Why North Carolina Car Accident Injuries Vary in Severity

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte car accident attorneys know that no two North Carolina traffic collisions are alike, and neither are the injuries that result from the crashes.

Individuals can sometimes be involved in catastrophic crashes with a commercial vehicle and suffer a traumatic brain injury, while others can walk away with a few scratches and bruises. Here are a few reasons all vehicle crashes result in varying injuries, no matter how the collision appears on the surface.

The Size and Weight of the Vehicles Involved

Smaller and lighter vehicles tend to fare worse in crashes with larger and heavier vehicles. Occupants in smaller vehicles are more vulnerable to injury when colliding with larger trucks or SUVs.

Occupant Position, Restraint Use & Available Safety Features

Modern vehicles are equipped with airbags, seat belts, crumple zones, and electronic stability control, all designed to reduce the impact forces on occupants.

How a person is positioned within the vehicle and whether they are using seat belts – or if their vehicle has increased safety features – can significantly impact injury severity. Unrestrained occupants are at a much higher risk of severe injuries, including ejection from the vehicle.

The Cause of the Crash

One of the most critical factors in determining the severity of injuries is the speed at which the vehicles collide. High-speed crashes generally result in more severe injuries because the impact force is more significant.

The Type of Collision

Different types of collisions can lead to varying degrees of injury severity.

For example:

• Rear-end collisions often result in whiplash injuries due to the sudden acceleration and deceleration.
• Side-impact or T-bone collisions can lead to severe injuries, mainly if the point of impact is near the occupant’s seating area.
• Rollover accidents can result in various injuries, including head and spinal injuries.

Sometimes, injuries can result from the initial impact and secondary collisions, like hitting the vehicle’s interior or being struck by objects inside the car.

Emergency Response and Medical Care

The timeliness and quality of emergency response and medical care can make a difference in the severity of injuries. Swift access to medical treatment and proper medical interventions can improve outcomes and reduce the long-term impact of injuries.

Seeking immediate medical attention and legal advice following a crash is crucial to address injuries, determine liability, and pursue compensation if applicable. We can help.

If you were injured in a vehicle collision caused by negligence in North  Carolina, our dedicated personal injury attorneys in Charlotte at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt want to hear your story during a free consultation by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the description of awards and cases previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.