Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Truck accidents in Hollywood and other South Florida communities often lead to devastating injuries. A smaller car has little chance against a tanker, big rig, or other commercial truck loaded down with heavy cargo. In some unfortunate cases, passengers in the smaller vehicle walk away not only with serious injuries, but also with injuries that will change their lives forever.
Permanent injuries such as amputations, head trauma, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and others are considered permanent because they will affect a patient’s life long term. While some improvement is possible, the patient is not expected to regain the full mobility, cognitive ability, or other abilities they had before the injury.
There are Some Options for Permanent Injury
Permanent injuries caused by a truck accident or other traffic accident can feel like a cruel twist of fate. Getting back on track can be daunting, but there are several things you can do:
1) Give yourself time.
With a serious, permanent injury there is often a grieving process once the patient realizes that their life will never be exactly the same. It’s important to give yourself time to adjust, so allow yourself time to feel sad and upset. Be gentle with yourself and don’t push yourself to soldier on and to take on your usual responsibilities if you don’t feel ready.
2) Talk to a professional.
Talk to a counselor or support group. You don’t have to go through the process alone, and talking to someone can help you deal with the grief, anger, or even depression you may be feeling.
3) Seek support.
Find support groups, advocacy groups, and other organization dedicated to helping people with similar injuries. Talking to others who have been through the same thing gives you a sympathetic ear but can also help you learn practical solutions for some of the problems you have been facing.
4) Find out more about your injury.
Talk to your doctor and read about your injury. Explore treatment options and other solutions that can help you lead the fullest life possible. Learning as much as you can helps you focus on practical options rather than on your losses.
5) Focus on what you can do.
You may need to switch careers or make big adjustments in your life. Choosing to focus on what is possible can help you focus on your future, however. Talk to others with similar injuries or find stories about people who have achieved success with similar injuries to get some inspiration.
Permanent Injury Means Permanent Financial Impact
Getting back on track after a serious injury is very difficult and you may find that you face certain financial barriers as well. You may have substantial medical bills and your injury may mean a lifetime of increased medical costs and increased medical insurance premiums. In addition, you might have to pay to have your home made accessible to you or you may need to pay for at-home care. You may need to pay for therapy or for additional training to learn to drive with your injury. You may need to go back to school if you cannot return to work and need a new career.
All of these costs can quickly add up, and your health insurance and car insurance may not pay for everything. To protect yourself financially and to make sure you can pay for quality medical care for the rest of your life, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community immediately following your accident.
An attorney can advise you of your rights. If your truck accident was caused by someone’s negligence, you may have a legal claim and you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. An attorney can also offer advice and can represent you in talks with your insurance company, to make sure you get the full benefits you may be entitled to. If you qualify for Social Security or other government benefits for your injury, this might be another avenue to pursue.
If you would like to discuss your situation with an attorney who can offer legal advice and representation, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation.