See average payouts for Nevada vehicle accidents, from minor to severe. Find real car accident cases similar to yours.

More than 25,000 vehicle miles are traveled on Nevada roadways every year, with a traffic fatality, on average, almost every day.¹

The average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim in Nevada is $31,206 Average payouts range from $6,845 for minor injuries to $856,109 for severe injuries.

Average Nevada Car Accident Settlement Amounts

We reviewed a collection of actual car accident injury cases filed in Nevada courts. Victims’ injuries ranged in severity from minor soft tissue injuries to permanent brain damage. Our group of cases includes two examples of million-dollar payouts. Most car accident victims can expect to settle their injury claim in the moderate range.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,845
Moderate Injury	$31,206
Severe Injury	$856,109
Payout Range by Type of Accident
Rear-End Collisions	$2,800 - $1,728,801
Side-Impact Collisions	$1,543 - $2,600,342*
Head-On Collisions	$6,937 - $1,180,000

The majority of cases in our analysis group involved neck and back injuries, although many victims suffered a combination of injuries. Settlements and court awards are to compensate for all the victim’s injuries, not just the most obvious or serious injury.

How Car Accident Settlements Are Calculated

You can estimate the settlement value of a minor to moderate injury claim by totaling economic damages, also called “special” damages, like medical costs and lost wages, then adding one to three times that amount to cover non-economic damages, also called “general” damages, like pain and suffering.

Complicated or severe injury cases should be handled by an experienced injury attorney to maximize compensation for the victim. An attorney will gather expert opinions to support a high-dollar demand that includes future medical costs, loss of future income, and a higher amount to compensate for the emotional distress that comes with disabling injuries.

Factors Affecting Payout Amounts

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Nevada include:

• Injury Severity – Serious and permanent injuries resulting in chronic pain, some level of disability, or disfigurement result in much higher amounts than minor soft-tissue injuries with no long-term effects.
• Shared Fault – Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state. You can file an injury claim against the other party even if you are equally responsible for causing your injuries. Your final payout will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. If you are more at fault than the other driver, you may not be eligible for compensation.
• Auto Policy Limits – Nevada mandates all drivers carry insurance no less than $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $20,000 property damage liability. The other driver’s liability limit may not be enough to cover severe injury claims.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Nevada requires insurance companies to offer policyholders uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, equal to the policy’s liability limits. The policyholder has the right to reject the optional coverages. Drivers with this coverage have a source of compensation for hit-and-runs, or an at-fault driver with no insurance or not enough insurance.
• Multiple Claimants – The per-accident liability coverage carried by the at-fault driver may not be enough to go around when multiple victims are seriously injured.
• Venue and Jurisdiction – Adjusters and lawyers know the venues in Nevada with a history of high jury awards to car accident victims. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may be willing to offer a better settlement to keep your case from going to trial in a pro-victim venue.
• Punitive Damages: Nevada limits punitive damage awards to $300,000 if the compensatory award is under $100,000, or three times the amount of damages that exceed $100,000.  The limits do not apply in accident cases caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor injuries from a car accident are generally soft-tissue injuries such as scrapes, minor cuts, bumps and bruises. There may be muscle sprains or strains with a few days of stiffness. Most minor injury victims are back to normal within a month, and only miss a week or less of work.

Side-Impact Crash with Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: Injuries to shoulders and limbs
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,543
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle owned by defendant 1 and operated by defendant 2. Plaintiff suffered injuries to her shoulders and limbs from the crash. In her complaint, plaintiff claimed defendant negligently operated his vehicle when he failed to obey a red traffic light at a controlled intersection and “T-boned” plaintiff’s vehicle. The defendants did not admit liability but did not seriously contest it. They however vigorously disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s alleged injuries and damages, claiming the low impact collision could not have caused plaintiff any injuries. The jury returned its verdict and awarded the plaintiff $1,542.88 for past damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Wrightdotson v. Ashley, 15-A-716716-C

Alleged Shared Fault for Side-Impact Accident

Type of Injury: Head, neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,784
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were traveling east near an intersection. Plaintiff claimed defendant was driving in the right lane but changed lanes to make a left-hand turn. Plaintiff claimed defendant caused a collision between the two vehicles by making an unsafe lane change. Plaintiff sought damages for her head, neck, back injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. Defendant answered the lawsuit and contended the plaintiff was traveling at a much higher speed than the posted speed limit and prevented him from safely changing lanes and making his turn. The parties stipulated to participate in the short trial program and capped fees and costs at $3,000. A jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $1,784.00.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Martin v. Fox, A445503

Rear-End Injury Award Reduced for Shared Liability

Type of Injury: Neck, back, leg and wrist injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,800
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling south, when his vehicle was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by defendant. Plaintiff said he suffered injuries to his neck, mid and lower back, leg, and wrist, among other limbs and organs. Defendant denied the allegations, saying plaintiff’s own negligence caused the accident. An arbitrator found for plaintiff and awarded him $13,679. A jury echoed the arbitrator’s findings and awarded plaintiff $2,800. The jury, however, also concluded plaintiff was 41% liable for incident. Defendant was deemed 59% liable.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Lee v. Britt, A449212

Judge Increases Jury Award for T-Bone Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries-Low back pain; neck pain; headache; left shoulder pain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,578
Case Summary: Defendant was driving her father’s car when she failed to yield the right of way at an intersection and “T-boned” plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff, 63, complained of low back pain, neck pain, headaches and left shoulder pain following the accident. An independent medical evaluation report stated that an X-ray revealed plaintiff had some mild degenerative changes. Denying the allegations, defendant argued in her answer that plaintiff failed to state a claim and to mitigate her damages. A jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding her $3,177.79. The court later awarded the plaintiff additur of $1,400.
Location: Washoe County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Martin v. Ceccarelli, CV03-00054

Jury Finds in Favor of Rear-End Accident Victim

Type of Injury: Neck injuries-cervical spine
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,428
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling north and came to a stop at a traffic light at an intersection. Defendant, who was traveling behind plaintiff, failed to stop her vehicle and rear- ended plaintiff. Plaintiff sustained injuries to her cervical spine. Defendant contended the accident was minor and did not cause the plaintiff’s claimed injuries. According to the defendant, plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident before, in which she struck a tree while operating a bus. Defendant added that plaintiff’s treatment for the prior accident continued through the subject accident, one year later. A jury found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded her $4,927.50 for her past medical expenses and $2,500 for her past pain and suffering.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Eriksen v. Girot, A572862

Rear-End Crash Aggravates Pre-Existing Neck and Back Pain

Type of Injury: Aggravation of his chronic neck and back pain
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff said his vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by defendant 1. Two weeks later, plaintiff was involved in another motor vehicle accident with defendant2 and claimed he suffered aggravation of his chronic neck and back pain because of the two automobile collisions. The plaintiff contended the defendants negligently caused the accidents. Defendants did not dispute liability. An arbitrator heard the case and determined defendant1 was 75 percent at fault for the plaintiff’s injuries and defendant2 was 25 percent at fault. Plaintiff received a total of $8,000 in damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Affleck v. Gaines, 12-A-660580-C

Side-Impact Ramp Accident Award for Neck and Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue shoulder and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,100
Case Summary: Plaintiff said that a car driven by defendant was stopped on northbound route at an Interchange Ramp. Defendant entered lane number 3 in the path of plaintiff’s vehicle, striking the right side of the vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he suffered soft tissue shoulder and neck injuries from the accident. Defendant answered and denied liability. A jury in the short-trial program found in favor of plaintiff and awarded her $9,100.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Witham v. Silvernagel, A498825

Chain Rear-End Victim Injuries Challenged by Defendant

Type of Injury: Neck and back pain; headaches and a sore and swollen left trapezius muscle
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, who was stopped at a red light on eastbound route at an intersection, was rear-ended by a car driven by defendant after it was hit by another vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered neck and back pain, headaches and a sore and swollen left trapezius muscle after the accident. Defendant denied liability and filed a cross-complaint against the driver who started the chain reaction by striking defendant’s vehicle. Defendant disputed the reasonableness and necessity of the plaintiff’s treatments. An arbitrator found in favor of the plaintiff but found the plaintiff’s treatment was excessive. He awarded plaintiff $10,000. The court entered judgment on the award, adding amounts for interest and costs.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Pacheco v. Williams, 13-A-693515-C

Jury Finds for Rear-End Victim Despite Allegations of Shared Fault

Type of Injury: Soft tissue back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,429
Case Summary: Defendant rear ended plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit against Defendant because of the accident. The plaintiff claimed soft tissue injuries to her back and sought damages for medical care and treatment, lost earnings, and property damage. Plaintiff further claimed general, compensatory, miscellaneous, and incidental damages in excess of $10,000. Defendant stipulated to liability in the accident but disputed the plaintiff’s alleged damages. Defendant alleged contributory negligence, superseding causes, acts of a third party and failure to mitigate damages as affirmative defenses. Jury decided in favor of the plaintiff and awarded her a total of $11,429.24, including more than $10,500 for past medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering; and $884 for future pain and suffering.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Burns v. Wong, A423332

Left-Turn Driver Entirely Responsible for Victim’s Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-cervical and lumbar strains
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,790
Case Summary: Defendant was driving an automobile north, in the left-hand turn lane. Defendant said traffic in the number one and number two lanes stopped to allow her to make a left-hand turn. As defendant turned left into a private drive, her vehicle collided with plaintiff’s vehicle in the number three lane. Plaintiff claimed defendants were negligent in their operation and ownership of the vehicle, and that the collision caused him cervical and lumbar strains, pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, and loss of income. Defendants refuted plaintiff’s allegations and claimed that any injuries he sustained were due to his own negligence. Jury ruled for plaintiff. The panel found defendant driver was negligent and that her negligence was entirely responsible for causing the collision. Plaintiff received $11,790.00.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Rodriguez v. Tang, A463557

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries may include uncomplicated fractures, herniated discs, brain concussions, and extensive bruising and sprains that can take weeks or months to heal. Some moderate injuries may have lingering effects. Victims may be out of work for a few months, depending on the physical requirements of their employment.

Court Increases Award to Victim After Defense Misconduct at Trial

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,121
Case Summary: According to plaintiff, defendant rear-ended her at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed she suffered back and neck injuries. Defendant answered and said plaintiff failed to mitigate her damages and that her injuries were the result of an unavoidable accident. A jury in the short-trial program found in favor of plaintiff and awarded $1,170 in damages. In an order, the court described misconduct by defendant’s counsel, including counsel’s failure to attend the mandatory pre-trial conference and inappropriate conduct at trial as having “tainted and infected the jurors’ deliberations.” The court entered judgment for plaintiff in the amount of $12,121.25, which included an additional $1,951 for past medical damages, an additur of $6,000 for pain and suffering and $3,000 in attorney fees.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Belanger v. Swinbourne, A509581

Jury Award for Hit-And-Run Rear End Collision

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries-T6 compression fracture, cervical and lumbar radiculitis with fingertip numbness; headaches; cervical and thoracic strains
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,597
Case Summary: Plaintiff said the defendant’s vehicle struck the rear of his vehicle as it was stopped at an intersection and fled the scene of the accident. Plaintiff suffered a T6 compression fracture, cervical and lumbar radiculitis with fingertip numbness, headaches and cervical and thoracic strains, as a result of the accident. The defendant denied liability. Before the jury trial, an arbitrator awarded the plaintiff $10,000. Jury found for plaintiff in the amount of $12,597.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Gomez v. Caldejon, 11-A-636869-C

Jury Award Injured Driver After Two-Truck Collision

Type of Injury: Back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,220
Case Summary: Plaintiff was hauling oversized pipe when his truck was hit from behind by defendant, who was driving a fully loaded double concrete truck. Plaintiff reported back pains after the accident and said he is now forced to stop his truck once an hour to “walk around and relieve the tension in his back.” The defendants denied the plaintiff’s claims, asserting the plaintiff did not “exercise ordinary care, caution or prudence” to avoid the accident and his resulting injuries. A jury found for the plaintiff, awarding him a total of $15,220.00 in damages. The jury concluded defendant was 100 percent at fault for the accident and the plaintiff’s injuries.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Brott v. Cataldo, A427970

Jury Award to Head Injury Victim for T-Bone Collision

Type of Injury: Closed head injury
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,454
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving his vehicle westbound. He arrived at an intersection at the same time as defendant, who was driving his vehicle eastbound, preparing to make a left-hand turn. The two vehicles collided. Both drivers denied liability for the accident. Plaintiff brought a lawsuit against defendant, claiming that plaintiff’s traffic signal was green, and he had the right-of-way into the intersection. Plaintiff claimed that he suffered a closed head injury from the collision. Defendant argued that he had the right-of-way at the time of collision with the advantage of a green turn signal. Jury found for plaintiff, awarding him a total of $15,453.77 for past damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Moceo v. Behm, A449504

Victim Wins After Left-Turning Driver Denies Liability

Type of Injury: Head injury-occipital neuralgia, a concussion, post-concussion syndrome, chronic headaches, weakness, dizziness, and nausea; chest wall contusion and cervical and lumbar strains
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,594
Case Summary: Defendant, driving north in a vehicle owned by co-defendant, made a left turn in front of the plaintiff’s southbound vehicle, causing her to collide with him. Plaintiff suffered occipital neuralgia, a concussion resulting in post-concussion syndrome with chronic headaches, weakness, dizziness and nausea, a chest wall contusion and cervical and lumbar strains, as a result of the accident. The plaintiff contended the defendant negligently failed to yield the right-of-way and ran a red light. The defendant denied liability. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $15,594.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Truman v. Ingram, 09-A-591796-C

Jury Award for Rear-End Accident Caused by Negligent Driver

Type of Injury: Shoulder, head, neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $26,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving east, when he stopped behind a vehicle that had braked for an ambulance. The emergency vehicle was traveling north with its siren on and its emergency lights flashing. Without warning, defendant, who was driving behind plaintiff, failed to stop and rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed defendant’s negligent driving caused the plaintiff shoulder, head, neck and back injuries leaving him “physically and emotionally damaged.” The defendant denied the allegations. A jury found defendant negligent and awarded plaintiff $26,000. Of that amount, $20,000 was for past medical bills.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Anderson v. Headd, A452042

Sleeping Driver Causes Side-Impact Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-disc herniations
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $36,465
Case Summary: Plaintiff, driving a pickup truck, and defendant, driving his car, were involved in a motor vehicle accident at an intersection. Plaintiff and his wife sued defendant, stating that defendant was negligent and caused the accident. According to the plaintiffs, defendant fell asleep while he was driving and failed to stop at a stop sign. Plaintiff said he suffered disc herniations in his back, requiring surgery. Defendant claimed plaintiff did not seek medical attention at the scene. He added that plaintiff did not exercise ordinary care, caution, or prudence to avoid the accident and his injuries. A jury awarded the plaintiff $36,465 against the defendant for past medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Centeno-Alvarez v. Coe, A510230

Jury Award to Rear-End Crash Victim Despite At-Fault Driver’s Denial

Type of Injury: Injuries to neck, shoulder and back
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $39,866
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were traveling south in separate vehicles near a Road off-ramp. According to defendant, he was traveling behind plaintiff, then switched lanes. When he attempted to move back behind plaintiff, who was braking as she approached traffic, defendant said he was unable to stop in time and “collided with the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle.” Plaintiff suffered injuries to her neck, shoulder and back. In her suit, plaintiff said defendant had driven recklessly and lost control of his vehicle prior to the incident. Defendant denied the allegations, asserting the affirmative defenses of insufficient facts, failure to mitigate damages and contributory negligence. A jury found for plaintiff and awarded her $39,866.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Hidalgo v. Soto, A420169

Bicyclist Injury Award Reduced for Shared Accident Fault

Type of Injury: Crushed fingers on his left hand and a cut on his forehead
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $53,742
Case Summary: According to plaintiff, he was straddle-walking his bicycle on a sidewalk that crosses a driveway outside a post office. Meanwhile, defendant was exiting the parking lot and accelerated forward without warning, striking plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed he sustained multiple injuries, including crushed fingers on his left hand and a cut on his forehead. Defendant argued, however, that plaintiff was riding his bicycle in the street, going against traffic in violation of state bicycle traffic laws. As she pulled out of the parking lot, defendant said, plaintiff ran into her passenger door. A jury found for plaintiff and awarded him $53,742, including $21,722 for past medical damages. Apportioning fault, the jury said defendant was 10% liable and plaintiff 90% liable.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Tucknott v. Williams, A435109

Award to Sideswipe Injury Victim After Defendant Disputes Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to knees and neck
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $85,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling in the inside lane attempting to turn onto another street when defendant’s vehicle slid laterally from the outside lane into plaintiff’s vehicle, which then ran onto a median. Plaintiff claimed she suffered injuries to her knees and neck in the accident. Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant and his employer. She requested general and special damages, among others. The defendants admitted negligence in the accident but disputed plaintiff’s claimed injuries. They however contended that plaintiff was a state champion in a long jump, these sports are hard on a person’s knees. Judge ruled for the plaintiff, awarding her $85,000 plus more than $10,500 in prejudgment interest.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Marcelo, A461231

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accidents can result in multiple significant injuries to a victim, with residual impairment, and sometimes permanent disfigurement. Some severe injury victims are permanently disabled. Severe injury victims may be out of work for months, with some never able to return to work.

Victim Wins Case Against Truck Driver and Trucker Employer

Type of Injury: Neck injury-disc protrusions at C3-C4 and C4-C5; others-a loose tooth, bleeding from her mouth, and clicking sounds when she turned her head
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $220,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident when defendant’s truck struck her vehicle while backing up. Plaintiff’s vehicle was parked on the passenger side of defendant’s truck at the time. Defendant was working for his employer, co-defendant, when the accident occurred. Plaintiff said she suffered disc protrusions at C3-C4 and C4-C5, a loose tooth, bleeding from her mouth, and clicking sounds when she turned her head as a result of the accident. The defendants generally denied the plaintiff’s claims. Finding for the plaintiff, a jury awarded plaintiff $200,000 for past damages and $20,000 for future damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Hallmark v. Eldridge, A475474

Reckless Driver Liable for Rollover Injuries to Passenger

Type of Injury: A punctured lung; broken ribs; fractures to four back vertebrae; general injuries to his skull, hip and pelvis.
Type of Accident: Singe-Vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in his brother-in-law’s vehicle when it was in a motor vehicle accident. Defendant’s vehicle rolled over at a Road underpass. Defendant was cited for reckless operation of a motor vehicle and causing the rollover. Plaintiff said he sustained injuries from the accident, including a punctured lung, broken ribs, and fractures to four back vertebrae, in addition to injuries to his skull, hip and pelvis. In his answer, defendant denied all allegations asserted in plaintiff’s complaint. Defendant argued that if plaintiff had used his seat belt, plaintiff’s injuries and damages would have been prevented. A jury returned a verdict in favor of Plaintiff. They awarded total damages of $300,000 for past and future pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and scarring/disfigurement.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Brown v. Carter, A480563

Tractor-Trailer Broadsides Car, Injured Victim Wins at Trial

Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical disc damage at C5-C7 with radiculopathy to his fingers
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $305,000
Case Summary: Defendant, while operating a tractor trailer, in his scope of employment with co-defendant, executed a right turn into southbound traffic into the far right lane, then maneuvered into the far left lane occupied by plaintiff, striking plaintiff’s vehicle broadside. Plaintiff sustained cervical disc damage at C5-C7 which resulted in radicular symptoms to his fingers and required two fusion surgeries because of the accident. Defendants denied causation, claiming plaintiff’s cervical injuries were pre-existing and degenerative in nature and that plaintiff sustained at most a cervical myofascial strain in the incident. A jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Hassanieth v. Jones, A-17-750208-C

Side-Impact Case Settles with Victim of Multiple Later Car Accidents

Type of Injury: Back and knee injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $445,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving a vehicle into an intersection on a green light. Defendant, who was driving at the same intersection, failed to stop at a red signal and crashed into plaintiff’s vehicle broadside. Defendant was driving a vehicle owned by his employers, co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed defendant was cited for failing to stop for a red light. Plaintiff sustained back and knee injuries in the collision. He said his medical expenses totaled approximately $591,739 while his wage loss totaled $4,200. The defendants’ affirmative defenses included contributory negligence. According to the defendants, the plaintiff was involved in several subsequent motor vehicle accidents, each of which was more severe than the accident with defendant. According to court minutes, parties agreed to settle the case for $445,000.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Erickson v. Ace Painting, A536121

At-Fault Driver Denies Running Red Light, Jury Finds In Favor of Victim

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $492,951
Case Summary: While driving his vehicle westbound, plaintiff collided with defendant’s car at an intersection. Defendant failed to stop at a red traffic signal and caused the accident, according to plaintiff. Plaintiff said the force of the impact forced him to strike his head and sustained a traumatic brain injury with severe residual deficits. Defendants denied that defendant driver failed to notice a red light or that she negligently caused the collision. By way of affirmative defenses, the answer included claims of contributory and comparative negligence of the plaintiff, and an argument that plaintiff’s injuries were the result of an unavoidable accident. Jury disagreed with defendants and returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff, awarding plaintiff $492,950.95 in damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Schrom v. Garcia, A477231

Disabled Victim Wins Jury Award Despite At-Fault Driver Arguments

Type of Injury: Broken thumb, femur, tibia and fibula; left hip dislocation
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $539,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling north, while defendant was driving south on the same route. Defendant failed to yield the right of way to plaintiff’s vehicle, striking it on the passenger’s side. Plaintiff suffered a broken left thumb, left femur, left tibia and fibula, and a left hip dislocation. Plaintiff said he was subsequently rendered disabled from the accident and was forced to undergo surgery, the cost of which was more than $112,000. Defendant denied the allegations, asserting affirmative defenses including negligence by the plaintiff and failure to mitigate damages. A jury found for plaintiff, and awarded him $500,000, including more than $117,000 for past medical damages. A judge affirmed the award and added prejudgment interest of more than $39,000.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Hopkins v. Miller, A463368

Trucker and Employer Liable for Rear-End Crash with Severe Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injury; head injury-skull fracture and brain contusion causing bell’s palsy
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $750,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving north when a vehicle in front of her stopped abruptly. She applied her brakes and avoided a collision with that vehicle, but a truck following behind her was unable to stop in time and struck her vehicle. Defendant was driving the truck at the time of the accident while working for co-defendant. Due to the collision, plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck injury with skull fracture and brain contusion causing bell’s palsy. Defendants answered the plaintiff’s complaint by generally denying the allegations and asserting multiple affirmative defenses. The Jury found in favor of plaintiff and awarded him $10,000 for past medical expenses; $100,000 for past pain and suffering; $340,000 for future medical expenses; and $300,000 for future pain and suffering.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Cannon v. Larkin, A444900

Injured Victim Shares Fault for Head-On Collision with Truck

Type of Injury: Open head wound; frontal sinus fracture; left frontal soft tissue laceration into left cerebral hemisphere and brain hemorrhage
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,180,000
Case Summary: While entering a private drive, plaintiff’s vehicle was hit head-on by a truck driven by defendant. At the time of the incident, defendant was working for co-defendant. Plaintiff suffered severe injuries including an open head wound, frontal sinus fracture, left frontal soft tissue laceration into left cerebral hemisphere, and brain hemorrhage. In their answer, defendants denied plaintiff’s allegations and claimed plaintiff was negligent. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, awarding her $1.69 million in damages. The Panel also found plaintiff 30% at fault and the defendants 70% at fault. Following the fault apportionment, Judge reduced the jury award to $1.18 million.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Contreraz v. Ross, A461108

Rear-End Accident Victim Wins Trial Despite Allegations of Shared Fault

Type of Injury: Headaches and injuries to cervical and lumbar spine
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,728,801
Case Summary: Plaintiff said he was stopped for traffic when he was “suddenly and unexpectedly rear ended” by a vehicle driven by defendant. Plaintiff claimed he suffered headaches and injuries to his neck and back because of the accident. These injuries later necessitated surgery and the placement of an occipital stimulator, he added. The defendant admitted liability for the accident. However, he argued the affirmative defenses of contributory negligence, among others. A jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding damages in the amount of $1,728,801 in damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Messer v. Escamilla-Estrada, A467965

Jury Award After At-Fault Driver Disputes Victim’s Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-lumbar spinal nerve and disc damage; Chronic headaches
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,600,342
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended defendant negligently ran a red light at an intersection and T-boned plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered lumbar spinal nerve and disc damage, which required an interbody fusion at L3-L4 and implantation of a morphine pump and resulted in permanent spinal impairment, as well as chronic headaches. Defendant admitted liability but disputed plaintiff’s injuries were related to the accident; the defendant claimed plaintiff was involved in at least three other motor vehicle accidents and fell during a dog attack, all prior to this collision, which caused or contributed to plaintiff’s injuries. Jury ruled in favor of plaintiff and awarded her $2,600,342 in compensatory damages.
Location: Clark County, Nevada
Case Name and Docket Number: Johnson v. Garcia, 08-A-562253-C

Methodology

We analyzed a group of actual car accident injury lawsuits filed in Nevada courts. Every case in our group resulted in either an insurance settlement, arbitration award, or court award. This group does not include wrongful death claims or cases that didn’t result in a payout for the plaintiff.

Averages are calculated by adding all the payouts in a group and dividing the total by the number of cases in the group. Unusually high awards can skew the average higher.

The final payout referenced for each case may include amounts added by the court after a jury decision, or a reduced amount to account for the plaintiff’s shared fault for causing their injuries.