The results of a car accident can be devastating for some individuals. There are some situations when the after-effects of a collision are so bad that they are life-changing. These types of car accident injuries are considered catastrophic, and having a good car accident attorney to help you after such a detrimental event is incredibly important. If you feel you have been involved in a catastrophic car accident, there are certain things you should ask your attorney as you file your lawsuit. 

Does your situation qualify as a catastrophic car accident?

You may feel like what you have been through has been catastrophic, but what defines catastrophic can be relatively different in the eyes of the law. It is always best to trust your car accident lawyer's judgment about whether or not the incident you were involved in can be deemed as catastrophic or if it is just a severe car accident that left you with a major injury. Typically, an injury can only be deemed catastrophic if: 

• You are left with an injury that will affect you for the rest of your life either physically or emotionally.
• You have or will suffer from drastic financial implications due to your injury. 
• You have an injury that will require ongoing medical care or attention. 

What kind of damages can you seek for your catastrophic injury?

No matter what type of personal injury you sustain, the damages you can seek do tend to look a lot alike. For instance, you can seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering with a typical car accident. While damages for a catastrophic injury can look a lot the same, the amounts you can seek can be far more substantial because the damages can be more of a long-term consequence. For example, you may lose your full potential to ever make a living again due to the severity of your injury. 

How long will it take to build a case to file your lawsuit?

Naturally, catastrophic car accident claims can involve a lot more documentation and evidence than a typical car accident. Therefore, it may take your car accident lawyer a little longer to get everything together to file your claim. Nevertheless, a good attorney should be able to give you a good estimate as to how long it will take to get everything together to file the suit so you know what to expect. 

For more information about what to do after a catastrophic car accident, talk to car accident attorneys in your area.