A collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle could potentially result in devastating consequences. The people in the smaller vehicle are likely to incur significant injuries, as passenger vehicles cannot withstand the force of such collisions.
Spinal cord injuries are relatively rare but can occur in catastrophic crashes caused by semi-trucks. Someone with a spinal cord injury is likely to have functional limitations that make them dependent on mobility assistance technology like wheelchairs.
Someone in a wheelchair may find that the average living space is not particularly accessible. They may need modifications made to the home where they live. Who covers the cost of housing accommodations when someone has a spinal cord injury after a semi-truck crash?
Housing arrangements determine someone’s options
An individual living in a rented home could theoretically request that their landlord accommodate them. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has several rules that apply to landlords. Generally, landlords cannot discriminate against someone on the basis of a medical condition.
They also need to help make a space accessible when someone cannot safely or comfortably live there due to a disabling medical condition. However, if someone lives in their own home or in a private housing arrangement, such as living with their aging parents, then they have to assume the costs of making their living space accessible. They may be able to seek compensation for those costs from the trucking company in some cases.
Home modifications can be costly
Making a home accessible to someone in a wheelchair may require major changes to the property. A ramp may be necessary to get in and out of the house. The person may also require wider doorways and hallways so that they can use their wheelchair in the space.
Bathrooms and kitchens may also require significant changes. It can cost thousands of dollars to convert an existing residential space into a wheelchair-accessible space. It might be possible for the affected party to seek compensation from the trucking company to cover those costs.
Provided that the semi-truck was responsible for the crash, insurance can potentially help reimburse someone for medical losses, including the cost of making their living space wheelchair-accessible. Commercial transportation companies typically carry sizable insurance policies that can help cover those expenses and the lifetime medical costs associated with a spinal cord injury.
Taking legal action after a semi-truck crash caused by another’s negligence is sometimes necessary for people adjusting to life with new limitations. Those who pursue appropriate compensation may be able to access the support they need to live comfortably after sustaining an injury.
