Las Vegas, NV (July 30th, 2025) – A six-year-old boy was critically injured when a large chunk of asphalt broke loose from another vehicle and crashed through the windshield of the SUV in which he was a passenger. The motor vehicle accident occurred on South Durango Drive in the Spring Valley area. The boy was rushed to University Medical Center in critical condition.
Accidents involving debris from other vehicles can raise serious questions about liability, negligence, and victims’ legal rights. When a child is injured, the legal process becomes even more complex.
At George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, we closely monitor serious roadway incidents like this one to support victims and families navigating the aftermath. If your child has been seriously injured in an accident involving falling debris or road hazards, our Las Vegas legal team can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation. Call us at 702-388-2005 to schedule a free consultation.
Who Is Liable When Road Debris Causes an Injury in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles and cargo secure. If an object falls off a car or truck and causes a crash or injury, the driver, or their employer, may be held liable. The asphalt seemingly came from a passing vehicle, raising the possibility of negligence. The motor vehicle accident, including the falling debris, remains under investigation.
Nevada’s Duty of Care for Drivers
Every driver in Nevada has a legal obligation to prevent foreseeable harm to others. That includes securing loads, maintaining control of the vehicle, and responding appropriately to road conditions.
If a driver fails to properly secure construction materials, tools, or debris, they may be found negligent if those materials fall and cause injuries.
Commercial Vehicle and Contractor Responsibility
If the vehicle carrying the asphalt was a commercial or municipal truck, liability may extend to the company or agency responsible for the load. Companies must follow strict regulations on load security, vehicle inspections, and transport practices.
An experienced Las Vegas truck accident attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties, including subcontractors, roadwork crews, and government agencies.
How Nevada Law Protects Injured Children
When a child suffers serious injuries in an accident, Nevada law provides special legal protections. Minors cannot file lawsuits themselves, and settlements involving children require court oversight.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Minor
Nevada requires that a parent or legal guardian file the claim on the child’s behalf. This representative acts in the child’s best interests and manages the legal process until the child turns 18.
Medical records, witness statements, and expert evaluations often form the backbone of these claims. In cases involving head trauma or severe injuries, future medical needs and developmental concerns must also be considered.
Court Approval for Child Injury Settlements
Nevada courts must approve any settlement involving a minor. This process ensures that the amount is fair and that funds are used appropriately for the child’s care.
Courts may require that money be placed in a restricted account, trust, or structured settlement until the child reaches adulthood.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Nevada Child Injury Case?
Compensation in personal injury cases involving children may cover more than just hospital bills. Nevada law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These include all financial losses associated with the injury, such as:
- Emergency medical care
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Psychological therapy
- Future care or educational support
Non-Economic Damages
Children can also receive compensation for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. The court will consider the child’s long-term prognosis and how the injury may affect development, schooling, and social life.
How Long Do You Have to File a Child Injury Lawsuit in Nevada?
Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years. However, when the injured party is a minor, the clock on the Las Vegas car accident timeline may be paused (tolled) until the child turns 18. That said, claims filed by a parent or guardian must follow specific procedures, and some deadlines, like notices to municipalities, may come sooner.
Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence, secure witness testimony, and avoid procedural pitfalls. If a government agency is involved, a formal notice of claim must be filed quickly, sometimes within six months.
Challenges in Proving Fault in Falling Debris Cases
Cases like this one can be hard to prove without strong evidence. Key issues often include:
Identifying the Source of the Debris
Finding out which vehicle the asphalt came from may require surveillance footage, eyewitnesses, or assistance from law enforcement. Commercial or government vehicles may have maintenance logs or GPS data that help pinpoint responsibility.
Proving Negligence
The plaintiff must show that the asphalt wouldn’t have dislodged but for someone’s negligence, such as poor loading practices, lack of maintenance, or failing to follow safety procedures.
Defending Against Comparative Fault Claims
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the other side argues that the driver of the injured child’s vehicle was partially responsible, any damages awarded could be reduced. If that driver is found more than 50% at fault, the family may be barred from recovering damages. A Las Vegas injury lawyer can help you prove you are not at fault in a car accident.
Talk to a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Child’s Case
If your child was seriously injured because of falling debris or another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Nevada law. These cases are complex, and when a child is involved, the process must be handled with care and precision.
At George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, we help families in Las Vegas pursue justice when children are harmed due to unsafe road conditions, negligent drivers, or improperly secured commercial loads. Our team has the experience to handle the legal, medical, and procedural challenges unique to child injury claims.
Don’t wait to find out whether you have a case. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner we can begin preserving critical evidence and protecting your child’s future. Contact us at 702-388-2005 for a free consultation.
