In 2015, the NCDOT reported that 251,638 traffic accidents occurred in North Carolina, of which 123,589 people were injured. This is an 11% increase from the previous year.
In some accidents, injuries sustained by drivers and passengers are obvious, and their symptoms are evident right away. However, in some cases, notably sprains and strains of the neck and back (classified as soft tissue injuries), symptoms and issues can arise over hours or even days, and may not be evident at the accident scene.