Common Car Accident Injuries in Charlotte, NC (2025)

Getting into a car accident can happen in a flash, and the impact on the individuals involved can be truly devastating. Accidents can occur at any time, and it can be helpful to understand common car accident injuries in Charlotte, NC, in order to protect yourself. Having a basic knowledge of the bodily trauma caused by vehicular collisions can help you or a loved one if you find yourself in this situation.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a large variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, often depending on the types of vehicles involved, what speeds the vehicles were moving at, and whether individuals were wearing seatbelts or not.

Below are some of the most common car accident injuries:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is common in car accidents and is caused when the head is rapidly moved back and forth. Whiplash often occurs in rear-end collisions and may be mild, but in some cases, it can cause chronic pain or other permanent damage.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs happen when the head hits an object with sudden force and can range from concussions to severe brain trauma. Symptoms can be dizziness, headaches, memory loss, and loss of consciousness.
• Broken Bones: Common types of broken bones and fractures in car accidents include arms, wrists, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments may include sprains, strains, and contusions and are particularly common in the neck, back, and shoulders. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Spinal Injuries: Spinal injuries resulting from a vehicular collision can include herniated discs, which happen when the cushioning between vertebrae is damaged, or spinal cord damage, which can result in partial or full paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Chest Injuries: Chest injuries may occur because of seatbelt or steering wheel impact on the body. Common chest injuries can include bruised ribs, a fractured sternum, or internal bleeding.
• Internal Injuries: Automobile accidents can cause damage to internal organs, including the lungs, liver, or spleen, because of blunt force trauma or penetration. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
• Knee and Leg Injuries: Both the legs and knees can be injured in car accidents, particularly when there is an impact with the dashboard or in cases where victims are trapped in the vehicle. Common injuries to the lower extremities can include torn ligaments, fractures, or dislocations.
• Psychological Injuries: There are many psychological injuries associated with car accidents, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression that all can result from the trauma endured. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping, emotional distress, and flashbacks.

While serious injuries that are beyond your control can happen, it is still important to engage in measures to prevent car accidents. Avoiding distracted driving and obeying traffic laws can limit your exposure to an accident. Wearing a seatbelt and maintaining proper vehicle safety features, like airbags, can help to ensure you are as safe as possible when operating a vehicle.

Seek medical attention promptly after being involved in any type of car accident, even if you don’t have any visible injuries. Documentation of this kind can be helpful should you develop any difficulties related to the accident in the future.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Injury in a Car Crash?

A: The most common injury in a car crash is often whiplash, which is a neck injury that is caused by a quick back-and-forth movement of the head caused by the collision. There are many symptoms associated with whiplash, such as neck pain and stiffness, headaches, reduced range of motion in the neck, dizziness or fatigue, and shoulder, back, or arm pain. Other frequent injuries from car accidents include fractures and broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and head injuries.

Q: Can You Get Compensated for an Injury That Develops Later in a Car Accident?

A: Yes, you can get compensated for injuries that develop later after the car accident, depending on the specific details of your claim. It is not uncommon for symptoms to emerge after an accident, like in injuries related to soft tissue damage, spinal injuries, or psychological trauma like PTSD.  You will need to prove that the injury is linked to the accident to receive compensation. An attorney experienced in automobile collisions can help you.

Q: What Are Most Car Accidents Caused By?

A: Most car accidents are caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving is commonly understood as anything that takes a driver’s attention away from focusing on driving and can significantly increase the risk of accidents, as it can reduce reaction time and control over the vehicle. These distractions can include texting, eating, navigating GPS systems, and conversations with passengers.

Q: Is North Carolina an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: Yes, North Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents. The driver who is determined to be at-fault for the accident is liable for covering the resulting damages from the accident. In general, the injured party can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. North Carolina also holds a pure contributory negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is found to be any percentage at fault for the accident, they cannot seek compensation.

Q: Is a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Helpful?

A: Yes, an experienced car accident lawyer can actually be helpful following a car accident. They not only understand the laws and regulations that impact your case but can also help you navigate the legal process from start to finish, helping you seek justice and a maximized compensation amount that covers the full extent of your losses. A lawyer’s support should not be undervalued in an effort to see a fair result in your car accident case.

Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, you may have the legal right to receive compensation to cover the impact of this injury. Reach out to DAS Law Group, P.A. today to set up an initial consultation and learn how our legal team can support you during this challenging time. Our car accident lawyers hope to take the legal burden off of your plate so that you can focus on healing and recovery.