What Happens If A Car Accident Causes A Permanent Disability?

Car accidents are unfortunate events that can have life-altering consequences.

When an accident results in a permanent disability, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. 

In this article, we will explore what constitutes a permanent disability, the common causes of such disabilities after a car accident, factors influencing compensation, liability determination, and the crucial steps to take if you find yourself facing a permanent disability.

What Is a Permanent Disability?

A permanent disability is a lasting impairment that significantly affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

In the context of car accidents, this can range from severe physical injuries to long-term mental health issues. 

Understanding the nature of a permanent disability is crucial for processing the challenges that lie ahead.

What Can Cause a Permanent Disability After a Car Accident?

Understanding these causes is crucial for raising awareness about road safety and working towards preventing accidents that lead to permanent disabilities.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Reckless driving and high-speed collisions can exert immense force, often leading to severe injuries and disabilities that can permanently alter a person’s life.

The recklessness of a driver significantly influences the outcomes of such accidents.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Impaired drivers not only jeopardize their safety but also increase the likelihood of accidents that can cause life-altering injuries.

The impaired judgment and slowed reaction times associated with drunk driving contribute to the severity of injuries sustained in a collision.

Distracted Driving

Engaging in distracted driving activities such as texting or calling diverts attention from the road, heightening the risk of accidents.

Accidents caused by distracted driving have the potential to result in permanent disabilities due to their often sudden and severe nature.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals

Disregarding traffic signals is another factor that can lead to permanent disabilities after a car accident.

Failure to obey traffic signals can result in catastrophic collisions with devastating consequences.

The impact of such collisions can cause severe injuries that may result in long-term or permanent disabilities.

Weather-Related Conditions

Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.

The resulting collisions may cause injuries that have lasting effects on an individual’s ability to function.

Defective Vehicles

Defective vehicles, stemming from malfunctions in design or manufacturing, pose a serious threat.

Accidents caused by defects in vehicles can lead to permanent disabilities, as the impact may be more severe than in accidents involving properly functioning vehicles.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions, including neglected roads, potholes, or inadequate signage, contribute significantly to accidents.

The lack of proper maintenance can lead to collisions that result in serious injuries, potentially causing permanent disabilities.

Factors in Calculating Compensation for Permanent Disabilities

Calculating compensation for permanent disabilities involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure that the affected individual receives adequate support.

The following steps outline key elements in this calculation process:

1. Future Medical Bills

Firstly, future medical bills play a pivotal role in determining the compensation amount.

This step involves projecting ongoing medical expenses that the individual is likely to incur.

It encompasses costs associated with surgeries, therapeutic interventions, and necessary medications. 

2. Home and Vehicle Modifications

The need for home and vehicle modifications is addressed in the compensation calculation.

This step involves evaluating the costs associated with adapting living spaces and vehicles to accommodate the specific needs of individuals with permanent disabilities. 

Home modifications may include ramps, widened doorways, or specialized equipment, while vehicle modifications may involve installing adaptive controls or lifts. 

3. Long-Term In-Home Care

This step involves recognizing the financial implications of hiring caregivers for daily assistance.

Individuals with permanent disabilities may require ongoing support for activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility assistance. 

The compensation calculation should encompass the costs associated with obtaining professional caregiving services, ensuring that the individual has the necessary support for their daily needs.

Determining Liability for Car Accidents that Cause Permanent Disabilities

Determining liability for car accidents that result in permanent disabilities involves a multifaceted process aimed at securing appropriate compensation.

Firstly, pursuing a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance is a common approach, seeking financial reparation to cover the damages incurred. 

Additionally, identifying parties commonly liable for serious car accidents and injuries in New Jersey is crucial.

This includes determining responsibility among negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities whose negligence may have contributed to the accident. 

See also: How Liability Is Determined For Car Accidents On Private Property

Getting Compensation for a Permanent Injury or Disability

Obtaining compensation for a permanent injury or disability is a multifaceted process that demands careful processing through legal complexities.

The pivotal step involves promptly consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in cases related to permanent disabilities. 

These legal professionals possess the expertise to assess the unique circumstances of each case, determine liability, and guide individuals through the complexities of the claims process. 

Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney ASAP

Consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible is a critical step in the after-effects of a car accident resulting in permanent disability.

The expertise of a skilled attorney, such as those from the Rosengard Law Group, can make a significant difference in processing the complexities of the legal process. 

These professionals assess the specific details of the case, identify liable parties, and guide individuals through the complexities of filing a personal injury claim. 

Time is of the essence in these situations, and engaging the services of a reputable law firm promptly ensures that the injured party has the necessary legal advocacy to secure the compensation needed for the challenges posed by a permanent injury.

FAQs

What Immediate Steps Should Be Taken After a Car Accident Causing a Permanent Disability?

Seek medical attention, gather evidence, and report the accident to law enforcement.

How is a Permanent Disability Diagnosed and Evaluated After a Car Accident?

Medical professionals assess the extent of injuries through various diagnostic tools and examinations.

When Should I Consult a Personal Injury Attorney for a Permanent Disability Claim?

Seek legal advice promptly to ensure you understand your rights and initiate the claims process effectively.

Conclusion

Experiencing a permanent disability due to a car accident is a life-altering event that necessitates careful processing through legal and financial complexities.

Understanding the causes, calculating compensation factors, determining liability, and seeking professional legal guidance are crucial steps in securing the support and justice you deserve. 

If you find yourself facing a permanent disability, remember that you don’t have to face it alone, consult a personal injury attorney to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.