Understanding Why Legal Help Is Necessary for Long-Term Car Accident Injuries

Understanding Why Legal Help Is Necessary for Long-Term Car Accident Injuries

Injuries after an accident vary. While some minor crashes may be easy to treat and manage, serious road collisions present lifelong complications like fractures, spinal cord injuries, and brain damage. Treating these impairments and recovering may require extensive medical assistance, which is expensive, causing financial and emotional distress. 

The law offers a path to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. “You can sue the person or entity whom you believe caused the accident that led to your injury. And while you are within your rights to file the claim independently, seeking counsel from a personal injury attorney is wiser,” says personal injury attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP. In this blog, you’ll understand the importance of working with a lawyer when seeking restitution for lifelong injuries after a car accident. 

Common Long-Term Injuries After a Car Accident

Below are common lifelong injuries that may result from a car accident: 

• Amputations: Severe road crashes can lead to loss of limbs or require surgical amputation. 
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Damage to the brain can lead to cognitive impairment, mood changes, and other neurological problems. 
• Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Scarring and disfigurement: A car accident can lead to deep cuts, burns, and lesions that can result in long-lasting scars. 
• Joint damage and fractures: Bones don’t always heal correctly after a car accident, or they may fail to heal completely, leading to issues like arthritis. 

Such long-term issues can affect the quality of your life. They may require continuous medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological support, all of which can be expensive. Fortunately, the law entitles you to compensation for damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Keep reading to find out more. 

Personal Injury Claims in Virginia for Long-Term Injuries

So, what exact damages can you pursue through a personal injury lawsuit? Your awards will fall into two major categories: compensatory and punitive damages. 

Compensatory Damages 

As you can probably tell from the name, these damages are designed to reimburse you for the losses you suffered because of the long-term injuries. They fall into two major categories: 

Economic Damages (Special damages)

These cover the tangible financial losses like: 

• Medical expenses: Damages relating to past, current, and future hospital expenses related to your permanent injury. Think of surgery, rehabilitation, and drug costs. 
• Lost wages: income you lost because of your condition, including the time you spent recovering. 
• Loss of earning capacity: In case your injuries affect your ability to earn in the future, you may be compensated for these damages as well. 

Non-economic Damages (General Damages)

Damages are designed to compensate you for the intangible impacts of the long-term injury. They include: 

• Pain and suffering: The physical anguish and discomfort you endured 
• Emotional distress: Injuries related to the psychological impact of the injury
• Loss of consortium: Damages related to the inability to provide companionship, affection, or support to your spouse and family 

Punitive Damages

On the other hand, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. If, for instance, you suffered permanent injury as a result of a drunk driver or a motorist engaged in particularly reckless driving, the court may award punitive damages.

The Discovery Exception

By now, you understand that long-term afflictions stemming from personal injury can affect multiple aspects of your life. You also know you’re entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, timing is critical because of the Virginia statute of limitations. It is the time frame within which you’re legally allowed to file your claim after discovery. In Virginia, you have two years to file your claim. But, because some injuries may take some time to show symptoms, the discovery exception extends the statute of limitations to start from the date when you discovered the injury. 

Why You Should Work With a Personal Injury Attorney

Proving the long-term effects of permanent injuries can be complicated. How do you quantify and prove the future medical costs associated with your impairment? It’s better to work with an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney. They will help you collect and present evidence and even hire ideal witnesses to prove your case. Contact a personal injury lawyer today for options on compensation for your permanent injuries. 

Conclusion

The aftermath of long-term injuries can significantly affect the quality of your life because of the life changes and medical costs required. A personal injury lawsuit gives you the chance to recover damages like medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. For maximum compensation, work with a qualified personal injury attorney who will help collect evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and even hire ideal witnesses.