Everyone wants to think that it can’t happen to them: A severe car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day. If you drive, there’s a good chance you’ll experience one at some point in your life, even if you’re a perfect and careful driver. Car accidents can be traumatic and stressful, but they’re also expensive. One bad car accident can affect your finances and put you into debt if you’re not careful. But how exactly will a car accident impact your finances? Is there any way you can soften the blow? We’re here to talk about it so you can be prepared.
How A Car Accident Affects Your Finances?
Read on to learn all about how one bad car accident can affect your finances.
Hospital Bills
One of the worst ways a bad car accident can impact your finances is through hospital bills (or any other medical-related bills).
Not every car accident will result in a trip to the hospital, urgent care center, or even doctor. That said, even if you only get a minor injury, you should get checked out by a medical professional. Some car accident injuries are complicated to spot until days (or sometimes weeks) after the accident.
You may have a head injury, back problems, and more that were hidden because of adrenaline. Adrenaline can make you feel less pain, so you won’t notice the injuries until the shock of the accident has worn off.
If you have a severe injury, you might have high medical bills for the foreseeable future from long-term treatment. You may need medication or physical therapy to help you heal or manage the pain.
If you’re in the United States, this can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. People have gone into debt as a result of medical bills.
Attorney Fees
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ll likely be paying legal fees regardless of whether you’re right or wrong.
Even small fender-benders may result in some legal fees. Using a lawyer is always better than trying to advocate for yourself in court. A good lawyer will know all about the local laws, and they’ll help you get the compensation you deserve (or help you avoid over-paying if you caused the accident).
Road rules vary country-wide, so you want to work with someone who understands the rules of the area. A good Detroit car accident lawyer will know all about Michigan laws, just like a great Orlando car accident attorney will know all about Florida laws. Unfortunately, lawyers are expensive (albeit necessary).
Legal representation can put you into debt quickly, just like medical bills can.
Repair Costs
Even minor car accidents can result in significant repair costs, and if you were in the wrong, you might have to cover the other driver’s fees as well. If you were the only person in the accident, you might need to cover repairs to property damage.
This wouldn’t be a big deal if the accident were a minor fender bender, and you may even choose not to repair it at all. If there’s severe damage, you’ll need to take the car to a mechanic to get it back into safe driving condition.
If you’re incredibly unlucky, the car may even be totaled. And, if this is the case, you have to pay for a completely new car, which can save you over ten thousand dollars.
Also Check: What Is The Maximum Amount Of Compensation In A Personal Injury Case?
Lost Wages
Depending on the severity of your car accident, you may experience lost wages. This can happen for several reasons.
First, an injury. If you are so severely injured in a car accident that you can’t work for an extended period. So, you won’t be able to make money. Most people live paycheck-to-paycheck, and one lost check can be a huge problem. You may not be able to pay your bills or buy groceries.
Some people get so injured during a car crash that they’re rendered permanently unable to work.
Even if you’re not injured, you may miss work due to a lack of transportation. If you don’t live somewhere with adequate public transportation or social support, it may be impossible to get to work on time.
Also Check: The Different Strategies You Can Use To Prove Negligence In A Motorcycle Accident
Increased Insurance Premiums
Car insurance is expensive even under good conditions. If you get into a car accident, you’re seen as a higher-risk customer for your car insurance company. Your premiums are going to go up.
This is why proving that you’re not at fault is important. If you are, even only partially, you can expect to be paying more every month for your car insurance.
Also Check: 7 Things That Can Impact Your Car Injury Claims
How To Recover From The Affects Of A Car Accident Costs?
So with that in mind, how can you recover from these costs? Can you prevent them?
In most cases, as long as you weren’t at fault for the accident, the answer is yes. Even if you were at fault, you may be able to reduce your costs somewhat, which should make your life easier.
The answer is to get a good lawyer. As we mentioned before, car accident lawyers understand the confusing legal system and will help you navigate it.
If you were at fault, they’d help you find ways to reduce your costs (like taking driving classes, for example). If you weren’t at fault, they’d make sure you’re fairly compensated. You should be able to get your medical bills and repairs covered, at least in part.
Don’t try to do it alone, and you’ll just be leaving money on the table. Let a lawyer help you.
Also Check: Legal Evidence You Need To Provide For A Bicycle Accident Claim
Financial Impacts Of Car Accidents
It’s no secret that a car accident can dramatically impact your finances. Keep these tips in mind if you ever find yourself in a car accident. No matter how serious, you shouldn’t have to go into debt for a mistake.
Make your life easier by hiring a lawyer to save money and start putting your life back together.
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Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm and Michael Jin
