Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Are You Angry That SUVs are Defective?
How to care for an injured loved one after an SUV rollover
Automakers have known for years that SUVs are not safe to drive or to ride in due to numerous design flaws. Current vehicle crash protection requirements fail to protect adequately against injuries likely to result from crashes.
An auto accident can cause all kinds of injuries from something as simple as a scratch or a cut to something devastating like a broken neck or traumatic brain injury.
What do you do if someone you love is seriously injured in an SUV accident?
At first, the SUV rollover injuries and treatment will seem overwhelming. There are many decisions to be made and emotions to deal with. And don’t forget: everyone deals with this type of catastrophe in their own way. What works for you might not be the way someone else deals with stress.
- You might have to decide whether your family member should have a surgery that might be risky, but might also bring good results.
- You might have to decide what kind of rehabilitation facility the patient should be transferred to.
- If a convalescent facility is indicated, you will have to make a choice on which one would be best for the person you love.
- If the victim lives in another city or state, you might have to decide if they should be moved to where you live, so that you can monitor their care.
If your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, either physical or mental, several things will need to be done.
- You will have to hire a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable in whatever is necessary for you to make decisions on the victim’s behalf and make sure they get the medical care they need.
- You will need to research the injury and its effects so that you can make responsible decisions on behalf of your loved one.
- Work with the doctors and therapists that care for the patient.
- Make sure you carry out the wishes of the injured person: if they would not want to be on life support, you should do what you can to make sure their wishes are respected.
Every state has its own procedures for how this is done, and the process is complicated so make sure the attorney you hire is knowledgeable.
Remember, the doctors and caretakers usually know what is best, but if you’re uncomfortable with their advice or don’t understand what the treatment will be, speak up! You are now the advocate for the person you love.
