In Vermont, personal injury claims refer to legal disputes arising from an incident that led to harm or injury to an individual due to the negligence of another party. Such claims are usually seek compensation for damages including but not limited to lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unexpected but significant impact on personal injury claims in Vermont.
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Reduced Accident Rates in Vermont
Since the pandemic hit, the state of Vermont has recorded a significant drop in the number of accidents on its highways. This is predominantly due to the stay-at-home orders and a shift to remote work which has significantly reduced traffic on Vermont’s highways and roads. The fact that there are fewer accidents indicates that the number of personal injury claims is also likely to decrease.
An Increase in Car Accident Severity
While personal injury claims may be decreasing as a result of lower accident rates, the severity of accidents that do occur appears to be increasing. With fewer vehicles on the road, those who are driving tend to drive faster and take more risks. This has led to an increase in severe accidents which may result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death.
Delayed Medical Treatment
Most personal injury victims require medical treatment, and with the pandemic raging, hospitals and clinics across Vermont have been forced to prioritize those infected with the virus. The risk of contracting the virus in a medical facility may delay treatment for personal injury victims. This means that victims are more likely to experience complications, prolong the recovery period, and result in increased medical costs. Moreover, tracking medical care may be more difficult due to less record-keeping, making it harder to document the damages sustained during a personal injury incident.
Settlement Delays
Delays in the court system due to the pandemic have been a significant concern for personal injury claims. The high number of cases has made it difficult for courts to accommodate in-person hearings. Additionally, many settlements require in-person meetings, further complicating the process due to the pandemic. In some cases, these delays may result in a backlog in court cases, leading to months or even years of waiting for a resolution.
Decreased Value of Personal Injury Claims
Compensation from personal injury claims is largely dependent on the medical records and bills incurred as a direct result of the incident. With the pandemic, insurance companies may attempt to diminish the value by arguing that the victim’s injuries were either pre-existing or minor. This highlights why having a trusted personal injury law firm in Vermont is critical to either negotiate or resolve a personal injury claim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about negative impacts on personal injury claims in Vermont. With fewer vehicles on the road, there may be a decreased number of accidents. However, accidents that do occur tend to cause more serious injuries requiring extended recovery time and resulting in higher medical costs. It may take longer to settle claims due to in-person meeting restrictions and court backlogs. If you need assistance with a personal injury claim in Vermont, it is advisable to seek the services of an experienced personal injury attorney.