When Car Accidents Cause Permanent Disability

While some people only suffer minor injuries after a car accident, others may find themselves experiencing permanent disability. They may have done everything they can to heal and recover, but their lives will just never be the same. A person who has a permanent disability cannot perform their normal daily tasks and duties that they were involved with or participated in before the car crash occurred. They may also never be able to work or earn a steady income again. This can be devastating and traumatic for individuals who now have to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of the car accident for the rest of their lives.

What types of car crash injuries typically cause permanent disability?

Various injuries can cause permanent disability to car accident victims. These are typically not small or minor cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Instead, they are permanent, severe, and catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries: When an individual experiences a forceful blow to the head in a car accident, there is a good chance that they may suffer a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can cause severe physical and mental impairments for the rest of their lives.
• Spinal cord injuries: Individuals with spinal cord injuries may never fully recover. They will instead need to learn how to cope and adapt to their new way of life. This is because these injuries often disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body. In addition, spinal cord injuries cause issues with blood pressure, body temperature, urine and bowel control, and more.
• Amputations or loss of limbs: When a person loses their arm or leg in a car accident, they will likely become dependent on medical devices, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, walkers, and more.
• Crushing injuries: It is common for individuals to suffer crushing injuries in severe car accidents. As a result, their bones may be crushed, causing chronic pain, suffering, and permanent disability for many years to come. In addition, they may never be able to use the body parts that were crushed ever again.
• Psychological trauma (PTSD): Most people only think about physical injuries when they think about car accidents. However, many car accident victims suffer from lifelong mental and emotional trauma as well. This can significantly diminish their quality and enjoyment of life.
• Paralysis: When an individual becomes paralyzed after being involved in a car accident, they may never be able to walk, stand, or move for the rest of their lives. As a result, they may need around-the-clock in-home care to assist them with their daily needs.

Keep in mind that these are only a few of the injuries that may lead to permanent disability after a car accident. Damage to any nerves or organs can increase the risk of disability; so, too, can scarring or disfigurement associated with burns, road rash, or severe lacerations that cut through muscles or tendons.

In some cases, the initial trauma may not cause a disabling injury – but complications arising from it can. For example, say a car accident victim is thrown from a vehicle as a result of a crash, or a motorcycle operator is thrown from the bike. He or she suffers multiple open wounds from broken bones and the impact of the body hitting the ground. Dirt and debris enter the bloodstream of the victim, and trigger a life-threatening, inflammatory response called sepsis. Without immediate care, sepsis can be fatal – but it can also lead to tissue damage (necessitating an amputation) or organ damage (necessitating a transplant).

The types of Charlotte car accidents that may cause permanent disabilities

Any type of car accident can cause permanent disabilities; even low-speed collisions can cause permanent harm. Generally speaking, however, more serious injuries are associated with more serious wrecks. This is why pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders in Charlotte are at greatest risk of permanent injury; they have less protection in the event they are hit by a driver.   The types of car crashes most likely to lead to permanent disability among drivers and passengers include:

• Head-on collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Pileup car crashes
• Rear-end accidents
• Side impact crashes
• Speeding accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Intersection crashes
• Multi-vehicle wrecks
• Collisions with trucks

What should I do if my Charlotte car accident caused my permanent disability?

If you were in a car accident that was not your fault, you can file a car accident claim against the parties responsible for your permanent disability. Your first priority should be seeking medical attention immediately following the accident. After you have started a medical treatment plan, your next priority should be to reach out to a Charlotte car accident lawyer from Price, Petho & Associates. Our team of attorneys know and understand the laws surrounding car accidents as well as permanent disability, and we will help you navigate the complex legal process. We will also look over the facts of your claim, collect appropriate evidence to support your argument, answer any of your questions and concerns, work with professionals to determine an appropriate compensation amount for your losses, stand up and fight for your rights, and prepare to attend your trial hearing if necessary.

At Price, Petho & Associates, our Charlotte car accident attorneys have over four decades of experience assisting and handling car accident cases. We fight hard for our clients as we believe they should receive fair compensation and appropriate medical treatment for their severe and minor injuries. To schedule your free consultation and determine if you have a viable car accident claim, please call our office or complete our contact form today. We have offices in Charlotte, Rockingham, and Rutherfordton for your convenience.