Maurer LawMaurer Law2026-07-17T06:11:09Zhttps://www.maurerlawpa.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504381/2025/01/cropped-Site_Graphic-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[3 types of common driver distractions]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476302026-07-09T07:57:08Z2026-07-09T07:57:08ZDriver distractions cause serious accidents every day. Even a driver who is focused on the road could be hit by another negligent driver and end up with broken bones, internal injuries, a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury and many other life-altering injuries.
But not all types of distraction are the same. There are three general categories that drivers should keep in mind—and that all drivers should seek to avoid.
Visual distractions
One of the most obvious types of distraction is a visual distraction, meaning that the driver is not looking at the road. They may be changing the radio station or reading a text message. Even a parent who turns to talk to children in the back seat is visually distracted.
Manual distractions
Next, drivers can be engaged in manual distractions, even while they continue looking at the road. Someone who is holding a cellphone in one hand or picking up a cup of coffee to take a drink during their morning commute is experiencing a manual distraction.
Mental distractions
Finally, cognitive distractions mean that the driver is not fully paying attention, even if they still appear to be watching the road. A driver who is daydreaming is mentally distracted, for example, and it can affect their reaction time. Talking to passengers, singing along with the radio or trying to listen to GPS directions can also create cognitive distractions.Have you suffered serious injuries in a crash caused by a negligent, distracted driver? If so, take the time to carefully explore all of your legal options for seeking financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Why isn’t auto technology preventing accidents?]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476282026-06-24T07:59:55Z2026-06-24T07:59:55ZWhen you look at older types of auto technology, the goal was typically to reduce injuries. Car accidents were going to happen, but things like seatbelts or airbags made the injuries suffered in those accidents a bit less severe. Designing cars with crumple zones helped to dissipate the energy in the crash, further reducing those injuries.
Modern auto technology, on the other hand, often focuses on preventing the crash from happening in the first place. Examples include automatic braking systems, self-driving systems, lane departure warning systems, sensors and backup cameras. They can all help a driver avoid a crash.Despite the development of this technology, though, car accidents remain one of the top causes of injuries and even fatalities in the United States. Studies do not find that there has been a significant reduction. Why isn’t the technology working?
Drivers may be getting worse
Some safety experts believe that the technology is working, but that it is actually the drivers who are getting worse.Some of this comes from complacency. People put too much trust in the technology, believing the car will avoid accidents, so they are less likely to drive safely.Some of it also comes from distraction. The more technology is crammed into a modern vehicle, the more systems a driver has to manipulate or interact with. This can take their focus off simply driving their car in a safe manner.For both of these reasons and more, drivers are still causing a serious number of accidents. If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, then you need to know how to seek appropriate financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Estimating lost income for a wrongful death lawsuit]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476272026-06-13T19:10:03Z2026-06-13T19:10:03ZWages usually increase over a lifetime
Most people gain experience that makes them eligible for better positions throughout their careers. They may start in one job but retire from a completely different one. They may also be eligible for regular raises, as well as more comprehensive benefit packages as they accrue seniority with their employers.
Determining the value of a deceased person's future earning potential can be a very difficult undertaking for those grieving a recent loss. An attorney can help conduct the research necessary to estimate future lost wages. They can also manage the process of preparing court paperwork, negotiating with the other party and documenting the economic details that guided their calculations.
Families who have support have a better chance of securing fair outcomes in wrongful death cases. Having experienced legal guidance can help families seek justice when one person's misconduct or negligence has a profoundly negative impact on others.]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Consider future expenses in personal injury claims]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476262026-06-01T16:42:41Z2026-06-01T16:42:41ZPeople who are involved in an accident of any sort, including those involving semitrucks or motor vehicles, are at risk of serious injuries. Some of those may be catastrophic and require lifelong care.
If you’re involved in an accident that’s the result of someone else’s negligence, you may decide that you’re going to seek compensation. As you do this, it’s imperative that you remember to include your expected future expenses related to the injuries in that claim.
Why are future expenses important?
Future expenses are important in personal injury claims because once you have a settlement or an award, you can’t come back to ask for more money if you run out. You have to consider all sources of future expenses related to the injury. This can include lost wages, medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, personal care and anything else you may need as a result of the injury that stemmed from the accident.
How can you determine what you’ll need?
It’s impossible to see into the future to know exactly what your expenses will be. Because of that, your legal representative will look into ways that they can estimate what your needs will be. This could be looking at lifelong care expenses for someone with similar injuries who’s close to your age. Other financial damages can be more difficult to determine, so they may look at similar cases to determine what damages they received. Many factors go into these personal injury claims, so it’s usually beneficial to work with someone familiar with similar cases. There are time limits for getting these cases filed, so getting started soon after the incident occurs is critical.
]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Teen drivers are especially likely to cause fatal car accidents]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476222026-05-15T21:50:43Z2026-05-15T21:50:43ZDrivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have an especially high chance of causing a fatal car accident. Reports show that their fatal car accident rate is three times as high as the rate for older drivers. Typically, once a driver is in their 20s, their fatal accident rates notably begin to decline.There are many potential reasons for this, with one of the most common being a lack of experience. This just makes critical mistakes more likely. As young drivers learn, some of them are going to engage in risky behavior or drive in ways that are negligent and dangerous. While many of them will learn from these mistakes and hone their skills, some will also cause serious accidents along the way.
Wrongful death damages
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be considering seeking compensation. This can start with normal damages that may apply to most serious car accidents, such as emergency medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. It can also extend to distinctly wrongful death-related damages, such as funeral and burial costs.At the same time, a wrongful death has a significant impact on the family. In some cases, people can seek compensation for things like a loss of support, the loss of a potential inheritance and the loss of a close relationship with a parent or spouse. You may also want to consider lost future wages, which are especially important if the person who passed away in the accident was the family’s main breadwinner.These are just a few areas to help you get started, and any individual accident could span far more reasons for compensation. Carefully consider all of your legal options after a fatal car accident.
]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Serious injuries can affect a family’s financial stability]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476182026-05-02T21:03:40Z2026-05-02T21:03:40ZPeople who are involved in serious crashes can sometimes suffer from catastrophic injuries. These injuries will typically affect the victim for a long time after the injury occurs. The effects that the victim has to deal with can impact every area of their life, including their family’s financial stability.
Understanding some of the more common financial impacts that come with this type of injury may be beneficial for people facing this type of situation.
Reduction or cessation of income
There are a few things that happen with a catastrophic injury that can affect the victim’s finances. One of the immediate impacts is that the victim may not be able to return to work. This can halt their income, but some may have disability coverage or paid time off to soften the financial blow. Once those run out, the full effect will be felt. Even if the victim can return to work, they may not be able to work full hours. This is often due to issues with mobility, strength, concentration, or pain, all of which may continue for a long period of time after the injury occurs. A reduction in hours can have a negative impact on the income of the family.
Expenses related to the injury
Another factor that negatively impacts the family’s financial stability is the added expenses that stem from the injury. This can include medical bills, therapy, prescriptions and personal care assistance. In some cases, home and vehicle modifications might also be necessary. All of these expenses can add up quickly, and some families may turn to credit cards or loans to cover them. If the catastrophic injury was the result of another person’s negligence, seeking compensation may help to improve the financial stability of the family. These cases can be complex, so it’s often best to work with someone familiar with these matters.
]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Does murder qualify for a wrongful death claim in North Carolina?]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476152026-04-21T15:41:21Z2026-04-21T15:41:21ZWhat qualifies as wrongful death in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, wrongful death lawsuits are permissible when a person’s wrongful act, neglect or default results in death, and the deceased could have sued for personal injury if they had lived. This means intentional actions such as murder may qualify as wrongful death.
When can you pursue a wrongful death claim?
You may generally pursue a wrongful death claim even if criminal charges are still pending, if no criminal case is filed or no conviction occurs.
Only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file the wrongful death case. This representative may be the executor named in the deceased’s will, or a court-appointed administrator.
What can you recover from a wrongful death claim?
Under North Carolina’s Wrongful Death Act, after permitted expenses, the net recovery is distributed to the decedent’s heirs under the Intestate Succession Act, generally regardless of any will. Recoverable damages for wrongful death may include:
Medical bills related to the deceased’s final injury
The deceased’s pain and suffering
Funerary and burial expenses
The value of the deceased’s income and the services they provided
Loss of the deceased’s care, companionship, guidance and support
Punitive damages may also be available if the death resulted from malice or willful or wanton conduct, including some intentional acts. This generally applies to intentional acts such as murder or assault, though it may also apply to injuries or deaths due to reckless conduct in North Carolina.
Your knowledge can help you recover
Understanding how murder qualifies as wrongful death could help you seek monetary compensation for the loss of a loved one. By knowing what steps you can take, you become more likely to secure recovery, helping you move forward during a difficult time.]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[How future medical care is calculated in serious injury claims]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=476072026-03-13T06:59:45Z2026-03-13T06:59:45ZMedical experts and the life care plan process
Future medical costs start with an evaluation by your treating physicians. They assess the full scope of your injuries and outline the care you will likely need going forward.
From there, a certified life care planner often steps in. This expert reviews your records, talks with your doctors and builds a detailed document called a life care plan.
A life care plan maps out the anticipated care needs related to your injury over your remaining lifetime. It can include future surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, wheelchairs and even home modifications.
Forensic economists and the present-value calculation
Once the life care plan shows what you will need, a forensic economist what those needs will cost in today's dollars. They then apply a discount rate that reflects what a safe investment could earn over time. By weighing expected medical inflation against that return, the economist arrives at a present-value figure, which is the amount you would need today to cover all future care.
Your age, life expectancy and injury severity all shape this calculation. A younger person with a permanent condition will typically have much higher projected costs than someone closer to retirement.
Insurance company tactics and the value of legal guidance
It is important to understand that insurance companies have their own process for evaluating future care cost projections. They retain independent medical experts to examine the life care plan and offer a second opinion on the scope and cost of recommended treatments.
These reviews may also involve a closer look at your medical history. If you had pre-existing conditions before the accident, the insurer may question whether certain future needs connect directly to the injury or stem from a prior issue.
Legal counsel can help you with preparing for these reviews by working alongside your medical team and economists. An attorney can also review the full range of damages in your claim so that no detail slips through during negotiations.]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[Why are catastrophic injuries more complex than general injuries?]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=475982026-02-18T07:29:32Z2026-03-06T07:28:46ZProving the need for additional damages
In a standard personal injury claim, you may recover compensation for medical bills and temporary lost wages. Catastrophic injuries, on the other hand, include long-term medical care, home modifications and diminished earning capacity.
Insurance companies can argue that your injuries are temporary and partial, protecting their bottom line. That is why you must secure a high level of documentation that outlines the permanence of your injuries and the consequences you face moving forward.
Presenting expert witnesses
Moreover, your personal injury claim may need qualified expert witnesses, such as a life-care planner and a vocational expert. They must base their statements on sufficient facts and reliable methods when testifying regarding your future needs and lost earning capacity.
Navigating the pure contributory negligence rule
Because catastrophic injury claims are high-value, insurance companies can convince a jury that you are slightly responsible for the accident. If the jury finds that you are at fault, even one percent, you can no longer recover damages.
However, you may fight your case through the Last Clear Chance doctrine. Although this may be possible, it has a high legal bar you must meet.
Facing your injury claim with help
The path to your recovery can be legally complex. A single error in your evidence presentation can derail your claim. However, you are not without options. Seeking legal counsel is the first step in building a strong personal injury claim that highlights the severity of your condition and the significance of your needs.]]>On Behalf of Maurer Law<![CDATA[What damages are recoverable in NC wrongful death cases]]>https://www.maurerlawpa.com/?p=475922026-01-28T12:13:41Z2026-02-20T12:09:56ZLosing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience. The pain can feel even heavier when that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence. In North Carolina, the law provides a way for families to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Knowing which types of damages are available can make navigating the legal process clearer during an already difficult time.
Understanding the types of damages
A wrongful death case seeks compensation for both financial losses and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. While every situation is different, certain types of damages commonly appear in North Carolina claims, including:
Medical and funeral expenses: Paying for hospital treatment, emergency care and funeral arrangements
Lost income and benefits: Losing wages, bonuses and other financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of care and companionship: Losing emotional and practical support for family members
Pain and suffering: Experiencing physical and emotional distress before death
Mental anguish for family members: Experiencing grief, stress and emotional hardship after the loss
These damages can show how compensation may help support your family and recognize the impact of the loss. Having someone who knows the legal steps can also take the weight off your shoulders and help make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.
Turning knowledge into action
Understanding the damages you may pursue in a wrongful death claim is only the first step. The next is putting that knowledge into action by gathering evidence, proving negligence and showing how the loss has affected your family.Taking careful, early steps can make a real difference. It may improve your chances of securing fair compensation and help reduce stress during an already difficult time. This clarity gives you the confidence to make informed decisions that protect your family’s future.]]>