets safety guidelines for the hospitality industry, and deviations from these standards may indicate negligence.

Contractors and Vendors Who May Share Fault

From escalator maintenance crews to valet operators, many services inside casinos are handled by outside companies. If a malfunction or unsafe practice caused the accident, these third parties may also be held liable. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tracks defects and mechanical failures in commercial products, which can be important evidence in cases involving elevators or escalators.

Government Entities and Unsafe Infrastructure

If the accident occurred on a sidewalk, crosswalk, or roadway adjacent to a hotel, liability could extend to a public agency. The Nevada Department of Transportation provides data on traffic control devices and roadway conditions, which attorneys may use to support claims involving unsafe intersections or pedestrian areas.

Filing the Personal Injury Claim

Once liability is established, your attorney files a formal claim demanding compensation for your injuries. This process includes submitting evidence to the appropriate insurers and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit in the Nevada state court.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Nevada

Nevada law places strict deadlines on when a personal injury lawsuit may be filed. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190, most victims have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. Missing this deadline may permanently bar recovery.

Why Acting Quickly Protects Your Rights

The sooner you file, the stronger your case will be. Evidence is preserved, witnesses are easier to locate, and insurers have less opportunity to argue that your injuries were unrelated.

Compensation Available After a Reno Hotel or Casino Accident

The damages available in a hotel injury case depend on the severity of the harm and the impact on your life. Compensation typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover direct financial losses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation, and missed paychecks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, long-term disability can devastate household finances, making these damages essential to recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including emotional trauma and reduced quality of life. Nevada law recognizes these damages as an important part of making victims whole.

When Punitive Damages May Apply

In cases of extreme negligence, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct. Nevada Revised Statutes § 42.005 governs punitive damages and outlines when they may be appropriate.

Can You Sue After a Hotel Accident in Reno, NV

Victims of hotel and casino accidents in Reno often wonder whether they have the legal right to sue. The answer depends on the facts of the case, but Nevada law does allow guests and visitors to pursue claims against hotels, casinos, and sometimes third parties when negligence leads to an injury. Whether you slipped on a wet lobby floor, were struck by a vehicle at a valet entrance, or suffered harm due to negligent security, the law provides remedies. Understanding how liability works, what evidence is required, and how compensation is calculated is essential to knowing if a lawsuit is the right path forward. At Ed Bernstein & Associates, our attorneys guide victims through every step of this process, ensuring their claims are built on solid evidence and positioned for maximum recovery.

When You Can Sue a Hotel in Reno for Negligence

Hotels and casinos in Reno owe a legal duty of care to their guests and visitors. This duty includes maintaining safe premises, providing adequate security, and correcting or warning about hazards. According to the Nevada Legislature, property owners who breach these obligations may be held financially responsible for resulting injuries.

Establishing Duty of Care

A lawsuit begins with proving that the hotel had a responsibility to keep its property safe. The American Hotel and Lodging Association outlines industry safety standards that many reputable establishments follow. If a hotel fails to meet these standards, it may be evidence of negligence.

Invitees Versus Licensees Under Nevada Law

Guests at hotels are classified as invitees, meaning they are owed the highest level of care under premises liability law. Unlike social visitors or trespassers, hotel guests can reasonably expect that management will actively inspect the property for hazards and fix unsafe conditions promptly.

Common Situations Where Lawsuits Are Filed Against Hotels

There are several recurring scenarios where victims may have the right to sue after a Reno hotel accident.

Slip and Fall Incidents in Lobbies and Walkways

Slips and falls are among the most common hotel injury claims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. If hotel staff ignored a spill or failed to post warnings after cleaning, the property owner may be held liable.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Accidents Near Valet Entrances

Busy valet areas around Reno casinos often create dangerous traffic patterns. If a driver strikes a pedestrian while entering or leaving hotel property, the hotel and its valet contractor may share responsibility. The Nevada Department of Transportation emphasizes that pedestrian safety measures must be integrated into high-traffic locations to reduce these risks.

Negligent Security and Guest Assaults

Guests may also sue for harm caused by inadequate security. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that many violent crimes occur in or near commercial locations like hotels. If a Reno hotel failed to provide sufficient lighting, monitoring, or staff presence, and that failure led to an assault, the property owner may be liable.

Liability for Casino and Nightlife Areas

Casinos connected to hotels present unique risks due to alcohol service and late-night activity. Nevada law requires operators to provide a reasonably safe environment. If a patron is assaulted in a poorly lit parking garage or unmonitored hallway, negligence may be established.

How Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Hotel Accident Lawsuits

Even if the injured person shares some responsibility, they may still be able to sue. Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 41.141, victims can recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault. For example, if a guest was texting while walking and slipped on an unmarked wet floor, their damages may be reduced but not eliminated.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Insurance companies often exploit comparative negligence rules to reduce payouts. A Reno hotel accident lawyer ensures that liability is accurately apportioned and that victims are not unfairly blamed for hazards they could not reasonably avoid.

Evidence You Need to Sue a Hotel in Reno, NV

Evidence is the foundation of every hotel accident lawsuit. Without proof, hotels and their insurers will argue that the victim’s injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.

Photographs and Surveillance Footage

Photographs of the scene and video recordings from hotel cameras are often the most powerful forms of evidence. The National Safety Council stresses the importance of documenting hazards immediately, as conditions may be cleaned or repaired quickly after an accident.

Witness Statements and Hotel Reports

Witnesses provide corroboration of how the accident occurred. Filing an official incident report with hotel management also ensures there is a contemporaneous record of the event.

Medical Records That Connect Injuries to the Accident

Detailed medical records create a direct link between the accident and the harm suffered. The National Institutes of Health explains that long-term injuries can be traced back to initial trauma through consistent medical documentation, which strengthens legal claims.

Damages You May Recover After Suing a Hotel in Reno

The goal of a lawsuit is to secure financial recovery for the harm caused. Damages can include economic losses, non-economic losses, and in rare cases, punitive damages.

Economic Losses Such as Medical Bills and Lost Income

Economic damages reimburse victims for measurable costs like emergency room bills, ongoing rehabilitation, and time missed from work. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workplace absences due to injuries often lead to substantial income losses.

Non-Economic Losses Including Pain and Suffering

Victims may also recover damages for emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and ongoing physical pain. Courts in Nevada recognize these intangible harms as compensable.

Punitive Damages for Reckless or Egregious Conduct

In situations where a hotel acted with reckless disregard for guest safety, punitive damages may be awarded. Nevada Revised Statutes § 42.005 sets the standard for when punitive damages are allowed, serving both as punishment and deterrence for future misconduct.

Contact a Reno Hotel Accident Lawyer Today

Suffering an injury at a Reno hotel or casino can change your life in an instant. Medical bills pile up, work opportunities may be lost, and daily activities that once seemed simple can suddenly feel overwhelming. You should not have to face these challenges alone, and you should not carry the financial burden of an accident caused by negligence.

At Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, our experienced legal team understands how devastating hotel and casino accidents can be for victims and their families. We have decades of experience holding property owners, insurers, and corporations accountable when they fail to protect their guests. Our firm carefully investigates every detail of your case, gathers the evidence needed to prove liability, and works with medical experts to ensure the full impact of your injuries is documented.

The Law Offices of Ed Bernstein has years of experience and a proven track record of fighting for accident victims across Nevada. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Reno hotel accident, we are ready to stand by your side. Call us today at (702) 623-4518 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.