Coping With Permanent Disabilities After a Car Wreck

Types of Permanent Injuries from Car Crashes

Every day, we get in our vehicles without a second thought about how our lives can change instantly. The following severe car accident injuries, especially when caused by someone else’s negligence, require strong representation to navigate their intense medical and legal complexities.

Virginia Car Crash Permanent Disabilities | Virginia Car Accident Lawyer

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in behavior. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering conditions.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A car crash can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or reduced motor function. Injuries often result in paraplegia, which affects the lower body, to quadriplegia, which impairs the function of all four limbs.

Amputations

Severe accidents may result in limb amputations, causing a permanent loss of mobility and independence. Victims often require prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation to regain some aspect of normalcy.

Burn Injuries

Car accident explosions cause severe burns that result in permanent scarring and disfigurement and also cause long-term physical and emotional trauma.

Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones, torn ligaments, and damaged joints can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility, permanently affecting a person’s ability to work or perform daily activities.

Organ Damage

Internal injuries, such as damage to vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can lead to long-term health complications and impairments.

What to Do if You Suffer a Car Crash Permanent Disability

Following a Virginia car accident, some injuries might not be immediately apparent but can have dire consequences if left untreated. In fact, some back and internal injury symptoms might not present a full picture of the severity of the damage until days later. So call 911 and get a full medical exam right away. Always adhere to your health care provider's recommendations, attend all medical appointments, and complete any prescribed treatments or therapies. These actions help establish the extent of your disability. Here are other aspects of your car crash case you’ll need to address.

Document the Accident

If you can, try to gather evidence at the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and the contact information of all parties involved. This documentation is essential evidence for your claim or lawsuit.

Get the Police Report

After law enforcement evaluates the accident scene, make sure to include the official police report as additional evidence in your case. It contains indisputable facts of who or what entity is at fault for the accident. Here’s just one example: if someone suffers a TBI in a large truck collision, the police report may contain critical details about the truck driver’s operation of the vehicle, whether the cargo was properly secured, or if improper vehicle maintenance contributed to the crash.

Consult an Attorney

If you believe the accident resulted from another party's negligence, contact a personal injury attorney experienced in car accident cases. At The Mottley Law Firm, our knowledgeable team helps you navigate the legal process and ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Possible Damages in Virginia Car Accident Cases

In Virginia, the following economic and non-economic damages may be awarded for car crash cases resulting in permanent disability.

Medical Expenses

Victims of permanent disabilities have substantial medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, and the cost of assistive devices such as wheelchairs or prosthetics. You may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

A permanent disability can significantly impact your ability to work. Your legal team assesses how the accident impacted lost wages and future earning capacity, and factors in any diminished ability to pursue your chosen career.

Pain and Suffering

Car accident victims often experience physical pain and emotional suffering, which can last a lifetime. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering damages, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Property Damage

Your settlement should also compensate for costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property.

Loss of Consortium

If your permanent disability affects your ability to maintain relationships and companionships, your spouse or family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of consortium.