Everyone said that you are fortunate to have escaped that car accident with your life… but there are days when the pain is so bad you wonder how much more of it you can take. Your doctor is using the word “catastrophic” to describe the extent of your injuries. You wonder if you will ever walk again. Your spouse wonders if you will ever work again.
We see people with these kinds of injuries a lot at the Stipe Law Firm. So we put together a quick summary of the most common questions we are asked, to better help you understand what your options might be for the future.
What makes an injury catastrophic?
Sometimes an injury is so severe that the person’s chances of recovering their health and vitality and ability to care for themselves and make a living are not good. A person who has suffered a catastrophic injury usually requires multiple surgeries, ongoing medical care and daily nursing support. They are often unable to attend to their own activities of daily living.
What are some examples of typical catastrophic injuries from a car crash?
Some of the typical kinds of catastrophic injuries that can occur from an auto accident include traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, and neck, back and spinal cord injuries with partial or complete paralysis.
How do I recover damages when I have suffered serious injuries in a collision?
Your first step should be to contact a trusted McAlester auto accident attorney who will investigate the accident and determine all the parties at fault in the crash. Then they can pursue compensation on your behalf whether through a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company, or a personal injury lawsuit.
The driver of the car that hit me does not have insurance. What can I do?
Although drivers in Oklahoma are required by law to have liability insurance that covers both property damage and bodily injury to other motorists, some drivers choose to thwart the law and drive around without auto insurance. If you should become involved in a collision that was caused by a driver with no insurance, your personal injury attorney can help you file an uninsured motorist claim on your insurance policy.
If my injuries require ongoing medical care, how will I be able to afford it?
In preparing your claim for damages, your attorney will calculate the requirements for your medical care now and into the future. When you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may recover damages in addition to medical expenses for lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and your spouse may be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium.
Is there a time limit on taking legal action for my injuries?
In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim to recover damages for a personal injury. Therefore, it is vital that you contact an experienced McAlester auto accident attorney right away to discuss your case.
Devastating injuries from a catastrophic auto accident can change your life completely. You need the services of a McAlester auto accident attorney who knows how to fight for the compensation you need to cover ongoing medical care, home health care and lost wages due to a permanent disability. You may call (918) 505-7741 or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation with the Oklahoma injury lawyers who are ready to fight for you.