At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the immense challenges you’re facing after a car accident because we’ve successfully guided countless clients through similar situations. We know how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries, insurance companies, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Our extensive experience and unwavering dedication to our clients make us the reliable guide you need during this difficult time. We’re committed to standing by your side, fighting tirelessly for your rights, and ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries that impact your body, your mind, and your ability to work or live normally. From soft tissue injuries and broken bones to spinal cord damage and post traumatic stress disorder, the effects can be serious and long-lasting. In North Carolina, understanding your medical needs and legal rights is critical after a crash.
In this blog, we explain the most common car accident injuries, outline key steps for recovery, and show how working with an experienced Durham car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue full compensation under North Carolina law.
Common Car Accident Injuries in North Carolina
Car accidents in North Carolina often cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological injuries. Understanding the most common car accident injuries helps victims seek timely medical treatment and proper legal support.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. It affects the neck and upper back when the head is forcefully thrown forward and backward. Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and damage to muscles or ligaments. These injuries may cause chronic pain and limited mobility if not treated early. Immediate medical attention helps prevent long-term damage.
Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injury
Head injuries vary from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries may occur from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. Traumatic brain injuries often require long-term neurological care. Head trauma should be evaluated quickly to reduce the risk of permanent damage.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in nerve damage, loss of sensation, or paralysis. Back injuries, such as herniated discs or fractures, often occur from the force of a vehicle crash. These are serious injuries that may lead to limited movement or long-term disability. Victims should seek medical care and ongoing treatment, including physical therapy and pain management.
Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding
Internal injuries are not always visible after a motor vehicle accident. These include damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs and may involve internal bleeding. They often result from blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries. Abdominal injuries should be treated as emergencies and require immediate evaluation at a hospital.
Broken Bones and Limb Fractures
Fractures are common in high-impact vehicle crashes. Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis bones are often broken during collisions. Limb fractures and crush injuries may need surgery and orthopedic care. Recovery can take months, and victims may need rehabilitation to restore strength and function.
Knee, Shoulder, and Chest Injuries
Knee injuries can result from hitting the dashboard or being twisted during impact. Shoulder injuries often come from seat belt strain or side impacts. Chest injuries may include fractured ribs, bruised lungs, or cardiac trauma. These injuries may limit movement and breathing, requiring medical treatment and rest.
Facial Injuries and Burns
Facial injuries occur from broken glass, airbags, or impact with interior car parts. They may cause cuts, bruises, or bone fractures. Severe burns can happen when fuel or hot fluids contact the skin during a car crash. These injuries can leave lasting scars and may require surgery or skin grafts.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries
Psychological injuries such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents. Emotional trauma can affect sleep, concentration, and daily activities. These conditions are valid injuries and may require mental health treatment as part of the recovery process.
North Carolina Law on Car Accident Injury Claims
Understanding North Carolina law helps accident victims protect their rights and recover compensation for common car accident injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims
In North Carolina, injured parties have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is outlined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(16). If a claim is not filed within this period, the injured person loses the right to seek compensation in court. Filing early allows time to collect medical records, witness statements, and other critical evidence.
Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina uses a strict contributory negligence rule. If a victim is found even one percent at fault for the car accident, they cannot recover damages. This law makes legal representation by a car accident attorney especially important. Insurance companies may try to place partial blame on the victim to avoid paying compensation. A car accident lawyer can challenge those claims and protect the victim’s rights.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of motor vehicle accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation. These include payment for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future medical treatment. In severe cases involving spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injury, compensation may also cover long-term care. Emotional injuries such as post traumatic stress disorder are also considered in damage claims.
Importance of Legal Representation
Hiring a North Carolina car accident attorney increases the chance of receiving full compensation. A lawyer can gather evidence, consult medical experts, and negotiate with insurance companies. In serious accidents involving broken bones, internal injuries, or back injuries, a strong legal case ensures that victims are not left to pay out of pocket for ongoing medical needs.
Steps to Take After Sustaining Car Accident Injuries
Taking the right steps after a car accident can help protect your health and support a strong legal claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical help right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical record creates proof that injuries were caused by the accident. Delaying care may hurt both your health and your injury claim.
Document All Injuries and Treatment
Keep detailed records of all accident injuries and medical treatment. This includes hospital visits, prescriptions, therapy appointments, and bills. Take photos of visible injuries and damaged property. Track symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, or psychological injuries like anxiety or sleep disturbances.
Follow the Treatment Plan
Stick to the treatment plan provided by doctors. Missed appointments or ignoring medical advice can affect your recovery and reduce the value of your claim. Follow-up care, physical therapy, and pain management are often needed for serious injuries like spinal cord injuries or limb fractures.
Do Not Accept Early Settlements
Insurance companies may offer fast settlements before the full extent of injuries is known. Accepting too soon can prevent you from claiming future medical expenses or compensation for chronic pain. It is best to speak with a car accident attorney before signing anything.
Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for fair compensation. This includes payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and serious injuries like head trauma or shoulder injuries. Legal support is especially important in cases with severe injuries or disputed fault.
Why Choose NC Car Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right legal team after a vehicle accident can affect both your recovery and your future. Our firm is focused on helping victims of common car accident injuries across North Carolina get the support they need.
We Know North Carolina Car Accident Law
Our attorneys have deep knowledge of North Carolina personal injury law, including the strict contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are even one percent at fault for the accident, you may not receive compensation. We understand how to build strong cases that stand up to these legal challenges. We use state laws to protect your rights and make sure claims are filed on time.
We Offer Personal Attention to Every Client
We do not treat cases like numbers. Every client gets one-on-one attention and clear communication. We respond quickly, keep you updated, and answer your questions directly. Our team is available 24/7 because serious injuries do not follow a schedule. We listen to your concerns and explain your legal options clearly and honestly.
We Have a Record of Results
We have handled a wide range of vehicle crash cases across North Carolina. Our results show our commitment to securing full compensation for accident injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. Whether your injuries include soft tissue damage, broken bones, or traumatic brain injury, we work to maximize your recovery.
We Support You from Start to Finish
From the moment you contact us, we handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. We help collect medical records, deal with insurance companies, and prepare your case for trial if needed. We guide you through every step, from initial consultation to final resolution, so you are never left wondering what comes next.
Contact an Experienced Durham Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Durham or anywhere in North Carolina, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our team at NC Car Accident Lawyers is here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and are available 24/7 to assist you.
Contact us at 864-561-6247 for a free case consultation today!
