On average, the people who get hurt in car crashes are better within a few weeks or months. Broken bones may take a bit to heal, as can soft tissue injuries. However, they rarely result in long-term consequences.

On the other hand, a small number of individuals hurt in motor vehicle crashes will suffer permanent injuries. Comminuted fractures, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries could have life-long implications after a car crash.

Especially for those who work physically-demanding or highly-skilled jobs, car crash injuries could mean the end of their career. What can you do if your injuries from a car crash will permanently prevent you from going back to your prior job?

Explore your insurance coverage

Most crashes in Texas have clear fault, meaning that one person caused the collision. When another driver causes a crash, you could make a claim against their liability insurance. However, many drivers may have as little as $30,000 in medical coverage for your losses, which might not even cover your hospital bills, let alone your lost wages.

You may need to make a claim against your insurance policy if you have uninsured or underinsured driver protection. Such coverage will protect you from additional losses that the other driver’s policy didn’t cover. Your policy could also pay for medical care under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of fault or the coverage the other driver carries.

Consider a civil lawsuit after determining liability

Fault and liability can be complex after car crashes. For example, if someone were driving for their job, their employer could have some responsibility for the crash. If a third party contributed to the crash somehow, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against that individual or business.

You may also need to look into a lawsuit against the other driver, especially if they did something negligent or illegal, like texting at the wheel or driving while drunk. You may have tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and ongoing lost wages because of a permanent disability. You shouldn’t have to absorb those costs on your own. Knowing your rights after a crash can help you access the compensation you deserve.