Why North Carolina Fender Benders Can Result in Serious Injuries

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte car accident attorneys know that even seemingly minor vehicle collisions can require help from a personal injury lawyer. The reality is that even what may be considered a fender bender from the outside, the crash’s impact on the vehicle’s occupants can tell a very different story.

The severity of injuries in a fender bender in North Carolina can depend on various factors, and it is vital to recognize that even low-speed collisions can lead to injuries.

Here, we discuss why that is true.

Why Serious Injuries Can Result from a Fender Bender in North Carolina

While fender benders are typically considered minor accidents, they can still result in severe injuries under certain circumstances. They include:

• Vehicle Design and Safety Features

While modern vehicles are equipped with safety features, the design of some cars may contribute to the severity of injuries in certain types of collisions. Factors like the height of the bumper and the type of vehicle involved can impact the outcome.

• Seatbelt Issues

If occupants are not properly restrained or there are defects in seatbelt systems, the risk of injuries can increase. In some cases, occupants may be thrown forward or sideways upon impact.

• Airbag Deployment

Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe collisions. In some instances, deploying airbags in a fender bender can cause injuries to vehicle occupants, especially if they are sitting too close to the airbag.

• Secondary Collisions

Secondary collisions can occur as a result of the initial impact in multi-vehicle fender benders or chain-reaction accidents. These secondary collisions may lead to more serious injuries.

• Vulnerability of Occupants

Certain occupants, like children or elderly individuals, may be more vulnerable to injuries in fender benders. Their bodies may be less able to withstand the forces generated during a collision.

• Unawareness of Injuries

In some cases, individuals involved in fender benders may not immediately feel the full extent of their injuries. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and injuries may become apparent hours or days after the accident.

• Occupant Positioning

The position in which an occupant is seated can impact the likelihood and severity of injuries. For example, a side-impact fender bender may result in more severe injuries to the occupants on the side of the impact.

• Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, which are often associated with fender benders. The sudden acceleration and deceleration in these accidents can cause the head and neck to snap forward and backward, resulting in soft tissue injuries to the neck.

• Preexisting Conditions

Individuals with preexisting health conditions or previous injuries may be more susceptible to severe injuries in fender benders. A seemingly minor impact can exacerbate existing health issues.

Individuals involved in fender benders must seek medical attention promptly, even if they do not initially experience significant pain. This helps ensure that any injuries are identified and treated early. After seeking medical care, contact our skilled car accident lawyers in Charlotte immediately for help.

Have You Been Injured in a North Carolina Fender Bender Accident?

If you were injured in a vehicle collision, even a fender bender, caused by negligence in North Carolina, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt want to hear your story during a free consultation by calling

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte car accident attorneys know that even seemingly minor vehicle collisions can require help from a personal injury lawyer. The reality is that even what may be considered a fender bender from the outside, the crash’s impact on the vehicle’s occupants can tell a very different story.

The severity of injuries in a fender bender in North Carolina can depend on various factors, and it is vital to recognize that even low-speed collisions can lead to injuries.

Here, we discuss why that is true.

Why Serious Injuries Can Result from a Fender Bender in North Carolina

While fender benders are typically considered minor accidents, they can still result in severe injuries under certain circumstances.

They include:

• Vehicle Design and Safety Features

While modern vehicles are equipped with safety features, the design of some cars may contribute to the severity of injuries in certain types of collisions. Factors like the height of the bumper and the type of vehicle involved can impact the outcome.

• Seatbelt Issues

If occupants are not properly restrained or there are defects in seatbelt systems, the risk of injuries can increase. In some cases, occupants may be thrown forward or sideways upon impact.

• Airbag Deployment

Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe collisions. In some instances, deploying airbags in a fender bender can cause injuries to vehicle occupants, especially if they are sitting too close to the airbag.

• Secondary Collisions

Secondary collisions can occur as a result of the initial impact in multi-vehicle fender benders or chain-reaction accidents. These secondary collisions may lead to more serious injuries.

• Vulnerability of Occupants

Certain occupants, like children or elderly individuals, may be more vulnerable to injuries in fender benders. Their bodies may be less able to withstand the forces generated during a collision.

• Unawareness of Injuries

In some cases, individuals involved in fender benders may not immediately feel the full extent of their injuries. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and injuries may become apparent hours or days after the accident.

• Occupant Positioning

The position in which an occupant is seated can impact the likelihood and severity of injuries. For example, a side-impact fender bender may result in more severe injuries to the occupants on the side of the impact.

• Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, which are often associated with fender benders. The sudden acceleration and deceleration in these accidents can cause the head and neck to snap forward and backward, resulting in soft tissue injuries to the neck.

• Preexisting Conditions

Individuals with preexisting health conditions or previous injuries may be more susceptible to severe injuries in fender benders. A seemingly minor impact can exacerbate existing health issues.

Individuals involved in fender benders must seek medical attention promptly, even if they do not initially experience significant pain. This helps ensure that any injuries are identified and treated early. After seeking medical care, contact our skilled car accident lawyers in Charlotte immediately for help.

Have You Been Injured in a North Carolina Fender Bender Accident?

If you were injured in a vehicle collision, even a fender bender, caused by negligence in North Carolina, our 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 issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.