A crash only requires a split second of distraction or one bad decision. A driver might hit the gas instead of the brakes when they encounter a stopped vehicle. Other times, a motorist could look down at an incoming text message and fail to spot another vehicle turning at an intersection.
Even the most safety-conscious drivers can end up involved in collisions if they encounter unsafe drivers on public roads. Crashes have the potential to irrevocably change the lives of the people involved in a moment. Some crashes result in people dying prematurely. Those left behind after a deadly wreck may undergo a complete overhaul of their daily lived experience.
Life-altering injuries are also possible in a car crash. The mistakes of one driver can have long-term consequences for the other people involved in a wreck.
Catastrophic injuries can change people’s lives
Some car crash injuries respond well to treatment. Broken bones and whiplash generally result in a full recovery with enough rest and proper medical care. Other injuries create permanent symptoms or functional limitations.
Car wrecks can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), amputations and spinal cord injuries. Any of those injuries could forever change the course of someone’s life. They may have massive immediate trauma care costs to consider. They may also have a lifetime of increased medical expenses.
Catastrophic injuries can also affect earning potential. The injured person may never be able to return to work. If they do, they may never develop their career in the manner that they had previously planned. Other family members may also experience a reduction in income if they have to provide support as a caregiver.
Then, there are accommodation expenses to consider. Making a home or a vehicle accessible can increase the financial pressure on those dealing with medical expenses and reduce household income. All of that pressure can also change the dynamics among family members.
The mistakes or misconduct of other people in traffic can change people’s lives permanently. Those at fault for a crash generally offset the impact on others by providing car insurance coverage. If they lack proper insurance or crash costs are particularly high,
Those affected by major motor vehicle collisions may need help determining the financial impact of their crash and evaluating their options for compensation. Holding the driver at fault for the wreck financially accountable can help reduce the long-term harm caused by a collision.