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The force of a car accident can leave individuals facing serious injuries, whether it was a rear-end collision or a head-on collision. And it is this force and the jarring movement that can also cause serious damage to one’s back muscles – or their spinal cord. Back injuries are some of the most common injuries that result from a car accident, but many people might wonder just how serious these injuries can be. What kinds of back injuries can a crash cause? Some of the most common back injuries resulting from an accident include: Whiplash: While many people associate whiplash with the neck, it can also affect the upper back and spinal cord, and limit one’s ability to move. Herniated disks: This is when the disks between the vertebrae – or the bones in the spinal cord – are out of place. This can cause pain or numbness in one’s back, but also their legs or arms. Muscle sprains: While sprains and strains in the back muscles are not often serious injuries, they are common. They limit movement and cause individuals pain while they recover from a car accident. Injuries to the back can affect one’s life much more than they think, especially with how much they can restrict movement. While these injuries listed above often can heal overtime with a lot of rest, there are other back injuries that can have much more serious effects. How common are spinal cord injuries? Mayo Clinic reports that motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries across the country. Collisions that result in spinal cord injuries only make up a small percentage of all accidents, but they still pose a serious risk. This is because spinal fractures or other spinal injuries can cause considerable damage and have lifelong effects. The most serious spinal cord injuries can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, but even acute spinal cord injuries can significantly decrease movement and require physical therapy to regain function. Watch out for symptoms – and see a doctor immediately Back pain and injuries can affect nearly every aspect of one’s daily life, whether they are temporary or long-term. This is why it is important for individuals not to overlook any back pain after an accident – even if they believe the collision was minor. That is also the reason why it is so critical to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a crash on North Carolina roads. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of back injuries might not appear right away. However, seeking medical treatment can ensure the cause of an injury is documented, while also making sure individuals get the care they need immediately.

Rideshare services are a convenience that many people enjoy, whether they are exploring a new city or traveling around their own hometown. Many people take advantage of these services since they can call a ride directly from an app. Ridesharing might be incredibly useful, but it is important for North Carolina passengers to note that safety reports regarding rideshares vary – and even contradict each other. Conflicting studies about rideshares and accidents Even as the popularity of ridesharing continues to increase, the chance of an accident remains. Most road users are aware of this risk, but it seems that studies cannot agree on how much of a risk passengers face in a rideshare. For example, two different studies determined that: Rideshares are reducing accidents: A recent report based on data from Houston, Texas, indicates that the increased use of rideshares reduces the number of collisions. The primary reason for this decrease is that rideshares offer individuals a way home after a night out that does not involve driving under the influence. The study found that using rideshares decreased the rate of accidents by 3% for every 1,000 rides. But rideshares also cause accidents: On the other hand, a 2018 study reported that rideshare services also contributed to an increase in accidents. According to the University of Chicago and Rice University, rideshare accidents increased traffic fatalities between 2% and 3%. The studies’ findings might vary, but it is important to be aware of both of them. Safety should always come first, and understanding the risks of the road is the first step to prioritizing it. What can passengers do? None of this information is to say individuals should not use rideshare services. However, they should take great care whenever they get into a vehicle, whether they are a driver or passenger. If using a rideshare service, it is critical to: Be aware of the most common causes of rideshare accidents, namely distracted driving and fatigue Check the driver’s rating each time they hail a ride Always wear a seatbelt, as simple as it might sound Politely ask drivers to avoid distractions, such as using their phone or GPS, while driving It is also critical for individuals to remember that there is legal recourse for passengers who suffer injuries in a rideshare accident. Even so, both drivers and passengers can take steps to make their rides safe.

When getting ready to welcome a new child, one of the parent’s primary worries is finding a safe car seat. It is indeed critical for families to find the right car seat and make sure it is installed properly to keep their children safe. Aside from this, North Carolina drivers and passengers rarely consider their own seats inside the vehicle. However, a recent report indicates that the safety of the seats already within our vehicles might require more attention than many previously thought. Seatback failure: What is the risk? For decades now, CBS has investigated safety issues and concerns regarding vehicle seats. The investigation found that, in some cases, seats could break in a rear-end accident and lead to even more severe injuries. Essentially, if hit from behind, the front seats could collapse and propel backward – directly into the back passenger seats. How serious is this risk? CBS reports that in the last 30 years: More than 100 people suffered serious or fatal injuries as a result of this issue Most of them were children sitting in the backseats However, individuals in the collapsed seats can also suffer severe injuries It is important to note that the risk of seatback collapses is rare. However, it is still something of which all drivers should be mindful. Especially since lawmakers are taking action in response to these findings. Recently, federal lawmakers introduced The Modernizing Seatback Safety Act to update seat safety standards and mitigate this risk. While it is unclear if the act will become law, this issue is receiving more attention. What should drivers do? Being aware of issues like this is often the first step to combat risks. That is one of the reasons why federal lawmakers are now taking action to increase safety standards. However, North Carolina drivers might worry about what they can do in the meantime. It can help if drivers: Get information about potential risks regarding the manufacturer of their vehicle, or the type of car they have Check consumer reports and research safety issues if purchasing a new or used vehicle Keep children in rear-facing car seats for as long as is safe Drivers cannot control how other motorists act on the road. They can only control their own driving habits and behaviors. Therefore, it is always critical for drivers to stay focused and drive defensively, to reduce the risks they face on the road and in their own vehicle.

Driving in the rain can be a hassle. However, it is critical to remember that changes in weather conditions also mean changes in road conditions. Even if North Carolina motorists take more care behind the wheel when it rains, it is still common to wonder: just how dangerous is it to drive in the rain? The short answer? Quite a bit. A 2019 study found that the chance of being in a fatal accident increases significantly when it rains. The results indicated that the risk of an accident rose: By 27% even in a light rain By 34% in rainy, snowy or icy conditions For drivers in North Carolina, the biggest risk is the rain. And according to the Federal Highway Administration, most weather-related crashes occurred when it was raining or on wet roads. What are the biggest risks of bad weather? The researchers who conducted the 2019 study indicated that some risks stemmed from drivers underestimating the danger of bad weather. Particularly when driving in a drizzle or light rain, it is common for drivers to misjudge the risk. They might only believe it is dangerous to drive when it is raining heavily. However, rainy conditions also create risks that drivers cannot control, but should take into account to stay safe. These particular risks include: Reduced visibility, which is already a common risk factor on the road, and makes it even more important to turn headlights on Reduced traction, which can increase stopping distances considerably and make it easier to lose control if speeding There is another hazard as well. Like with distracted driving, even if an individual takes precautions to drive safely and defensively when it rains, other drivers might not. Those drivers still pose a risk on the road. No matter the weather, drivers must always be alert to avoid serious accidents.

There are about 228 million drivers in the U.S., divided in half almost exactly between men and women. The equity doesn’t extend to motor vehicle crashes involving injuries, however. According to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), women are much more likely than men to sustain serious injuries in crashes. The IIHS says two main factors contribute to the difference between genders in injury risk: vehicle choice and circumstances of the wrecks. Diving into the data The organization crunched the injury statistics from police-reported front- and side-impact wrecks from 1998 to 2015. The data shows that women were from 37 percent to 73 percent more likely to suffer serious injuries. Women were also from 20 percent to 28 percent more likely to die in crashes. Jessica Jermakian, vice president of vehicle research at the IIHS, said, “The numbers indicate that women more often drive smaller, lighter cars and they’re more likely than men to be driving the struck vehicle in side-impact and front-into-rear crashes.” Injury types Researchers found that in front-impact collisions, women were three times more likely than men to sustain a moderate injury such as a concussion or broken bone. Women are twice as likely in those crashes to sustain a serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury or collapsed lung. In side-impact collisions, women were about 50 percent more likely to sustain a serious injury. The risk of moderate injuries was about the same for both genders. Vehicle choice and more The IIHS found that about 70 percent of women were in crashes while driving cars, compared to 60 percent of men. More than 20 percent of men were in crashes while driving pick-ups, the IIHS said, compared to less than 5 percent of women. Within the vehicle classes, men tended to drive heavier vehicles, which previous research has shown offer more protection in wrecks. In an analysis of crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, researchers found that in front-to-rear and front-to-side collisions, women are more likely to be driving the struck vehicle. Because drivers of striking vehicles are less likely to be injured than the driver of the struck vehicle, researchers believe that is also a factor in the difference in crash outcomes for women and men. Statistics and studies are informative, but if you have suffered an injury in a crash in the Raleigh and Durham area, your focus will be on how to fully recover both physically and financially.

Even the most experienced motorcycle riders face heightened risks when they take to North Carolina roads. They might take all the necessary precautions, but it is all too common that other drivers will not look for or see motorcycles, putting them in danger of serious injuries. The injuries that are visible after a motorcycle accident, such as road rash and leg injuries, are scary for both the rider and their loved ones. However, it is important to look out for internal injuries as well. Internal injuries are too common in motorcycle accidents Since bikers do not drive in closed vehicles, they face a significant risk of injury in the event of an accident. And internal injuries are one of the biggest dangers. Some of the most common internal injuries that result from motorcycle accidents include: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Abdominal trauma, often involving internal bleeding Collapsed lungs Spinal cord injuries Loved ones and riders alike should watch out for the signs and symptoms of these internal injuries, so they can make sure these injuries are attended to. This is also why it is so critical to seek medical attention and care as soon as possible. Mental health is another internal risk after a crash People do not usually classify effects on one’s emotional or mental health as internal injuries. However, these invisible effects are serious. Motorcycle accidents are traumatic events. They can often lead injured motorcyclists to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including: Extreme anxiety surrounding motorcycling or even driving again Distressing and intrusive memories of the accident Symptoms of depression and withdrawal Mental and emotional recovery after an accident is important too. Families should be aware of these risk factors to ensure injured motorcyclists get the full care they need.

Most attorneys who practice law charge the client a fee based on the time spent on the case. This includes time litigating in court, talking to the client, preparing the case, negotiating with the other side’s attorney, and other details related to the case. There is often a retainer required to get the ball rolling. Personal injury attorneys, on the other hand, are paid a contingency fee, which means their pay is contingent on winning the case in court or securing compensation for the victim in an out of court settlement. They will receive a percentage of the final amount, which averages about one-third but will depend on the case. This arrangement is understood by the judge and the defendant's legal team. The plaintiff's attorney charges no legal fees if they lose the case. Why is it set up this way? There are a few good reasons why the legal system uses this approach for personal injury, all of which benefit the client: It levels the legal playing field: The defendant is likely an insurance company who does not want to pay damages, but they keep lawyers on retainer. Contingency ensures that the plaintiff has capable legal counsel in their corner as well. Many cannot afford the fees: Attorneys often costs hundreds of dollars an hour, which is more than many victims can afford, particularly if they are out of work due to their injuries. Avoids predatory representation: Attorneys are not tempted to take a case (or stretch one out to increase fees) that they know they will lose just because they need the money. There are still some expenses While there is no out of pocket legal fees, there may still be related expenses tied to court fees and administrative fees. The victim may also wish to hire expert witnesses like a doctor who can explain spinal cord injuries or an expert in motor vehicle crash reconstructions. These people help strengthen a case but are paid a fee regardless of the case’s outcome -- this includes their time and possibly travel and lodging. An initial consultation starts the process Attorneys and potential clients start their working relationship with an initial consultation. This is when the victim explains the case's circumstances, and the attorney can decide whether they want to take the case. They will answer other questions as well, including how they calculate fees.

If you suffered a severe personal injury, you might already know how costly your ailment may become. Watching medical bills pile up can be pretty intimidating, making the settlement insurance companies offer seem like a blessing. Unfortunately, there are plenty of reasons not to deal with insurance companies without an attorney present. The average cost of a night in a hospital is almost $4,000, and the total average cost is over $15,000. Even if the initial offer an insurance company gives you would cover this amount, there is more at stake that you may not have considered. The full cost of an injury Full damages of a personal injury claim are not measured by the hospital bills alone. The cost of your injury extends beyond just what happens at a hospital. The cost of your damages includes: Lost income Emotional suffering Pain and suffering Property damage Loss of bodily function Some of these damages are things you cannot put a price on but still call for compensation. Insurance companies know your injury can have a high value in damages, which is why they try to convince you to accept a small settlement offer right away. You can combat their strategy by contacting a personal injury attorney and letting them negotiate your compensation on your behalf. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to identify your damages and fight to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries. Do not try to recover alone Insurance companies pray you will not contact an attorney and will even try to tell you that lawyers only make things harder for everyone. Do not put yourself at risk by accepting any offer without an attorney present. If you have suffered a personal injury, be sure you have an attorney you can trust at your side.

It is no secret that pedestrians are one of the groups most at risk on the road. Compared to steel-built vehicles, they are extremely vulnerable to suffering severe or fatal injuries in even a minor accident. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) established this October as the first National Pedestrian Safety Month. And even though October has come and gone, it is still critical to highlight the importance of pedestrian safety. After all, the focus on safety should continue long after October ends. So, how can pedestrians stay aware – and safe? All road users have a duty to each other to make North Carolina roads safer. And even though it is up to both drivers and pedestrians alike to be defensive and assure safety, pedestrians cannot always rely on drivers to be aware of them. Therefore, pedestrians should take action to keep themselves safe. For example, pedestrians should: Not assume drivers see them: Visibility is a significant issue in many pedestrian accidents. Research into motorcycle accidents indicates that drivers automatically look for other vehicles – not smaller road users such as motorcyclists or pedestrians. Even if they wear bright clothing, like runners and bicyclists often do, drivers often do not see them. Avoid all distractions: It might surprise many people that distracted walking is becoming a large risk on the road as well as distracted driving. Texting, eating or even listening to music can distract pedestrians from their surroundings and oncoming vehicles. Follow the rules: There are traffic laws and crosswalks in place for a reason. They are meant to help pedestrians stay safe. Pedestrians should still watch out for reckless drivers disregarding the rules, but they should also make sure they adhere to the rules themselves. Even with several campaigns in North Carolina and across the country to reduce accidents as well as the number of negligent drivers, the road still involves considerable risks for pedestrians both during October and throughout the year. However, if pedestrians take steps to stay aware and vigilant, they can avoid such risks.

Distracted driving is a rampant risk on roads across the country. And many people have heard it is especially common for teens to engage in distractions – especially when it comes to using their cellphones while driving. Even though North Carolina has laws specifically prohibiting even the hands-free use of cellphones for drivers under 18, it is often difficult to enforce these laws and prevent teens from driving distracted. So, why do teens drive distracted? Often, teens are aware that texting while driving is dangerous. And yet, they are still more likely to engage in these behaviors. There are a few reasons why distracted driving is so prevalent among teen drivers, including: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a teen’s inexperience makes them more likely to engage in distractions, as they do not fully understand the risks of the road yet. Teens’ brains are still developing, which could lead them to make risky decisions even if they know there is danger involved. And several studies have found some people are even addicted to their cellphones, leading teens to reach for their phones even when behind the wheel. Also, many people who text and drive simply believe that they can do it safely. How can parents prevent teens from driving distracted? Teens long for the independence that driving brings them, but parents will always worry about their child’s safety. Hearing about the prevalence of teen distracted driving often only increases that worry. Thankfully, there are ways that parents can help to mitigate distracted driving. Parents should: Make their expectations that children drive safely clear Instill the seriousness and consequences of distracted driving Avoid using their own phone while they drive, to set an example The sooner teens form the habits of safe driving, the more they reduce their chance of being involved in a serious auto accident that could change their lives.

If a car accident on North Carolina roads leaves an individual with a severe injury, it can change his or her entire life. A broken leg, head injury or back injury can take a long time to heal. All the while, it can prevent individuals from working or participating in their favorite activities. In a recent blog post, we discussed how the effects of a car crash injury can impact one’s mental health as well. The physical and emotional impacts of such injuries can be overwhelming. However, individuals can recover compensation for this long-lasting pain. Collecting compensation for pain and suffering It is common to hear the phrase “pain and suffering” in these cases, but what does it really mean? The term encompasses the distress, pain and trauma that individuals may experience after an injury or accident – at both the physical and mental levels. North Carolina law allows individuals to collect financial damages for the pain and suffering they face after an accident. However, calculating the amount of damages for pain and suffering is not always easy. Injured individuals often can collect economic damages, including: Medical expenses; Lost wages; and Property damage. These three types of damages have a financial value, where non-economic damages like pain and suffering do not. So, how do you determine pain and suffering damages? Calculating the damages for pain and suffering first requires individuals to provide proof of the physical and mental distress they experienced. After all, these damages are subjective to each individual’s situation. To prove pain and suffering, individuals should: Document how the injuries impact their daily life, including one’s relationships; Write down all symptoms they experience, such as symptoms of depression; Obtain testimonies from health professionals who treated and diagnosed them; and Keep a record of all the treatment they receive, including the medications they take. It can be tough to relive these difficult experiences as well as share them with the court, but it is critical that individuals do not leave out any details in their records. All of these details are important to help attorneys and courts determine how the accident impacted an individual’s life, quantify their pain and suffering and ensure they receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.

Auto accidents happen so fast. They are overwhelming and scary, and often even more so if the reckless driver at fault speeds away without any regard for the damage he or she caused. And, unfortunately, it seems that hit-and-run accidents are only happening more frequently. Hit-and-runs have increased over the years A 2018 report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that hit-and-run accidents have reached an unprecedented high in the last few years. The study found that: There have been nearly 682,000 hit-and-run accidents each year since 2006; Fatalities are increasing in these accidents at a rate of roughly 7.2% each year; and 65% of the fatal hit-and-run accidents involved either pedestrians or bicyclists. These accidents can be frightening, whether or not the individual involved in the accident is a pedestrian or motorist. What should you do after a hit-and-run? The aftermath of a hit-and-run could leave anyone in shock, but individuals must: Call 911: It is critical to call emergency responders as soon as possible after a hit-and-run. That way, North Carolina police will arrive to take statements and file a police report of the accident. This can be critical to locate the reckless driver. Seek medical attention: Calling 911 also ensures that emergency medical technicians will arrive on the scene. Then, injured individuals can obtain the medical attention they need after the accident. Record the details of the accident: It can be difficult for individuals to remember the details of an accident that left them injured. That is understandable, but their loved ones should ensure they document the details of the crash that the individual does remember. It is also helpful to obtain witness statements. Witnesses might be able to recall the model and color of the car or even the license plate. Recording the details is helpful not only to file the police report but also to make the insurance claim. Individuals must remember these steps if they are injured in a hit-and-run accident. However, anyone on the road, whether they are a pedestrian or driver, should ensure they follow traffic laws and be consciously aware of their surroundings to stay safe.