Advocating For Your Rights in Serious Car Accident Cases
Catastrophic injuries profoundly impact not only your life but also the lives of those you love. These injuries require significant adjustments for you and your family as everyone navigates care responsibilities and adapts to a new reality. For many families, this period becomes their most daunting and emotionally challenging time. In an instant, circumstances may shift dramatically—leaving a once-primary supporter unable to work and creating immense stress and uncertainty.
In such a turbulent time, you deserve steady guidance from a compassionate and skilled legal team. At Gibson & Hughes, our personal injury attorneys recognize the immense stress and trauma your family is enduring during this transition. We remain by your side, advocating relentlessly with doctors’ offices, insurance providers, claims adjusters, investigators, law enforcement, and others. We are zealous about procuring you fair and just compensation.
At Gibson & Hughes, our clients are family. We understand the upheaval and uncertainty a serious injury from a car accident brings. Let us be your voice. Call us today for a free case evaluation at 714-406-0998.
What Are Some Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury is any grave injury that substantially impacts an individual’s life. While a wide range of injuries may fall into this category, some occur more frequently than others, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Limb amputations
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
An injury is categorized as catastrophic if it permanently and substantially disrupts the victim’s life. These injuries often necessitate extensive medical care and prevent individuals from earning a sustainable livelihood outside the home.
What Are the Long-Term Legal Impacts of a Serious Car Accident Injury?
A serious car accident injury not only impacts your life physically, but it can cause many legal issues as well. For your claim to succeed, you must establish liability and prove negligence. There is also the two-year statute of limitations to consider. Although your serious injury may be lifelong, the legal implications are complex, and to navigate them, you will need the support of a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers. The empathetic and skilled attorneys of Gibson and Hughes are on your side from day one.
How Do Serious Car Accident Injuries Affect My Rights?
As the injured party, you have the right to seek compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your serious car accident injury. California is a comparative negligence state, and proving comparative negligence is crucial in securing the compensation you deserve.
You must establish that the defendant owed you a legal duty to demonstrate comparative negligence. For example, in a car accident case, this duty involves driving responsibly and safely. You must also show that the defendant breached this duty through distracted driving or other negligent actions. It is essential to prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your injuries or harm, which is particularly significant in severe car accident injury cases. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages due to the incident, such as medical expenses, emotional distress, or lost wages.
By meeting these requirements, you can take meaningful steps to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your hardships.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative Negligence is a type of legal tort that insurers use to determine fault. It is most commonly used in car accident cases. If two people break the same laws, insurers assign blame on a percentage basis depending on the circumstances and proof provided.
While it is possible to submit your claim and communicate with your insurance carrier on your own, in cases of severe or catastrophic injuries, it is advisable to first consult with a personal injury lawyer who is well-equipped to navigate the process effectively and secure the appropriate compensation on your behalf.
What Compensation Might Be Available for My Injury?
Each case is unique, making it impossible to predict compensation in advance. However, typical forms of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: Catastrophic injuries often result in overwhelming medical bills beyond standard insurance coverage. Compensation should address immediate costs and ongoing treatments for disabilities, including lost wages from employment disruptions.
- Pain and suffering: Financial acknowledgment of physical pain and long-term hardships caused by the injury.
- Emotional distress: Consideration for psychological effects such as PTSD, depression, and emotional struggles.
Catastrophic injuries profoundly impact quality of life, and compensation should reflect these significant losses. Unfortunately, many insurance companies offer low initial settlements, relying on victims feeling too overwhelmed to pursue fair compensation. At Gibson & Hughes, we stand by your side, tirelessly advocating to ensure you receive the fair treatment and compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do If I Suffer A Serious Car Accident Injury?
These accidents are deeply traumatic. After experiencing one, it’s essential to remain as calm as possible, as panic can worsen pain or injuries. Avoid moving if you’ve injured your head, neck, or spine until emergency medical personnel advise you to, as movement could aggravate the injury.
Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Prompt evaluation and documentation of injuries are vital, as catastrophic injuries can quickly become life-threatening.
When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
No one expects these injuries, but they can happen at any time, changing everything in just minutes. While living in fear isn’t the answer, if you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, Gibson & Hughes understands the trauma you’ve endured. We are here to advocate for your rights. Call 714-406-0998 for a free consultation.
