I-40 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a major interstate with high traffic volumes. Its safety depends on various factors, including time of day, weather, and specific sections of the road. While 1-40 is not inherently more dangerous than other major highways, certain characteristics can make it challenging.
If you've suffered an injury in an accident in North Carolina, a lawyer can secure the full and fair compensation you're entitled to. They will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. Contact a local personal injury lawyer today to learn more about how to protect yourself and your family’s future after getting injured in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area.
Table of contents
- Common Issues on I-40 in Raleigh
- Common Crash Injuries On I-40 In Raleigh
- How Can a Raleigh Car Accident Attorney Help Me With My Case?
- Damages Available After a Car Accident in Raleigh
- How Long Do I Have To Sue After a Car Accident in Raleigh?
- How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
- Contact a Raleigh Car Accident Attorney Today
Common Issues on I-40 in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a highly populated area. Because there are many travelers, you can expect accidents. Here are some issues that are particularly to 1-40 in Raleigh:
Distracted Driving
Like many urban areas, distracted driving is a concern on 1-40. Drivers should always be careful while they are on the road. Even a minor distraction can lead to a serious traffic accident.
Weather Hazards
Bad weather can make the roads unsafe. Rain, fog, and occasional ice in winter can make driving conditions treacherous. Drivers should remain vigilant while traveling in dangerous weather conditions.
Merging Traffic
Entry and exit ramps in areas can lead to sudden lane changes and accidents. Drivers should be certain to check their blind spots before merging. Failure to do so can lead to legal liability for causing an accident.
High-Speed Traffic
Many drivers exceed speed limits, increasing the risk of collisions. Many drivers use the I-40, so there are substantial odds of an accident happening on the road.
Construction Zones
Ongoing roadwork can create bottlenecks and unexpected lane shifts. Accidents are likely to happen depending on the frequency and extent of the work.
Heavy Traffic
Traffic congestion is common, especially during rush hours, near the intersections with I-440 (Beltline) and U.S. 1.
Common Crash Injuries On I-40 In Raleigh
Accidents on I-40 in Raleigh, like on many major highways, can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The specific injuries depend on the type of accident (i.e., rear-end collisions, rollovers, or side impacts) and the speed at which the vehicles are traveling. Here are some common injuries associated with accidents on I-40 in Raleigh:
Psychological Injuries
Traffic accidents can cause serious mental and emotional trauma. The effects can last for a long time after the accident. The effects of a psychological injury can include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, among other effects.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can happen because of the high-force impacts of a crash. Damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs may not be immediately apparent.
Cuts and Lacerations
Smashed and broken glass, debris, or sharp edges within the vehicle can easily cause cuts and lacerations. The effects of cuts and lacerations can include the risk of infection or significant blood loss in severe cases.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries can happen if the seatbelt impact or airbag deployment is severe enough to cause an injury. The effects of chest injuries can include bruised ribs, fractured sternum, or internal injuries.
Broken Bones and Fractures
A serious traffic accident can easily cause broken bones or fractures. Accident victims usually have broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. The impact of the vehicle interior or airbags deploying can cause serious injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are life-threatening. A sudden jarring of the head or blunt force trauma from an accident typically causes traumatic brain injuries. Effects of traumatic brain injuries can include concussions, memory loss, dizziness, or long-term cognitive impairment. Immediate medical attention is vital to assess the severity and prevent further complications.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries can significantly impact the victim’s life for the remainder of their life. High-speed collisions or rollovers typically cause back and spinal cord injuries. Examples of these injuries can include herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis in severe cases. Ongoing medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation may be necessary to manage the effects of these injuries.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash injuries can easily happen after a car accident anywhere. The sudden impact of an injury can cause an accident victim to be suddenly shifted forward and then thrown backward, leaving the victim with an injury that can last for weeks or months after the crash. Soft tissue injuries, neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion are all effects of whiplash.
Factors That Affect Injury Severity
Several factors affect the severity of injuries after an accident. Trucks and SUVs might cause more severe injuries to smaller vehicles during collisions. Wet or icy roads can lead to high-impact crashes. Not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
How Can a Raleigh Car Accident Attorney Help Me With My Case?
If you have been in a car accident in Raleigh, seeking legal help can significantly strengthen your case, especially if you are pursuing compensation for damages, medical bills, or other losses. A qualified car accident attorney can guide you and advocate on your behalf. Here is how an attorney can support you:
Determining Fault
An attorney can help find out who is at fault for causing the accident. In North Carolina, the defendants might argue that you contributed to the accident to reduce their liability exposure. Your attorney can contest accusations of partial fault by the other driver or their insurance company.
Investigating the Accident
Attorneys gather police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photos from the accident scene to build a solid case. They may work with accident reconstructionists to demonstrate how the crash occurred and who was at fault. They may work with accident reconstructionists to demonstrate how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
Calculating Damages
Attorneys help quantify tangible losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost earnings. They advocate for compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. If you have ongoing medical treatment or lost earning capacity, an attorney includes these in your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney negotiates on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They ensure you don’t accept an offer that undervalues your claim.
Representing You In Court
If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. A skilled attorney can present your case convincingly before a judge or jury.
Meeting Deadlines
In North Carolina, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. An attorney ensures you meet deadlines.
Providing Peace of Mind
Legal processes can be overwhelming, but your attorney manages your case's legal, administrative, and procedural aspects. While your attorney handles your case, you can focus on healing.
Damages Available After a Car Accident in Raleigh
Suppose you have been in an accident in Raleigh, North Carolina. In that case, the circumstances of the incident, the severity of your injuries, and the available evidence determine the damages you may be entitled to. Here is an overview of potential compensation:
Economic Damages
Economic losses are tangible and quantifiable losses resulting from the accident. They can include the following:
- Medical expenses include hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical costs related to the injury.
- Current and future compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- If your injuries result in a reduced ability to earn income in the future.
- An accident victim can recover the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle and other damaged property.
Non-economic Damages
These damages compensate the victim for more subjective losses that do not have a direct monetary value. Examples of non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering include compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Victims can recover from emotional distress, including psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, resulting from the accident.
- Loss of consortium might be available to compensate for how the injuries affect relationships, particularly between spouses.
- If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or other aspects of your daily life, you might have a claim for loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages if the at-fault party’s behavior is outrageous. Punitive damages aim not to compensate the victim. Punitive damages punish the defendant and aim to prevent similar behavior. Examples of situations that might get a punitive damages award include driving under the influence or street racing. Speak to a Kentucky accident attorney after your accident to determine if you have the right to recover for punitive damages in your state.
Wrongful Death Damages
If the accident resulted in a fatality, the surviving family members might recover damages for:
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Funeral and burial expenses
How Long Do I Have To Sue After a Car Accident in Raleigh?
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident depends on the type of claim.
Personal Injury Claims
Generally, accident victims have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for injuries. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.
Property Damage Claims
Accident victims have three years from the accident date to file a claim for damages to their vehicle or other property after a crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
If the accident resulted in a fatality, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death.
While the statute of limitations sets a deadline, starting the process early helps preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and protect your rights. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your ability to seek compensation. If you are unsure how the law applies to your situation, it is a good idea to consult a local personal injury attorney.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
No one, not even the most experienced car accident attorney, can guarantee the value of your case. However, by examining the facts of your case, an attorney can estimate what you can expect from a car accident claim. Here are the factors to consider when trying to understand the potential value of your claim:
Severity of Injuries
The more severe the injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. The extent and seriousness of your injuries play a significant role in determining the value of your case. Factors include:
- Need for long-term medical care or rehabilitation.
- Recovery time and any lasting effects, such as chronic pain or mobility issues
- The type of injury suffered and the extent of harm suffered
Medical Expenses
The higher your medical expenses, the more your case is typically worth. Having an attorney review your losses will help ensure that you get the full recovery you deserve.
Liability and Fault
In North Carolina, the court can bar you from financial recovery if it finds you at fault in any way. Proving the other party’s full liability is essential for maximizing compensation, and an attorney is the best way to protect yourself after an accident.
Insurance Coverage
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits may cap your compensation. Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can provide additional funds if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
Long-Term Impact
The long-term impact of the injuries can increase the value of your case. You may suffer long-term impacts due to permanent disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, or other non-economic damages.
Contact a Raleigh Car Accident Attorney Today
You deserve proper legal representation after a car accident. Pursuing financial compensation after a car accident in Raleigh can be difficult. You can rely on the knowledge and experience of a qualified attorney to ensure that you get full and fair monetary compensation after a car accident. Do not delay. Call a lawyer now to start down the road to full financial compensation for accident-related injuries.