While driving through the sunny roads of San Diego in California, you can never be sure of what kind of unexpected developments may happen. Incidents of serious car accidents fill the headlines every year, informing us of mishaps that lead to deaths, injuries, and permanent disabilities.
For example, in 2022, San Diego experienced 285 fatal car accidents, resulting in 286 deaths and 17,386 injuries in 12,838 total crashes, with 4,500 of those happening on state highways. Small to moderate injuries are easier to deal with, but what if you become permanently disabled after such a car crash?
The survival with permanent disabilities may seem quite overwhelming. But survival is not only about physical recovery; you have to look at the larger picture. The emotional trauma can be excruciating, and you have to come to terms with the reality that the rest of your life will be spent in a state of permanent disability. To add to the unfortunate situation, there can be medical bills piling up, and loss of work can be another issue to struggle with.
In such a condition, navigating the legal system can be taxing. The assistance of a capable car accident attorney becomes necessary in such conditions to make sure that your best interests are being fully taken care of.
Understanding permanent disabilities caused by a car accident
Permanent disabilities can take place in many forms. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, sensory loss, loss of limbs, burns, organ damage, scarring and disfigurement, as well as ongoing psychological trauma. Those coping with such serious health conditions usually need long-term medical care, alongside lifestyle changes and rehabilitation that can pose significant financial burdens.
Seeking professional help
- Medical care: Continue to comply with recommendations from doctors, therapists, and different healthcare specialists to manage pain, cope with bodily limitations, and ensure ongoing clinical needs are being met.
- Mental health support: It’s crucial to look for counseling and strategies to help cope with emotionally demanding situations like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can be common after a demanding event.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can assist individuals in adapting to daily living activities and develop strategies to make amends for permanent disabilities.
- Rehabilitation: Consider physical therapy or different rehabilitation processes to enhance flexibility, strength, mobility, and other useful abilities, such as using and maintaining a wheelchair.
Prioritizing self-care
- Physical well-being: Ensure adequate sleep, a balanced eating regimen, and an everyday workout (within limitations) to maintain bodily health and strength.
- Emotional well-being: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress, including meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Social support: Connect with friends, family, or support organizations to receive connection from others and emotional support.
Adapting to changes in daily life and social dynamics
- Home modifications: You may need to make important changes to your house due to your permanent disabilities, including putting in ramps, widening doorways, or modifying bathrooms.
- Transportation: You may not be able to drive any more and may need to explore options for transportation, such as public transportation, trip-sharing services, or adaptive automobiles.
- Employment: You and your employer will need to assess your new limited capabilities and explore options for task accommodations; you may even need to seek alternative employment.
- Social activities: Find methods to keep social connections and participate in activities that you revel in, regardless of your permanent disabilities or obstacles.
- Financial planning: Explore resources and additional help available for individuals with disabilities, including government packages and incapacity insurance.
Common challenges and strategies
- Intrusive mind, anger, emotional numbing, and fear: Seek professional help to deal with the trauma you have experienced and expand your coping mechanisms.
- Disrupted sleep patterns and chronic fatigue: Prioritize sleep hygiene and seek medical advice if sleep disturbances persist.
- Changes in social dynamics: Be open to talking about your needs and barriers that you are experiencing due to your permanent disabilities to others, and ask for help from your circle of friends and relatives.
- Sensory overload: Identify triggers and develop strategies to help manage sensory input overload, such as the use of noise-canceling headphones or dimming lighting fixtures.
- Problems with reminiscence, making plans, and awareness: Use memory aids, cognitive training, organizational equipment, and seek help from therapists who can provide strategies to improve cognitive characteristics.
Can you get compensation after a car accident?
After receiving permanent disabilities after a car accident in San Diego, you may be qualified for many types of compensation, but it can be hard to know where to look. However, the expertise of a skilled attorney can help navigate the red tape to determine what you are qualified for and how best to obtain it. For example, apart from medical costs, you can also claim compensation for wages lost, emotional trauma, long-term treatment, etc.
Summing it up
While searching for an attorney to uphold your rights in cases of permanent disabilities caused by car crashes, you should be careful. Only a senior attorney with experience handling these cases and a proven track record of success will fit the demanding bill; a small mistake or communication oversight could cost you everything.
You should do your research on various attorneys, making sure to look over bar association ratings, past settlements and verdicts, as well as reviews and testimonials. Then go in for a detailed consultation session to make sure of effective communication, the willingness to answer questions, and that you feel comfortable dealing with the attorney, as well as to understand the feasibility, and your compensation prospects.
Have you been in a car accident that has left you with permanent disabilities? Do you find yourself struggling to get by, find yourself under a lot of extra stress, and are not sure how you are going to keep up with the medical bills? Do you live in San Diego, California, and are wondering how to find capable car accident attorneys to fight for the rights of those who have been inflicted with permanent disabilities? Then you should try searching for a car accident lawyer in San Diego.
This article was written for WHN by Tod Malicoat, who is a Business Analyst. He is passionate about new gadgets. In his free time, he likes to travel to hill stations.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
