Car crashes can lead to many different kinds of injuries for those who are affected. Broken bones, deep lacerations and brain injuries are common consequences when vehicles collide. Spinal cord injuries, while not particularly common, are life-altering when they do occur.
High-speed motor vehicle collisions can easily cause irreparable damage to someone’s spinal cord. Many people who are hurt in serious crashes and dealing with a spinal injury quickly realize that insurance won’t fully cover their expenses.
Even excellent policies could fall short
There’s something to be said for the unreasonably low minimum bodily injury coverage required by state law. Lawmakers could potentially help protect members of the public from financial hardship by updating insurance laws to reflect the increasing costs of medical care.
Unfortunately, many people will have to cope with insufficient bodily injury coverage after a crash causes permanent injury. Even when the other driver has excellent coverage, the total cost could be several times the maximum amount that the insurance policy will pay.
Not only do spinal cord injuries produce immediate expenses that range from tens of thousands of dollars to over a million dollars in the first year after someone’s injury, but they also require ongoing medical investment for the rest of someone’s life. The higher on the spine the injury is and the more complete it is, the more it will likely cost someone. Physical therapy, assisted technology and other care costs will add up to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
Major injuries often lead to court
It would be very unfair if someone hurt by a drunk driver would have to simply absorb those medical expenses and also a lifetime of increased care needs and reduced earning potential. Personal injury laws do allow those harmed by the actions or negligence of others to pursue a lawsuit in some cases.
Determining how much a spinal cord injury will likely cost someone can help that person pursue appropriate compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries with the assistance of an experienced legal professional.