December 14, 2023 | Accidents

Car accidents occur daily. Many of these accidents result in injuries that take days, weeks or months to heal from. However, there are some car accidents that have devastating consequences. These accidents result in catastrophic or life-altering injuries. For the victims and their families, the consequences of these accidents are borne for a lifetime. Below, we take a look at common catastrophic injuries that can result from car accidents. We also discuss actions that the victims’ families can take to secure their financial future and ensure justice is served.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries from Car Accidents

1. Traumatic brain injuries

Also known as TBIs, these injuries are caused by experiencing a severe blow to the head. They may result in a wide array of symptoms including cognitive impairment, memory loss or even altered personality. These injuries can interfere with the victim’s ability to carry out day to day tasks. These injuries can range from minor injuries to severe injuries depending on the level of damage to the brain tissue as well as the location of the injuries.

2. Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic injuries resulting from damage to the spinal cord or the spine. Damage to the spinal cord is often permanent. The effects of this type of injury can vary greatly depending on the severity of damage to the spinal cord as well as the location of the damage. Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis, loss of sensation and various other debilitating symptoms.

3. Amputation injuries

Amputation injuries can range from the loss of a digit such as a toe or finger to the loss of an entire limb or several limbs. Amputation injuries may occur as a result of severing of the body part during the accident or as a result of a medical decision made to save the life of the car accident victim. Amputation can affect the victim’s quality of life significantly. They may not be able to carry out tasks at work for example.

4. Internal organ damage

Damage to internal organs is serious. These types of injuries are often life threatening and require medical attention as soon as possible. Damage to internal organs may occur as a result of blunt force trauma during the car accident. The consequences of internal organ damage vary. Victims often require long term care as well as continual medical treatment.

5. Severe burns

Car accidents may involve fires and explosions. When they do, they can cause severe burns. Severe burns can lead to long term physical and emotional challenges such as long-term disfigurement as well as pain.

What Families of Catastrophic Car Accident Victims Can Do

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering injuries that often require long term medical treatment. Victims may also require rehabilitation and psychological treatment. Many victims who were working at the time of the accident are unable to return to gainful employment. The medical bills, loss of income and requirement for long term care or the purchase of specialized equipment can be devastating to the victim’s finances.

However, it is not only the victim that bears the impact of the consequences of the accident. So do their loved ones. Life for the victim’s family may never be the same again. The following are some steps that families of victims that have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of car accidents can take to secure their financial future.

1. Filing a personal injury claim

The victim’s family can file a personal injury claim on behalf of the victim. This allows the family to seek financial compensation from the party that caused the accident. A personal injury claim allows the family to recover financial compensation to cover the victim’s past and future medical expenses, lost wages as well as pain and suffering.

2. Filing Insurance claims

The victim’s family can seek compensation through insurance claims such as medical insurance and auto insurance. These can provide coverage for medical expenses, property damage and rehabilitation.

3. Filing a wrongful death claim

Unfortunately, some car accident victims succumb to their catastrophic injuries and die. When such injuries are fatal, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. A wrongful death claim allows the family to recover compensation for various types of damages including funeral expenses, lost income and emotional distress.

Speak with An Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Catastrophic injuries from a car accident can have lasting effects on the injured individual as well as their families. Seeking legal recourse is essential to secure your family’s financial future. This can be complex especially given the long term impact of the injuries. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can help you and your loved ones determine the best approach to take to maximize your financial recovery. Get in touch with our law firm to schedule free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Catastrophic Injuries from a Car Accident