C.C. Review Podcast with Attorney Thomas Ozbolt
Hello and welcome to this week’s case review.
My name is Shane Smith, and today I’m speaking with Thomas Ozbolt from Shane Smith Law about one of his client victories involving our client, CC.
Who CC Was Before the Crash
CC was a 42-year-old construction worker from New Bern, North Carolina. He relied entirely on his physical strength, mobility, and endurance to earn a living. His body was his livelihood.
How the Crash Happened
On , CC was driving through Craven County on State Route 1121, traveling about 45 miles per hour, within the speed limit and doing everything right.
Another driver made an unsafe left turn directly in front of him at the last possible moment. CC had no meaningful time to react. Despite trying to swerve, the vehicles collided head-on.
A critical factor in this crash was that CC had several hundred pounds of heavy equipment and materials in his trunk and backseat. When the collision occurred, those objects were violently thrown forward, slamming into the back of his seat and crushing him between the impact in front and the weight behind him.
Catastrophic Injuries and Emergency Surgery
CC was life-flighted by helicopter to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Doctors diagnosed him with:
- A complex pelvic fracture
- Compression fractures of the thoracic spine
- Traumatic fractures at T2, T3, T4, and T5
He required emergency surgical reconstruction of his pelvis and spine to create enough stability for him to eventually move again.
Doctors advised that even with an excellent recovery, he would not walk for four to five months, and the long-term effects would likely follow him for the rest of his life.
Why the Case Took So Long
Liability was not disputed. The insurance company accepted fault early on.
The delay came from the insurance carrier dragging its feet on damages, attempting to slow the case down while focusing on a second driver who suffered only minor injuries. Despite CC being the only person who required surgery and suffered traumatic fractures, the insurer tried to minimize the value of the claim.
Thomas had to repeatedly remind the carrier of its legal duty to handle claims fairly and in good faith, applying constant pressure to keep the case moving.
The Final Result
Thomas was ultimately able to secure:
- $250,000, representing every dollar of insurance coverage available
- Significant reductions in hospital bills, after months of negotiation with the hospital system
The hospital-reduction fight alone took several months, but it made a substantial difference in CC’s net recovery and long-term financial stability.
Key Lesson from This Case
This case reinforced two major lessons:
- Insurance policy limits matter. Even serious, life-changing injuries can exceed available coverage quickly. Carrying underinsured motorist coverage is critical protection.
- A major part of serious injury cases is not just fighting insurance companies, but also negotiating medical bills to ensure the client is not buried financially after surviving a catastrophic crash.
Closing Thoughts
This was a devastating accident with lifelong consequences, but Thomas was able to secure the maximum financial recovery available and reduce overwhelming medical debt for CC.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a crash, having the right legal team matters.
Remember, if you’re in pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999.
You can also request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
