After an accident, it’s likely your vehicle will need repairs. While those will cost you, the hidden costs of car accidents are far greater than most people imagine. That’s why legal experts urge car accident victims not to take the first settlement they’re offered. Most of the time, those settlement checks do not cover all the hidden costs from your crash.

 

With these hidden costs, you may be left with financial struggles ahead—only adding to your stress when you should be focused on healing from your injuries. Here’s a look at the hidden costs that car accident victims are left with in the aftermath.

 

Lost Wages

You will probably need to take time off of work to recover after a car accident. While some injuries have quick recovery times, long-term injuries can keep you out of work for a while. Regardless of duration, losing out on your earnings can set you back in your finances.

 

Long-Term Medical Costs

You probably think about the cost of going to the emergency room by ambulance and the treatments you received immediately following the crash. The lesser-known medical costs like co-pays, medications, physical therapy, follow-up surgeries, and mental health counseling may not be expenses you’ve calculated though.

 

Damage to Your Personal Property

While you’re focused on the cost of car repairs, anything important that was in the car with you could have sustained damage. If you had your laptop or other devices at the time of the crash, you may not realize you can claim these damages.

Higher Insurance Premiums

Unfortunately for most car accident victims, their insurance premiums rise. It’s certainly not fair when you weren’t the one at fault.

 

Insurance Deductibles and Towing

Your insurance may have you covered, but you may have a high deductible to pay out before repairs are made. Additionally, if you can’t drive your car until these repairs are completed, you’ll need it towed, which your insurance may or may not cover.

 

Vehicle Rentals

Depending on your insurance coverage, you may not have rental vehicle reimbursement. Without this addition, you will be stuck paying out of pocket for a rental vehicle until your own vehicle is road-ready again.

 

Loan Payments

If you still owe money on your vehicle, the company financing it will still expect those payments. Then you’re stuck paying for a car you can’t use.

 

Hidden Emotional and Time Costs

From the moment the accident happens, your mental state may be compromised. It’s common for car accident victims to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, you have to spend tons of your time on the phone with the insurance company, gathering evidence, and fighting to recover your damages.

 

Hiring a car accident lawyer can help free up your time and ensure you have the best possible outcome when seeking compensation. You’ll have someone standing up for you against the other driver and insurance companies, allowing you to take the time to recover your physical, mental, and emotional health.

 

If you need help finding a lawyer, contact 1-800-Injured. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with local professionals.

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October 14th, 2023 by financetwitter

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