The True Cost of Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause more than just physical damage, they also take an emotional and financial toll on victims. Financial costs after a crash include property damage, medical expenses, and lost time from work. The emotional costs of an accident include pain and suffering, as well as anxiety and stress during recovery.
If the accident was caused by the other driver, you may be left wondering who is going to pay for your expenses. A car accident lawyer can review your case to see which damages can be included in your claim. He or she can guide you through the process to fight for your rights while you heal.
The Financial Impact of Car Accidents
Severe car accidents create a larger financial impact on victims that goes beyond just the accident. Immediate costs can include medical treatment, such as emergency care and surgeries, as well as property damage, which may be hundreds or thousands of dollars. For serious injuries, this can include ongoing treatment and rehabilitation costs. If your injuries cause permeant disabilities, the cost may also include medical devices and remodeling your home to adjust to your new way of life. Mounting medical bills can leave you overwhelmed, especially if your insurance does not cover all of these costs.
If you are unable to work while you are recovering from your injuries, you may be wondering how to pay your bills. To recover lost wages, you will need to provide copies of previous pay stubs and have a note from your employer which states which dates you were off from work. If your ability to return to your previous job has been impacted, you can also include your future earning capacity.
Knowing what damages you can include in your claim can help you regain your financial stability. Your lawyer will calculate your damages to include all economic and non-economic losses so you are not left with a financial burden.
Are There Legal Costs Associated With Car Accidents?
When you start the process of hiring a car accident lawyer, you may wonder about your legal fees. It is important to ask your lawyer how he or she will be expected to be paid. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means your lawyer will get paid a percentage out of any settlement or awarded amount. The percentage amount will be determined on the severity of the case as well as the experience of your lawyer.
There may be other legal fees that are associated with pursuing your case, which include court costs which will include filing fees, document preparation, and court appearances. During your initial consultation, you should ask what fees might be associated with your case and when those are expected to be paid.
During the investigation of your case, there will be fees associated with gathering evidence. You may need to hire an accident reconstruction expert or medical expert to testify during your case. These experts can strengthen your case, but come at a price.
If your lawyer is able to secure a settlement agreement prior or court or through mediation, there may be fees associated with that alternative dispute resolution.
Understanding what fees might be associated with your case can give you a realistic expectation of what your final amount will be through either a settlement or awarded amount.
What Is the Emotional Toll on Individuals Involved in Car Accidents?
Beyond the physical repercussions of a car accident lie the emotional toll that victims face. At the scene of the accident, you may experience shock, fear, and anger at the situation and your injuries. Some of these feelings may last beyond your recovery.
After a serious accident, you might also experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Signs and symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety which can impact your day-to-day life. The fear of getting back behind the wheel of the car might limit your mobility and independence.
If your injuries leave long-term impacts on your body, it can also have emotional impacts, such as depression. You can also experience feelings of helplessness and despair if your normal routine has been disrupted, and in some cases will have to be altered for the rest of your life. To manage these feelings, you may have to seek professional help.
These factors are taken into consideration when your car accident lawyer calculates your damages. Your lawyer understand the full scope of costs that are associated with your car accident claim. Your lawyer will use his or her experience to build a case that reflects the true value of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.