Injuries from car accidents are no small matter. Catastrophic car crashes can result in serious injuries that drastically impact your way of life. When your injuries force you to use disability aids, you might need to adjust to accommodate a new reality. Your home and other spaces in Alabama may need modifications to assist in daily life.
Adjusting after a life-altering injury
A car accident does not mean you have no chances of returning to normal life. Today, there are many tools, technologies and aids that disabled people use to help life become easier. Mobility and sensory aids like wheelchairs or TTS software support your independence.
Sometimes hospital treatments may not be enough. More serious disabilities may require you to make modifications to your living spaces. Home widenings, vehicle modifications, and other accommodations may balloon costs in the aftermath of a major collision.
The actual cost of recovery may be higher than you expect. The question now is: who pays?
Funding accessibility modification
Alabama is a strict at-fault state, meaning the insurance carrier of the driver at fault pays damages for the accident. At-fault drivers are fully responsible for paying all injury-related expenses. Any damages exceeding the driver’s liability limit become their out-of-pocket responsibility.
You can recover costs for crucial home and vehicle modifications by claiming them as damages. Insurance companies often contest long-term care like modification, so you need to build a strong case to justify your claim.
The state uses pure contributory negligence to calculate liability. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for it, you are barred from recovering damages. You must be careful when navigating car crash claims in Alabama.
Defending your liability case
To ensure an at-fault driver pays, evaluate your case. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have ironclad proof that you are not at fault for the accident?
- What is your irrefutable evidence that accessibility is absolutely necessary?
- Where did you get the exact cost breakdown of your proposed mods?
Seek medical verification from health experts like your doctor or occupational therapist. You might need to reach out to a professional contractor certified in home modifications for disabilities. Professional quotes and written prescriptions absolutely help in determining medical necessity for extra expenses.
Lastly, reach out to a qualified legal professional to help you defend your case. In Alabama, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Time is of the essence in settling a claim.