Goldsboro Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a side-impact car accident in Goldsboro, you’re likely dealing with physical, emotional, and financial stress. These types of accidents are common, and their consequences can be severe. However, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Our experienced Goldsboro side-impact car accident lawyers at Whitley Law Firm can help you understand your rights and options. We recommend consulting with a car accident lawyer in Goldsboro to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Causes of Side-Impact Accidents A Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer in Goldsboro, NC, Can Identify

Side-impact accidents often occur when another driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light or stop sign, or makes an improper lane change. These accidents can seriously injure you and your passengers. You’re not alone; reckless drivers are a major contributor to these types of accidents. 

Another common cause of side-impact accidents is when drivers fail to check their blind spots. Whether it’s changing lanes or merging onto a busy highway, failing to check blind spots can lead to a devastating crash. You may think you’re safe, but a negligent driver can still cause harm. A Goldsboro personal injury lawyer can help determine the cause of your accident.

Common Injuries in Side-Impact Crashes in Goldsboro

When you’re involved in a side-impact crash, you’re at risk of suffering serious injuries. You may experience severe chest and rib injuries, which can lead to internal bleeding or organ damage. 

Chest and Rib Injuries

You’re likely to suffer chest and rib injuries in a side-impact crash, particularly if the impact occurs on the driver’s side, as the force of the collision can cause your body to compress against the door or steering column. 

Chest and rib injuries can be particularly debilitating, as they can make it difficult to breathe, move, or even perform daily tasks. Some common chest and rib injuries sustained in side-impact crashes include:

• Flail chest, a condition in which a segment of the ribcage breaks away from the rest of the chest wall, causing difficulty breathing
• Rib fractures, which can puncture lungs or other internal organs
• Bruising or contusions to the chest wall, which can be painful and lead to respiratory problems

It’s worth noting that seatbelt effectiveness can significantly reduce the severity of chest and rib injuries in side-impact crashes. However, even with proper seatbelt use, these injuries can still occur. 

Head and Brain Trauma

In addition to chest and rib injuries, the violent forces of a side-impact crash can also cause your head to whip back and forth or strike the door, steering column, or window, resulting in head and brain trauma. This trauma can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and it’s important to recognize the concussion symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. 

Trauma therapy may be necessary to address the emotional and psychological impact of the crash. This therapy can help you cope with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may arise from the traumatic experience.

As you progress through the recovery process, it’s important to have a skilled Goldsboro side-impact car accident lawyer assisting you. We can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.

Spinal Cord Damage

The violent forces generated by a side-impact crash can also cause spinal cord damage, which can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. If you’ve been involved in a side-impact crash, you may be at risk of spinal cord damage. 

Spinal cord damage can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Chronic pain, which may require ongoing pain management
• Loss of mobility or sensation in certain areas of the body
• Increased risk of secondary health problems, such as respiratory or cardiac issues

It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you’ve been involved in a side-impact crash. A prompt diagnosis and treatment plan can help minimize the long-term effects of spinal cord damage.

Goldsboro Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 785-5000

Damages You Can Claim Compensation For

Your side-impact car accident lawyer will help you pursue compensation for a range of damages, from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, all of which can significantly impact your quality of life. 

The damages you can claim compensation for include:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medication, and any other medical treatment related to your injuries.
• Lost income: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost wages and benefits.
• Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.

In addition to these tangible damages, you may also be able to claim compensation for emotional distress, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Your lawyer will help you document and quantify these damages to make sure you receive fair compensation. 

Insurance Company Negotiation Tactics

When dealing with insurance companies after a side-impact car accident, you’ll likely encounter tactics designed to minimize payouts. Insurers may try to delay the claims process, hoping you’ll settle for a lower amount or miss a pivotal deadline. 

Delaying Claims Process

You’re not alone in this frustrating experience. Insurance companies often employ tactics to delay the claims process, hoping you’ll give up or settle for a lower amount.

These delays can lead to claims fatigue, where you become exhausted and demotivated, making it harder to pursue your claim. Insurance companies may create procedural hurdles to slow down the process, making it difficult for you to steer through the system.

Some common tactics used to delay the claims process include:

• Requesting excessive documentation or evidence, making it difficult for you to comply
• Ignoring or responding slowly to your inquiries or requests
• Conducting unnecessary investigations or assessments, prolonging the process

It’s important to be aware of these tactics and work with an experienced side-impact car accident lawyer in Goldsboro who can help you steer through the claims process and fight for your rights. Don’t let the insurance company’s delaying tactics get in the way of compensation.

Downplaying Injury Severity

One of the most common insurance company negotiation tactics is to downplay the severity of your injuries, minimizing the perceived impact on your daily life and reducing the value of your claim. They might say your injuries are ‘minor’ or ‘soft tissue,’ implying they’re not as serious as you claim. 

Insurance companies often use insurance manipulation to their advantage, making it seem like you’re seeking unnecessary medical treatment or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. They might even use medical gaslighting, questioning your symptoms or diagnosis to undermine your credibility.

It’s important to remember that you’re not overreacting or being dramatic. You’re fighting for the compensation you merit. Don’t let the insurance company’s tactics intimidate or discourage you. Instead, stand firm, and let a skilled side-impact car accident lawyer advocate for you.

Contact a Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer in Goldsboro, NC, Today

You’re facing a difficult situation following a side-impact car accident in Goldsboro. However, with a knowledgeable Goldsboro side-impact car accident lawyer supporting you, you can focus on recovery while we handle your case. 

At Whitley Law Firm, we believe that you deserve guidance to protect your rights and interests. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.