Car accidents can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved. Victims have to deal with physical injuries as well as financial and emotional problems. If a person is injured in a car accident, they can negotiate with the insurance company to receive compensation for all the injuries and losses.
The first settlement offer for a car accident may seem attractive, but it doesn’t cover the full extent of the damages. Some injuries need higher settlements as they require costly medical treatments, rehabilitation, and sometimes lifelong care. Here are five injuries that usually lead to higher settlements after a car accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most severe and life-changing injuries that can happen from a car accident. When the spinal cord is injured, it may lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or major impairment in movement and function. Depending on where the injury occurs along the spine, it can lead to paraplegia, which is a paralysis of the lower limbs, or quadriplegia, which is a paralysis of all limbs.
In addition to the physical disability, victims often require specialized medical equipment like wheelchairs, constant care, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. As the spinal cord injury comes with more risks, the settlements will also be higher.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also the most complex type of injuries that need higher settlements. TBI can lead to brain swelling, bruising, or bleeding. The severity of the injury can range from mild concussion to coma or brain hemorrhage. These conditions affect memory, cognitive function, and emotional regulation.
Victims might need years of rehabilitation and sometimes full-time care. Additionally, TBIs often cause secondary complications like depression, anxiety, and a decrease in quality of life, which can make the settlement amount much higher. By considering these uncertainties surrounding brain injuries, insurance companies recognize that higher settlements are needed to compensate for the impact on a victim’s ability to lead a fulfilling life.
Severe Burns
Burn injuries are the serious and painful injuries a person can suffer in a car accident. When the car catches fire or chemicals are involved, the burns can be severe. It requires multiple surgeries, skin grafts, long-term care, and rehabilitation. They can also lead to permanent disfigurement, scarring, and psychological trauma, all of which contribute to higher settlements.
The emotional toll of living with visible scars can be profound, leading to a much larger settlement amount to account for the full extent of the injury and its lifelong consequences.
Internal Injuries or Organ Damage
Internal injuries are often life-threatening and may not be immediately visible. Damage to internal organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, or intestines can cause internal bleeding, infections, and organ failure. Immediate medical intervention and surgeries may be required to repair or remove the damaged organs.
In some cases, victims may face permanent organ damage or need for organ transplant, both of which carry higher medical costs. Since these can lead to long-term health issues, the car accident settlement is higher for these injuries.
Amputation or Limb Loss
Amputation is not just a serious injury; it is a life-altering injury resulting from car accidents. When a limb is lost or severely damaged beyond repair, the victim has to adjust to life with prosthetics or sometimes no replacement at all. The physical and emotional impact of amputation can affect the person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks. The life-altering nature of amputations justifies the need for higher settlements.
If you have suffered one of these injuries in a car accident, it is essential to carefully evaluate the settlement offer and seek legal advice to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
