Being involved in a car crash that causes significant injuries can continue to have an impact on the injured victims’ lives long after the accident – maybe even permanently.
Every year, more than 2 million people are injured in car accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these injuries make it very difficult to resume a normal life. Paralysis, severe burns, disfigurement, limb loss and back injuries are among the lasting conditions that may require a big adjustment compared to life before an accident.
Traumatic brain injuries, for example, often have long-term effects such as:
- Chronic headaches.
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining mental focus.
- Memory loss.
- Blurred vision.
- Loss of balance and motor skills.
These injuries can make normal, everyday tasks difficult or painful – even impossible. They can have a huge impact on a victim’s ability to work, enjoy life and perform even basic daily tasks.
It’s even harder to cope with a lasting injury and enjoy life if you are worried about how you are going to pay for food, shelter, utility bills and other necessities because you can’t work – or do the work you used to – because of a car accident caused by someone else. The staggering costs of medical bills often cause further stress and anxiety.
If you have been severely injured in a car accident, your recovery affects the people around you as well. Household income may be reduced. Family members become caregivers, and friends and coworkers may have to adjust to your new life too. This adds another level of anxiety to an already stressful situation.
How Much Will Your Injuries Cost You Over the Long Run?
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified car accident attorney, who will help you get the maximum compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life. A successful personal injury lawsuit should seek to replace lost wages, cover medical bills and compensate you for pain and suffering.
In cases that involve long-term disabilities and lasting injuries, car accident lawyers frequently work with financial and medical experts to draft life-care plans. These plans take into account the full cost of an accident victim’s injuries over the remainder of the victim’s life.
Don’t Settle Your Claim Before the Total Costs are Clear
If you have sustained lasting injuries in a car accident, it is important not to settle your claim until it is reasonably clear what your prognosis is and how your long-term conditions will affect your need for medical treatment, rehabilitation and assistance. You also need to consider how your injuries will impair your ability to earn a living.
Insurance adjusters often try to get an accident victim to agree to a quick settlement. However, these settlements usually fail to account for the true long-term costs of a lasting injury.
Be sure to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you calculate your total losses before you accept a settlement offer. Even if you feel like you really need the money, it is in your long-term interest to make sure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
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