Average Settlement for Internal Organ Damage After a Car Accident in Winston-Salem, NC

Internal injuries can be life-threatening, and they’re often invisible at first. If you suffered internal organ damage in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. But what does that settlement typically look like?

Common Internal Injuries After a Car Accident

Internal injuries occur when vital organs are damaged due to the impact of a crash. They’re not always immediately obvious, but they can quickly become dangerous or fatal if untreated.

Some of the most common internal injuries from car accidents include:

• Liver or spleen lacerations
• Punctured lungs
• Kidney damage
• Bladder or bowel perforations
• Internal bleeding
• Abdominal trauma
• Ruptured blood vessels or aorta injuries

Internal injuries are usually caused by blunt-force trauma—like your body slamming against the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt—or by flying debris and shattered glass.

Even with prompt medical treatment, internal organ damage may lead to long-term complications. That’s part of why these cases often result in higher settlement values than injuries like sprains, bruises, or even broken bones.

How Internal Injuries Impact the Value of a Car Accident Claim

Every car accident case is different. But when internal injuries are involved, there are a few major factors that typically drive the value of the settlement:

1. Severity of the Injury

The more serious the damage, the higher the potential settlement. For example:

• A minor kidney bruise might require monitoring, but no surgery.
• A ruptured spleen might require emergency surgery and lead to future health risks.
• A punctured lung might cause long-term breathing issues and require a hospital stay.

The greater the impact on your daily life, the more your claim may be worth.

2. Emergency Medical Treatment and Recovery Time

Internal injuries often mean:

• ICU stays
• Emergency surgery
• Blood transfusions
• Long-term rehabilitation

These costs can quickly add up. Settlement value typically reflects both past and future medical expenses.

3. Time Away from Work

Many internal injuries require weeks—or even months—off work. If you had to take unpaid leave, change careers, or stop working altogether, your settlement may include:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Vocational rehabilitation

4. Pain and Suffering

Compensation isn’t just for financial losses. A fair settlement should also account for:

• Physical pain
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Internal injuries often bring chronic pain or the anxiety of never feeling fully healthy again. That matters in a settlement.

5. Impact on Daily Living

If your internal injuries prevent you from driving, exercising, playing with your kids, or doing household tasks, that lifestyle disruption should be factored into your claim.

What’s the Average Settlement for Internal Injury Car Accident Cases?

There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but internal injury car accident settlements in North Carolina typically fall into these ranges:

These are general ranges. Your case could be higher or lower depending on your specific situation. Factors like comparative fault, the insurance policy limits, and whether a commercial vehicle was involved will also affect the final number.

In Winston-Salem, the availability of strong medical documentation and local trial outcomes can also influence how insurers approach settlement negotiations.

Can You Still Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault?

North Carolina is one of the few states that follows pure contributory negligence rules. That means:

If you’re found even 1% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering compensation.

This makes it critical to have a lawyer who can build a strong liability case, especially in serious injury claims like internal organ damage.

What to Do if You Suffered an Internal Injury in a Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident and suspect internal injuries—even if you feel okay—follow these steps right away:

1. Seek emergency medical care. Internal injuries aren’t always obvious but can become deadly quickly.
2. Follow all doctor instructions. Gaps in treatment can be used against you in a claim.
3. Document everything. Keep records of symptoms, medical visits, prescriptions, and how the injury has affected your daily life.
4. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. They may try to minimize your injuries or get you to accept a low offer early.
5. Speak with a car accident lawyer. Internal injury cases are high-stakes and require aggressive representation.

Why These Cases Require a Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies don’t hand out large settlements just because the injuries are severe. You have to prove:

• That the internal injury was caused by the accident
• The long-term impact of the injury
• That you weren’t at fault
• The full financial and personal toll of your injuries

That’s a lot to handle while recovering. Working with an experienced Winston-Salem personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

Talk to a Winston-Salem Injury Lawyer Who Handles Internal Injury Cases

At McMinn, Logan & Gray, PLLC, we understand the serious impact that internal injuries can have on your health, your work, and your future. If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered organ damage or internal bleeding, don’t leave money on the table.

Let us review your case, answer your questions, and explain your next steps. Consultations are free, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free case review.