The U.S. suffers around 40,000 fatal car accidents per year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are several instances, however, where accidents do not lead to death, but they instead leave the occupants to life-altering injuries.
First Steps After a Traumatic Accident
Immediately after an event that led to a catastrophic injury occurs, it is important to take care of your own health concerns by calling emergency services. Receiving medical assistance for your injuries could make the difference in helping the injury and your healing process. Contacting emergency services and receiving medical assistance could also help you document the accident and your injuries, which could be helpful in the event that you choose to file a catastrophic injury claim.
Fight for a Claim that Covers Applicable Medical Costs
A primary concern with catastrophic injuries is that the injured person will be too quick to accept an insurance claim before considering the entire scope of the accident and its aftermath—which often results in their expenses only being partially covered. In many accidents, the injured individual will not know the extent of their injuries immediately following the event. This might be because adrenaline levels are high, but some serious injuries to the brain or spinal cord are also not often apparent right away.
However, before settling on a claim, you should consider the costs related to rehabilitation, including treatments such as massage or chiropractic therapy, as well as costs related to home modifications and medical devices. A hard-working attorney could help you fight for an effective claim to fully compensate you or your loved one for the injury.
Determine Liability for the Accident
Because of the significance of the medical expenses tied to serious injuries, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability. In cases such as a car accident, there is often an obvious offender—the individual who caused the accident. However, there are often more parties who could be held liable with an effective claim. For example, if a truck was too heavily loaded and was not able to stop on time, both the truck company and cargo company might be held liable for the accident.
Additionally, many catastrophic injuries come from defective products, such as faulty airbags. In this case, the company that produced the defective part might also be held liable. To receive full compensation for your injury, it is important to consult a dedicated attorney who can help you consider all parties involved, including those who were not at the scene of an accident.
Reach Out to a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one are facing a catastrophic injury, meet with an experienced attorney to seek the compensation you may be owed. Navigating liability and insurance claims can be complex, especially after you have already suffered great physical and emotional distress. Instead of pursuing alone, reach out today for a private consultation.
