Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can happen in an instant, leaving drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians facing injuries, medical treatment, insurance claims, and difficult decisions. Whether you've been involved in a minor collision or a serious crash, understanding what to expect can help you make informed choices during your recovery.

This resource provides educational information about common types of motor vehicle accidents, injuries that may occur, treatment options, and the legal process. Explore the topics below to learn more.

Every collision is unique, but certain types of accidents occur more frequently than others. Select a topic below to learn more about each type of crash and the issues commonly associated with it. 

Passenger vehicle collisions are among the most common traffic accidents. They can occur in intersections, parking lots, residential neighborhoods, and on highways. Injuries may range from minor soft tissue strains to more serious neck, back, and head injuries. 

Rear-end collisions frequently occur during stop-and-go traffic or when drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance. Although they are often considered "minor" accidents, they commonly result in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries. 

Accidents involving commercial trucks often involve greater force because of the size and weight of the vehicles. These crashes may involve multiple vehicles and often present more complex insurance and liability issues. 

Motorcyclists have little physical protection during a collision, making even relatively low-speed accidents capable of causing significant injuries.

Bicycle accidents frequently occur when motorists fail to yield, make unsafe turns, or do not provide adequate room while passing cyclists.

Pedestrians are especially vulnerable because they lack the protection of a vehicle. Accidents often occur at intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, and along roadways. 

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance. Although these situations can be frustrating, victims may still have options through insurance coverage and other legal resources. 

Motor vehicle accidents can result in many different types of injuries, including:

• Whiplash 
• Neck injuries 
• Back injuries 
• Herniated discs 
• Concussions 
• Soft tissue injuries

Learn more about these conditions in our Common Accident Injuries resources.

Seeking prompt medical evaluation after an accident may help identify injuries that are not immediately obvious and create important medical documentation for your recovery.

Recovery often involves one or more healthcare professionals depending on the nature of the injury.

Learn more about:

• Chiropractic care 
• Physical therapy 
• Recovery and rehabilitation 
• Medical documentation 

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may have questions about insurance claims, medical expenses, liability, and the legal process.

Our Legal Resources explain many of the issues commonly associated with personal injury claims in North Carolina.