When a car accident causes a permanent disability, the person dealing with this disability may face ongoing or lifelong medical expenses. If someone else may be liable for the accident, this individual could seek compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Meet with a Boulder car accident attorney if you’ve suffered a permanent disability in an auto collision, and someone else may be responsible. Your lawyer can discuss your legal options with you. Based on the circumstances of your accident, they may represent you in your case against any liable parties.
Consequences of a Car Accident That Causes a Permanent Disability
Sadly, if you become permanently disabled due to an auto accident, your life may change significantly. A spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or any other permanent disability can affect you physically and psychologically.
Physically, your disability may limit your ability to walk, drive, and do other things that you were able to do prior to your auto accident.
In addition, the emotional toll that comes with your disability may contribute to depression, anxiety, and other psychological effects.
Outside of these things, there are high costs of medical care for your disability to consider. Your insurance policy may cover a portion of these costs. However, it may be difficult to keep up with your bills, particularly if you are unable to work due to your disability.
Your permanent disability may impact your family as well. Family members may care for you or have to find caregivers to help you. Because of this, your disability may alter your relationships with family members.
Although you cannot change the fact that you were involved in a car accident and became disabled as a result, if another party may be to blame for this incident, a Boulder catastrophic injury attorney may help you obtain compensatory damages from them.
What Happens When a Car Accident Causes a Permanent Disability and Someone Else Is Responsible?
You could file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the party that may be liable for your auto accident and permanent disability. Either option could help you get compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
In Colorado, auto insurance is mandatory for drivers. Colorado maintains an at-fault system for car insurance. If a driver slams their car into yours, and you are severely injured, you could receive compensation through an insurance claim against this motorist.
After you file a car insurance claim, the insurer of the other party involved may offer a settlement. If the settlement provides you with reasonable compensation for your disability-related costs, you may accept it and resolve your claim.
If you do not get a fair settlement, you may want to proceed with a lawsuit. Per Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 13-80-101(1)(n), the statute of limitations for most motor vehicle accident lawsuits is generally three years from the date of the accident.
A car accident lawyer can negotiate an insurance settlement on your behalf. If your attorney does not receive an offer that you feel is sufficient, they may encourage you to file a lawsuit. At this point, your lawyer can help you sue, and they may negotiate with the defendant before your trial. If no agreement is reached, your lawyer can argue your case to a judge or jury.