Car Accident
Car accidents are unpredictable and can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-altering disabilities.
The most common car accident injuries range from soft tissue injuries to traumatic brain injuries.
If you suffered injuries in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Please contact the experienced North Carolina car accident lawyers at Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, to learn more about your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Car Accident?
As we mentioned, car accident injuries can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the accident. Let’s look at some of the most common car accident injuries.
Neck and Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is undoubtedly one of the most common injuries we see. This soft tissue injury occurs when your neck muscles and tendons get stretched beyond their normal range due to a forceful impact.
Whiplash symptoms can range from neck pain to more severe complications like nerve damage and disk ruptures.
Even minor accidents can cause whiplash, which may take a few days before symptoms appear. Always consult a healthcare professional after an accident, even if symptoms appear mild or delayed.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Car and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. These injuries can severely impact your ability to work and, in extreme cases, lead to paralysis.
Back injuries come in numerous forms, including herniated discs, nerve compression, sprains, strains, or fractured vertebrae.
Please do not take back injuries lightly, whether it’s a strained muscle or a herniated disc. Depending on the severity, you might require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation.
The sooner you seek medical treatment, the better your prognosis is likely to be.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken bones are also common injuries from a car accident in North Carolina. Examples of different fractures include the following:
- Greenstick fractures—where the bone cracks and bends but doesn’t break,
- Stable fractures—broken ends of the bone line up nearly in place,
- Compound fractures—where the bone protrudes through the skin, and
- Comminuted fractures—when the bone shatters into multiple pieces.
The length of the recovery process varies with broken bones, depending on which bone you broke and the severity. Some injuries may heal on their own, while others require surgical intervention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. In some instances, you may not even realize the extent of the injury until much later.
A TBI can be devastating, leading to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments that could last a lifetime.
Do not underestimate the importance of seeing a doctor after experiencing a concussion. Even minor head injuries can lead to problems later in life, especially if you sustain another concussion.
Airbag Injuries
Although airbags are designed to save lives, they can sometimes cause injuries during deployment, especially for children and smaller adults.
For example, you might sustain burns, facial fractures, or eye injuries from an airbag deployment. People who sit with their legs up on the dash are at a greater risk of debilitating airbag injuries, such as crushed limbs.
In some instances, manufacturing defects can lead to faulty airbags, adding another potential avenue of recovery for your claim.
A North Carolina auto accident lawyer can help you better understand whether you have a cause of action for a defective airbag.
Burns and Lacerations
Airbags aren’t the only source of burn injuries in an accident. Hot car parts and fire are two other potential concerns.
Lacerations are common injuries resulting from debris, car parts, and more. Both burns and lacerations can result in infections and scarring.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as organ damage, can occur from blunt force trauma. For example, you might be thrown against the steering wheel or the dashboard during a collision.
These injuries can be fatal if not treated immediately and may require emergency medical intervention.
Wrongful Death
If a family member dies from accident-related injuries, you might have a claim for wrongful death against the responsible parties.
If your loved one died due to another party’s negligence in a car accident, contact the legal team at Mehta & McConnell today.
The Importance of Hiring a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating insurance claims can be complex and stressful, especially in claims involving severe injuries. While North Carolina law doesn’t require you to hire an attorney, doing so can provide many benefits.
When you hire Mehta & McConnell to represent you, we’ll handle all legal aspects of your claim, including gathering evidence and negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact Mehta & McConnell, PLLC
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, please get in touch with our experienced legal team to discuss your case.
Although our firm is only a few years old, we have over 30 years of combined legal experience that we use to get you the best outcome possible.
We’re dedicated to helping you understand your legal rights and fighting for the maximum compensation.
For a free consultation and to discuss your options, contact us today. Your journey to recovery and justice doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Let us help you navigate through these challenging times.
Jason McConnell
Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.
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