See average payouts for Nevada side-impact accidents with a range of injuries. Find settlements for cases similar to yours.

Side-impact collisions account for more than 23 percent of all traffic accidents each year.¹

The average settlement for a moderate side-impact collision in Nevada is $41,251. The payouts in our sample range from $1,543 for minor soft tissue injuries to over $2,600,000 for permanent spinal impairment.

Average Payouts for Nevada Side-Impact Collisions

Our averages are based on a group of side-impact car accident cases in Nevada that either settled with the insurance company or won an award in court. Averages reflect actual payouts, not including claims that were denied by the insurance company or cases lost at trial.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$5,759
Moderate Injury	$41,251
Severe Injury	$767,049
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$1,784 - $2,600,342
Head Injuries	$1,543 - $492,450

Some side-impact cases involve multiple types of injuries.

Factors Affecting Nevada Accident Payouts

The predominant factor in claim value is the scope and severity of the accident victim’s injuries and the resulting medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. High-speed side-impact collisions can be devastating.

Because Nevada is an “at-fault” state, accident victims have the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Injured victims in Nevada are not required to use their own insurance for injury claims, as they would in a no-fault state.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Nevada include:

• Injury Severity – Serious injuries resulting in intractable pain, disfigurement, or some level of partial or total disability, result in much higher amounts than minor soft-tissue injuries that will eventually heal completely.
• Shared Fault – Nevada is a modified comparative fault state. You can file an injury claim against the other party even if you are equally at fault for your injuries. Your final payout will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. If you are more at fault than the other party, you may be barred from making a claim.
• 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 at-fault driver’s insurance coverage may not be enough to cover severe injury claims.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Nevada requires insurance companies to offer policyholders uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, equal to the policy’s liability limits. The policyholder can decline the optional coverages.
• Multiple Claimants – The at-fault driver’s per-accident liability coverage may not be enough to go around when two or more victims are seriously injured.
• Venue and Jurisdiction – Insurance companies know the court venues in Nevada with a history of high jury awards to accident victims. The at-fault driver’s insurer 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 awards are under $100,000, or three times the amount of compensatory damages that exceed $100,000. There are no caps to punitive damages for death or injuries caused by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor injuries from a side-impact car accident will include some minor cuts, bumps and bruises. There may be soft tissue sprains or strains with a few days of stiffness. Most minor injury victims only miss a few days to a week of work and are fully recovered within a few weeks with no residual effects.

Low-Speed Side-Impact Crash with Disputed Injuries

Type of Injury: Injuries to shoulders and limbs
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

Lane Change Resulting in Sideswipe Side-Impact Accident

Type of Injury: Head, neck and back injuries
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

Judge Boosts Jury Award for T-Bone Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries-Low back pain; neck pain; headache; left shoulder pain
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 Award for Side-Impact Ramp Accident

Type of Injury: Soft tissue shoulder and neck injuries
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

At-Fault Driver Loses Side-Impact Collision Dispute

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-cervical and lumbar strains
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 side-impact crash injuries are more extensive and may take weeks or months to heal. Moderate injuries include extensive soft-tissue injuries, and may include simple fractures, herniated discs, and moderate concussions. Some injuries have residual permanent effects.

Victims may be out of work for a few months, depending on the physical demands of their job.

Jury Finds Left-Turning Driver At Fault for T-Bone Collision

Type of Injury: Closed head injury
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 Side-Impact Injury Award Despite At-Fault Driver Denial

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
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

Sleeping Driver Causes Side-Impact Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-disc herniations
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

Bicyclist Shared Fault for Side-Impact Crash With Car

Type of Injury: Crushed fingers on his left hand and a cut on his forehead
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

Side-Impact Crash Victim Wins After Defendant Disputes Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to knees and neck
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 side-impact collisions often result in multiple injuries with residual impairment, scarring, or chronic pain. Some injury victims may be out of work for months, and some are permanently disabled.

Victim Wins Past and Future Damages After Side-Impact By Truck

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
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

Jury Finds for Victim After Tractor-Trailer Broadsides Car

Type of Injury: Neck injury-cervical disc damage at C5-C7 with radiculopathy to his fingers
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

Large Settlement for Side-Impact Crash Injury Victim

Type of Injury: Back and knee injuries
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

Jury Finds in Favor of Victim Injured in T-Bone Collision

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury
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

Judge Affirms and Increases Jury Award to Side-Impact Crash Victim

Type of Injury: Broken thumb, femur, tibia and fibula; left hip dislocation
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

Jury Awards Compensatory Damages to Victim of T-Bone Collision

Type of Injury: Back injury-lumbar spinal nerve and disc damage; Chronic headaches
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

The averages and ranges used here are from actual Nevada side-impact cases that we compiled and analyzed.

Averages are calculated by adding all the settlements, arbitration awards, and court awards in a group, then dividing the total by the number of cases in the group. Unusually large payouts in the group may skew the average higher.

The group does not include any wrongful death cases, or cases that were lost at trial. The award or settlement amount for each case reflects the final payout after any reductions for contributory negligence.