The summer travel season brings more traffic and longer trips across North Carolina roads, increasing the odds of accidents. A car accident can happen in seconds, and the weeks that follow can affect a person’s health, finances, and peace of mind.
Why Summer Raises The Risk
During the warmer months, North Carolina roads carry more vacation traffic, longer family trips, and more teen drivers gaining experience outside the school-year routine. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. According to NCDOT, North Carolina recorded 12,366 teen crashes during that period in 2024, resulting in 2,327 teen injuries and 32 teen deaths. Nationally, AAA reported that more than 30% of deaths in crashes involving teen drivers from 2019 to 2023 occurred during the same summer period. Long drives, fatigue, holiday traffic, distractions, and impaired driving can add to the risk, creating conditions where a serious crash can happen quickly.
The First Steps After A Crash
Lisa Lanier, the personal injury attorney who leads Lanier Law Group, said the first minutes after a crash can shape everything that follows. She advises drivers to check for injuries and call 911 before doing anything else. Moving to a safe location, when possible, lowers the chance of a second collision. Lanier also said clear documentation matters. Photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries can help later. Drivers should exchange information and avoid admitting fault at the scene, since fault is a legal question that depends on the facts.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims
Lanier sees the same mistakes after a car accident again and again. Some drivers skip medical care because they feel fine, then learn about injuries days later. Others post details on social media that an insurance company can use against them. Many accept a fast settlement offer before they understand the full cost of their injuries. These common insurance mistakes can reduce what an injured person recovers. Lanier encourages people to read documents carefully and ask questions before they sign anything.
The Long-Term Financial And Legal Impact
A serious crash can carry costs that last for years. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment add up. Some injuries limit a person’s ability to work. For example, a driver who suffers a back injury may need emergency care, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication, and time away from work. If the injury affects lifting, standing, or driving, the financial impact may continue long after the vehicle is repaired. Lanier said the financial and legal impacts of car accidents often reach whole families, not only injured drivers. Understanding those long-term effects early helps people make informed choices about their recovery and any claim.
How Drivers Can Lower The Risk
Drivers can lower their risk of getting in an accident by resting before long drives, limiting distractions inside the vehicle, and checking tires, brakes, and lights before leaving. NHTSA warns that drowsy driving and distracted driving remain serious safety risks, especially during longer trips. The agency also recommends pre-trip vehicle checks, including tire pressure, tread, brake lights, turn signals, headlights, and fluid levels. For parents of teen drivers, setting clear rules about phones, passengers, and night driving can help. CDC guidance for teen drivers identifies inexperience, nighttime driving, teen passengers, distracted driving, and drowsy driving as key risk areas. Preparation will not prevent every car accident, but it reduces avoidable risk during the busy summer months.
Moving Forward After A Collision
Knowing what to do after a car accident gives drivers a clearer path forward. Careful steps in the following hours and days protect drivers’ health and any future claim. Anyone unsure about their options after an accident can speak with a personal injury attorney to understand the next steps.
About Lanier Law Group
Lanier Law Group represents people injured in car accidents and truck or motorcycle collisions across North Carolina. The firm, including its Durham team, helps injury victims pursue compensation after serious traffic collisions and other negligence-related events.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws, insurance rules, and legal outcomes can vary based on the facts of each case. Anyone involved in a car accident should seek medical attention when needed and consult a qualified attorney for advice about their specific situation. Past results, legal commentary, or general guidance do not guarantee any particular outcome.
