According to the National Safety Council, June is National Safety Month, and we at MHPS know the importance of protecting oneself from personal injury. But we also know that accidents happen. And when they do, it’s important to have your estate in order, so you can focus on healing. Our team knows that the future is uncertain, but we can help you plan ahead because that’s what we do.
Personal Injury Resulting in Long, Short Term Care
It is estimated that six million car accidents happen each year in the United States. This may be as minimal as an inconvenient fender bender to a tragic head-on collision. While we as drivers assume the risk when we pull out into the roadways, accidents are rarely something we actively prepare for.
However, when you are involved in an accident, the injuries you sustain may be more extensive than a few bumps and bruises. It is believed that of those six million accidents, two million drivers will sustain injuries that result in long-term disability.
If that happens to you, no matter your age, you may need certain estate planning documents in place so medical and financial decisions are made on your behalf, with your best interest in mind.
If you sustain serious injuries as a result of an accident, you may need documents such as:
- A Living Will
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Will
While the hope is that one day you will be able to return to a sense of normalcy, it is best to prepare for the unknown, the unexpected, and the tragic, in many cases.
How Does Estate Planning Help in Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to accidents that leave the victim seriously injured, the event not only impacts that person but all of their family and friends. In many cases, tensions and emotions are high, often leading to conflict in decision making when no documents exist to determine the injured’s wishes.
But with estate planning, that can be avoided.
Nobody wants to think about a future that they may not be part of, but it is a very important issue to be prepared for. When medical and financial disputes arise over the care of an injured loved one, many family members may not know what is in the best interest of that person, and instead, think with their own emotions.
Having a health care agent in place allows your wishes to be known, and upon your recovery, you once again can make your own medical and financial decisions. It’s important to name a health care agent you can trust, and who is fully aware of your wishes if the unexpected were to occur.
Tennessee Estate Planning Lawyers: MHPS
It’s difficult to think about preparing for the most tragic event that could happen to you and your family. Not being prepared for the worst can be even more problematic. Now is the time to plan for your future and the future of your family. At MHPS, our estate planning lawyers will guide you through the process with the necessary compassion.
If you need guidance on creating estate plans, we’re here to help. Contact us at MHPS now for more information.
