Car Accident Injuries

You are entitled to compensation if you or a loved one were injured in a car accident — through another driver's negligence. The victims of car accidents often experience many challenges. They can range from severe car accident injuries to serious interruptions in everyday life. We are here to help you understand your rights. We will pursue the damages you deserve for an accident you did not cause.

Those injured in motor vehicle accidents face unique challenges in recovering their rightfully due compensation. It would help to have an experienced car accident lawyer who understands your rights and will fight to protect them.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

We work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee basis means we only charge you something if we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We offer contingency fees for other practice areas, such as:

• Motorcycle accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Fatal car accidents
• and more

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Being in a car accident is traumatic and can cause several types of injuries. From minor injuries to severe and life-threatening ones, you deserve compensation for them. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head and neck, which causes the soft tissues in the neck to stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash typically include:

• stiffness
• headache
• nausea
• dizziness
• difficulty concentrating
• and memory problems.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury happens when there's been a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. TBIs can result in concussions, memory loss, and more.

Broken Bones

Broken bones can happen from minor to severe car accidents. Because broken bones may take a long time to heal, you might miss work and pay while you recover.

Burns

Burns are also common injuries in car accidents and can be in the first to fourth degree.

Cuts and Scratches

Cuts and scratches can range from severe to minor. Unfortunately, severe cuts can get infected and require months of treatment.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are a common consequence of car accidents. The pain and disability from a serious back injury can be severe and long-lasting. Unfortunately, back injuries may not appear immediately; manifesting can take days or weeks. Symptoms, such as:

• pain in the lower back
• leg numbness
• difficulty standing or walking
• and muscle spasms

should all be evaluated by a medical professional.

Internal injuries

Internal injuries can be some of a crash's most severe and life-threatening. Internal injuries are often not immediately apparent, as there are no visible signs of trauma on the outside of the body. The most common types of internal injuries include damage to the:

• lungs
• heart
• liver
• spleen
• kidneys
• and intestines.

In addition to these organs being damaged, they can also be affected indirectly due to shock waves created by the force of impact. Internal bleeding can cause severe pain and discomfort and can lead to organ failure if left untreated. It is essential for anyone involved in a crash to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Facial Injuries and Scars

Facial injuries from car accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with disfiguring scars and long-term physical and emotional trauma. Injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe lacerations or fractures.
Broken glass is one of the most common causes of facial injuries in car accidents, as shards of glass can cause deep cuts that require surgical correction. Impact with a:

• steering wheel
• dash
• windshield
• airbag
• side window
• car seat
• or any hard surface can also cause facial injuries.

In addition to the physical pain caused by facial injuries in car accidents, victims may also suffer psychological trauma due to the disfigurement they experience. Depending on the severity of the injury, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to repair the damage done. However, even after corrective surgery, there is still a chance that a victim will be left with a lasting scar.

Psychological Injuries and Impacts

The psychological impacts of car accidents can be devastating and long-lasting. Victims may experience various emotions, including fear, anxiety, depression, guilt, and anger. These feelings can be incredibly intense if the accident results in physical injuries or death. Even without physical injuries, psychological trauma can still be severe. Survivors may suffer from the following:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• flashbacks
• nightmares
• difficulty sleeping
• and other symptoms that can last for years or even a lifetime.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents, ranging from painful bruises to broken ribs and internal injuries. Car accidents can result in chest injuries due to impact force on the steering wheel, seatbelts, or dashboards. The power of the impact can cause bruising or even fractures of the ribs, sternum, or spine. Internal bleeding or organ damage can occur in more severe cases due to blunt force trauma.

Damages Accident Victims Can Pursue

There are many types of damages accident victims can pursue after an auto accident. Some of those are:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are losses that arise from an injury or harm to another's property, business, or finances. Economic damages include:

• past medical expenses (related to the accident)
• future medical care expenses
• lost wages
• repair costs for damaged property

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are personal injury cases that cannot be quantified or measured. These include:

• pain and suffering
• emotional distress
• inconvenience
• destruction of one's quality of life
• scarring or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are legal damages that a court will award to punish the wrongdoer for egregious misconduct or to set an example for other potential violators. They are generally in addition to any other compensatory damages that were awarded.

Special Damages

Special damages, also known as consequential damages, do not occur directly from a breach but are considered a consequence of that breach. They include economic losses such as lost profits or the cost of repair or replacement. They may also have other losses, such as emotional distress due to the breach.

Car Injury Lawyer FAQs

Can I Sue If a Loved One Died in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Yes, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This civil action seeks compensation from someone whose negligence or misconduct led to the death of your loved one. Retaining an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible is essential. Your legal representation will investigate the case as quickly as possible to gather the evidence before it's lost.

How long after an auto accident do injuries appear?

When you experience a car accident, it can be challenging to assess the full extent of your injuries immediately. This is because adrenaline kicks in and temporarily turn off your pain receptors.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Get For My Injuries in North Carolina?

Personal injury claims with insurance companies can be complex. The insurance company's goals are to minimize how much they pay out. We have experience in handling all types of car accident claims and working with insurance. Whether you were injured due to a drunk driver or a rear-end car accident, let legal representation from The Law Offices of John M. McCabe help. Some of the damages we can collect for a client after sustaining car accident injuries are:

• Medical care Expenses
• Loss Wages
• Loss Transportation
• Property Damage
• Permanent Disability
• Temporary Disability
• Health Care Assistance
• and more

How Will an Accident Attorney Help Me?

Our experienced accident attorneys can ensure you get the most compensation possible by:

• Providing legal advice
• Gather important evidence
• Determine liability
• Help you find quality medical treatment
• Represent you in court, if needed
• Assist with filing paperwork and preparing legal documents related to your claim

Can't I Negotiate with The At-Fault Drivers Insurance?

Not exactly. Insurance companies are notorious for looking out for their bottom line, not your well-being. Major car insurance companies have legal teams that will do everything possible to get you to admit fault. This is especially important in North Carolina, as we are a contributory negligence state.

Will The Settlement Cover My Lost Wages?

It depends on the details of the settlement. If you can demonstrate a financial loss related to your dispute, you may be awarded compensation, including lost wages. Speaking with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer is essential to determine if it covers lost wages.

What is Loss of Use?

Loss of Use is a form of damage compensating for the inability to use an item or service damaged due to an incident covered by insurance. It is designed to reimburse an insured for their financial losses due to the loss of use or function of an item, space, or other experience.

If My Car is a Total Loss, Does the Insurance Company Pay the Whole Value?

It depends on the terms of your insurance policy. Still, an insurance company will generally pay up to the car's fair market value if it is deemed a total loss.
Remember that an auto loan balance is sometimes more than the car's value.

In some instances, the lender may not be able to pay out the entire loan amount if the vehicle's market value is lesser than the loan balance; this results in the owner of the car being left with a loan repayment for a car they no longer drive.

Contact Us For a FREE Consultation

Our firm is committed to helping you understand your rights and seeking just compensation. We are here to fight the insurance companies on your behalf. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your car accident case. Contact our firm for a free consultation.