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How Likely am I To Get Injured in a Car Wreck in California?
Many people have been in some kind of car accident. Most people will be in at least four car accidents throughout their lifetime. The majority of these people will walk away with minor or no injuries. However, some car accidents are more severe than others. While the bulk of wrecks are minor “fender benders,” some accidents are more serious and result in more catastrophic injuries. The more serious a person’s injuries are, the higher the likelihood they will require medical care.
In some instances, a person who received severe injuries may require extensive or even long-term medical treatment as a result. This is why if you or a loved one have received catastrophic injuries as the result of a car accident, you need to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to assess the seriousness of your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries in California?
Catastrophic injuries are defined as those injuries that cause long-term or permanent pain or disability. Many people will receive some kind of injury in a car accident. Usually, these injuries include cuts and bruises, lacerations, scrapes, or sprains. Catastrophic injuries include but are not limited to:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Loss of Limbs
- Damage to or Loss of Vision
- Partial or Total Paralysis
- Second or Third-Degree Burns
- Organ Damage or Failure
Catastrophic injuries are injuries that impact the quality of a person’s life. Unlike a bruise or even a minor broken bone, which may heal relatively quickly, catastrophic injuries take a great deal of time to recover from. In some instances, devastating injuries may be permanent. Depending on the extent of catastrophic injuries, an individual may need long-term or even permanent at-home care. They may also need to live in an assisted living facility.
A person with catastrophic injuries may no longer be able to live independently and care for themselves. They may also require extensive help to resume their routine and day-to-day activities. This could cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. Even if an insurance plan will pay for some at-home and assisted living expenses, most insurance plans will not cover everything at 100%. This means that, through no fault of their own, a person who sustained catastrophic injuries in a car wreck could find themselves deeply in debt with little or no means of paying for the care they need.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries in a Car Wreck?
Not every car wreck results in catastrophic injuries. Most people will get into some kind of wreck in their lifetimes. The majority of these people will not experience any kind of long-term injuries or need lasting care. This is because catastrophic injuries are caused by especially severe car accidents. Most car accidents take place at less than 40 mph. Of these, a large portion are between 25 and 35 miles per hour. Lower speeds usually lead to fewer injuries. Higher speeds mean more injuries and more serious injuries.
The faster a car travels, the more damage it can cause if it strikes another vehicle or person. The same is true for the size of a car. A larger car, truck, or eighteen-wheeler will cause more damage than a smaller car. Whether the people in the vehicle that was hit were wearing their seat belts is another factor to consider. Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the potential of catastrophic injury between 45-65%, depending on the type of vehicle.
Distracted and impaired driving can also lead to an increased likelihood of catastrophic injuries. This is because an impaired or distracted driver is not paying attention to how fast or safely they are driving. Distracted or impaired driving can include texting while driving, talking on the phone while driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can lead to more dangerous types of accidents, such as head-on collisions.
What Are My Options if I’m Injured in a Catastrophic Car Accident in California?
Many times, insurance will not cover 100% of your medical expenses if you are injured in a car accident. This can be true even if the wreck was not your fault. The average cost of a three-day hospital stay is around $30,000. This number can climb even higher the longer you are in the hospital and the more serious your injuries. Most people cannot easily afford to pay tens of thousands of dollars in bills. This is especially true if those bills were incurred due to behavior that was not their fault.
While insurance may cover some of your medical expenses, it will likely not cover you at 100%. It will also not cover the entirety of any necessary long-term care. This may include an at-home healthcare worker, assisted living or mobility devices, or any other unforeseen expenses. The other driver’s insurance may not cover costs either. This is especially true if the other driver’s insurance company attempts to fight your claim.
If your injuries were severe enough to require long-term care, the costs are most likely expensive. Another driver’s insurance company will try to fight paying for this treatment. That is why if you or a loved one received catastrophic injuries in a car wreck, you need to consult an experienced attorney.
What Should I Do if a Loved One or I Received Catastrophic Injuries in a Car Accident in California?
A single car accident can irreversibly change a person’s life. No one should have to spend the rest of their lives paying for something that was someone else’s fault. That’s why if you or a loved one received catastrophic injuries in a car wreck in California, you should immediately contact Troy Skinner at Skinner Law Corp.
Troy Skinner grew up around attorneys and has the law in his blood. He passionately believes in representing every client to the best of his abilities and making sure they get the justice they deserve. At Skinner Law Corp, Troy Skinner doesn’t believe in stopping until justice has been served and his clients are delighted. Don’t let a single car wreck derail the course of your life. If you or a loved one received catastrophic injuries in a car wreck in California, call Skinner Law Corp today at 310-356-0074.
