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Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Car accidents happen every day, and for many, they are life-altering events. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a devastating collision, each accident comes with its own set of challenges. Victims often face medical bills, lost wages, and physical or emotional trauma.
But did you know that different types of accidents can impact legal claims in unique ways? Understanding how often these accidents occur, what causes them, and who is liable can help you with the legal process more effectively. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, knowing your legal options can make all the difference.
This guide will break down the most common types of car accidents, what to do if you’re involved in one, and how a Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights.
Car accidents are more frequent than many people realize. Every year, millions of crashes happen in the U.S. and a significant percentage lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
“According to the NHTSA, over 6 million car accidents occur in the U.S. annually, with a substantial number resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.”
In Nevada, Las Vegas sees thousands of crashes every year, with many caused by reckless driving, distracted drivers, and high-speed collisions. Even a simple rear-end accident at a stoplight can lead to injuries that need medical treatment and legal action.
Head-on crashes are among the most severe and fatal types of accidents. These occur when two vehicles moving in opposite directions collide front-to-front.
Common causes include:
The impact force in head-on collisions is often devastating, leading to severe injuries like spinal cord trauma, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
Rear-end crashes occur when one vehicle hits another from behind. These accidents are most common at stop signs, red lights, and in traffic congestion.
The primary cause is distracted driving. Drivers looking at their phones, adjusting the radio, or daydreaming often fail to notice a car stopping ahead of them.
In Nevada, the rear driver is typically at fault, but there are exceptions. If the lead driver suddenly slams their brakes for no reason or has non-functioning brake lights, fault can be shared.
T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one car crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape.
These accidents often happen when:
T-bone collisions are hazardous for passengers sitting on the impacted side. Many result in serious head, neck, and internal injuries.
A significant number of accidents involve a single vehicle crashing into an object, such as a guardrail, tree, pole, or barrier.
“According to the NHTSA, single-vehicle accidents account for 18% of all crashes, many resulting from speeding, poor road conditions, or driver impairment.”
Some of these crashes occur because of hazardous road conditions, defective car parts, or sudden maneuvers to avoid hitting another car or pedestrian.
Rollover crashes happen when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. While they can happen to any car, SUVs and trucks are more vulnerable due to their high center of gravity.
Common causes include:
Rollover accidents can be catastrophic, often causing severe head injuries, spinal damage, and even fatalities.
Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides.
These often happen when:
While sideswipe crashes might seem minor, they can quickly escalate into multi-car pileups if the driver loses control.
| Type of Accident | Percentage of Total Crashes | Common Causes | Severity |
| Rear-End Collisions | 29% | Distracted driving, tailgating | Moderate |
| T-Bone Accidents | 23% | Running red lights, stop sign violations | Severe |
| Head-On Collisions | 10% | Wrong-way driving, overtaking | Fatal |
| Sideswipe Collisions | 15% | Improper lane changes, merging | Minor to moderate |
| Rollover Accidents | 5% | High speed, impact, vehicle type | Severe to fatal |
| Single-Vehicle Crashes | 18% | Hitting barriers, trees, road hazards | Moderate to severe |
Car accidents are a frequent occurrence in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas, where thousands of crashes are reported yearly. Many of these accidents result from distracted driving, speeding, and reckless behavior. The high volume of tourists and traffic congestion also contribute to the increased accident rate, making Nevada roads particularly hazardous.
Nearly 29% of all auto accidents are rear-end collisions, making them the most common kind. They typically happen in heavy traffic, at stoplights, or on highways when drivers are distracted, too closely following, or unable to halt in time. While many rear-end crashes are minor, high-speed impacts can lead to severe injuries.
In most T-bone collisions, the driver who failed to yield the right of way or ran a red light is blamed. However, liability depends on specific circumstances, including traffic signals, road conditions, and witness statements. Sometimes, both drivers may share fault, significantly if one is speeding or attempting an unsafe turn.
If you’re involved in a rollover accident, seek immediate medical help, call law enforcement, and document the scene with photos and videos. Avoid making statements that could be used against you later. Since rollover crashes often involve serious injuries, contacting a car accident attorney can help you get compensated for your losses and medical expenses.
Yes, you may still have a valid claim if your accident was caused by poor road conditions, debris, defective car parts, or improper signage. In some cases, a government agency or a third party may be liable for failing to maintain safe roadways. An experienced lawyer can help you determine your legal options.
Proving fault in a car accident requires strong evidence, including police reports, dashcam footage, traffic camera videos, eyewitness testimonies, and accident reconstruction analysis. A skilled lawyer can gather and present this evidence to establish liability, negotiate with insurers, and ensure compensation for damages and injuries.
Car accidents happen every day, and the type of accident you’re involved in can significantly impact your legal options and potential compensation. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, T-bone accident, or rollover crash, knowing what steps to take can help you in protecting your rights.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Gina Corena & Associates, we are dedicated to helping accident victims secure the maximum compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.
Our experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
