The Hidden Costs of a Car Accident
Be prepared for these financial, emotional and time expenses that occur after an accident
The cost of an automobile accident goes far beyond just vehicle and property damage. With any accident, there are financial, emotional and time expenses that must be accounted for as well. For many people, it’s often shocking how fast these things can add up, particularly when a car crash results in serious bodily injury.
If you’ve recently been the victim of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, here are some hidden expenditures you should be aware of when thinking about the value of your claim.
Hidden vehicle-related financial costs
When determining how costly an accident is, people often consider the injuries and property damage involved. Even so, there are many more expenses to think about. With a vehicle alone, you may encounter such costs as:
- Damage to your car and other property
- Out-of-pocket repair deductibles
- Car rentals, which could be needed if your car is totaled or needs extensive repairs
- Higher insurance premiums as a result of filing a claim
- Title and registration fees for a new automobile if yours is totaled
- Traffic tickets and court costs related to those citations
If your vehicle is financed, the amount of money you receive for your car’s damage from your insurance company may not be enough to satisfy all liens against it. Accordingly, you could wind up still making payments on a vehicle that is no longer serviceable. You might also suffer because your automobile has damage that significantly decreases its value more than regular depreciation would.
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Miscellaneous hidden costs
Aside from your vehicle, there are various other areas where you could experience hidden costs. For example, you may now have medical bills, insurance co-pays and prescription medications that you previously didn’t have.
On top of that, you may notice a significant loss of income if your injuries also prevent you from working. Lost time from work could also happen if you have to take time off for doctor’s appointments or other medical treatments.
After an automobile accident, you may no longer be able to do many of the common, everyday tasks you’re used to doing. As such, you may have to hire someone to clean the house, mow the lawn, deliver groceries or help take care of your children.
Additionally, expert witnesses are often necessary and useful when it comes to proving negligence in a car accident claim, and this is another expense that might need to be paid for upfront rather than waiting until the trial is over.
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Hidden emotional costs
The psychological effects of car accidents can last long after you’ve reached an insurance settlement. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a newfound fear of driving can cause severe strain on you and your personal relationships. This is especially true if other family members must now run errands for you or drive you to and from work.
Some people may even require counseling to alleviate their emotional pain and suffering. In fact, a combination of therapy and medication is sometimes needed to help victims fully recover. Of course, these also add to the mounting expenses that you face as a result of your car crash.
Hidden time costs
Once you’ve left the scene of the accident, you’re only just beginning to deal with its aftermath—and the more serious the event, the more items you’ll have on your to-do list.
A few common things that will need your attention and consume your time after an accident include the following:
- Dealing with police reports and insurance claims
- Seeking a personal injury attorney and filing a lawsuit
- Attending doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation and therapy
- Testifying in court or giving depositions
Additionally, dealing with the aftermath of an accident can also cause you to miss out on family or social events and lose sleep due to nightmares, PTSD or financial worries.
How can a personal injury attorney help after a car accident?
The role of a personal injury attorney is to ensure your rights are protected and get you maximum compensation for your accident and injuries. That includes concrete expenses, like damaged property and medical bills, in addition to those that are less visible, like emotional distress and pain and suffering.
An attorney can help with your claim in the following ways:
- Ensure all necessary paperwork and legal forms are completed and accurate.
- Communicate and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.
- Obtain documentation and evidence concerning damages.
- Negotiate with lienholders to potentially reduce the amount owed to your vehicle,
- Work with doctors and other medical professionals to provide the medical documentation necessary to support your claim.
- Prepare your case for trial in the event that a settlement isn’t possible.
Contact a Colorado car accident attorney
You only have one chance to get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. With an experienced car accident attorney by your side, you can rest assured that no hidden expense will be overlooked, so you can focus on your recovery.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in the Denver area because of someone else’s negligence, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Babcock Law Firm. Our attorneys are committed to helping injured Coloradans get the compensation they need after an accident while they recover from their injuries. Let us handle the negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.
