Economic Impact of Serious Injuries Suffered in a Car Accident
Sustaining serious injuries in a car accident in Alabama can be a truly devastating experience. In the aftermath of a car wreck, many victims are faced with massive medical bills, as well as severe pain and suffering that can last for a lifetime.
Ultimately, the best way to recover compensation after sustaining injuries in an accident in Alabama is by filing a claim with the assistance of a dedicated Alabama personal injury attorney. But before you do, it is best to fully understand the economic impact that serious injuries may have on you, both now and in the future. To be sure, by obtaining a complete picture of how these injuries may affect your life, you will be in a better position to pursue the compensation to which you are rightfully entitled.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents in Alabama
In some cases, accidents cause no more than a few cuts and scrapes that require little to no recovery. Far too often, however, car wrecks lead to devastating injuries that have lasting impacts, a handful of which are listed below:
- Lacerations;
- Broken bones;
- Muscle strains and sprains;
- Burn injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries(TBIs); and
- Amputations
Many, if not all, of the injury types listed above will force the victim to undergo thorough medical treatment to recover, and some accident victims may never fully recover from their injuries. For example, while lacerations and broken bones may heal over time, TBIs and amputations will last for a lifetime and will require the victim to entirely modify their lifestyle in order to adapt to their new situation. Of course, herein lies the benefit of the legal system, which allows victims to pursue compensation that will cover their current and future medical bills, as well as provide for them in the future if the effects of their injuries are long lasting.
Naturally, however, this begs the question: How is it possible to determine the lasting effects of an injury sustained in a car accident?
Calculating Economic Damages for Injuries with Lasting Impacts
It is nearly impossible to associate a lifetime monetary value with many of the injuries listed above. Indeed, injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and those that lead to other disabilities require the victim to modify their lifestyle entirely, and may rob them of the ability to work and provide for themselves or their family. In this case, the victim, with the help of a skilled Alabama personal injury attorney, should begin working to create a comprehensive list of damages suffered in the car accident, as well as how they will impact the victim’s life both now and in the future.
Take, for example, an accident that leads to an individual suffering a TBI. The initial valuation of the damages may appear fairly simple, as it will include any immediate medical bills incurred by the victim, as well as lost wages due to time spent away from work while they recover in the hospital and after being discharged.
Going forward, however, the valuation becomes more complex. Specifically, because the victim suffered a TBI from which they may never fully recover, they must determine how this may affect their future work life; if they conclude that the injury will hinder their productivity at work, they must include this calculation in their claim with a determination of the value of this damage. Furthermore, the TBI victim may be required to undergo routine medical exams for the rest of their life; as such, they must reasonably calculate their expected medical costs and pursue due compensation, as well.
An Attorney is a Valuable Tool in Calculating the Economic Impact of Injuries
Overall, perhaps the best way to obtain the compensation to which you are rightfully entitled in the aftermath of a serious car accident in Alabama is by enlisting the services of a skilled Alabama personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney with significant experience will be able to assist you in determining the lasting impact your injuries will have on your life, and arrive at a monetary value that you can pursue in your claim. McPhillips Shinbaum has established relationships with experts who have the experience and skill to readily determine the future value of an injury.
Contact an Experienced and Skilled Alabama Injury Attorney
Don’t face the legal system or an insurance company alone if you have been injured in the Montgomery area. Instead, reach out to the legal team at McPhillips Shinbaum, LLP for a free case evaluation and to learn how we can assist you moving forward. Call us at (334) 262-1911 or contact us by using our online contact form.