What are the Most Common Costs Associated with Car Accidents?
Vehicle accidents can affect anyone, and they often result in significant expenses that an individual would otherwise not have to worry about. When a vehicle accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier is typically responsible for paying compensation to the other parties involved. It is important to understand what kind of costs are usually associated with vehicle accidents in the state of Georgia.
The Immediate Costs Associated With a Crash
When examining the total cost of a vehicle accident, it is important to point out that there are many expenses that individuals do not think about right away. However, there are costs that add up quickly, and you need to keep all of your bills and receipts.
Right after a vehicle accident occurs, your number one priority has to be medical care. There is zero chance that an insurance carrier will pay these medical bills right away, so you will have to front these costs. The cost of medical care can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Treatment at the emergency room or emergency clinic
- The cost of any follow-up doctor visits
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, or chiropractic care
- Prescription pain medication
- Medical devices like wheelchairs, crutches, or braces
The next immediate thought after a vehicle accident is transportation. If your vehicle has to undergo any repairs, you need a way to get from point A to point B for the time being. This typically means obtaining a rental vehicle. In some cases, individuals have rental vehicle coverage as part of their insurance claims process. However, if you do not have this type of coverage, you will have to cover the costs of a rental vehicle yourself.
Finally, if a car accident injury prevents you from going to work for any period of time, you have to worry about lost wages. This is particularly true for those who do not have any type of pay time off (PTO) or paid sick days available from your employer.
The Long-Term Costs of a Vehicle Accident in Georgia
In some cases, a vehicle accident claim is resolved relatively quickly. Individuals get their vehicle back, recover from their injuries, and are able to get back to work. However, that is certainly not always the case.
Some vehicle accident injuries are more severe, and this can lead to individuals having to take significant time off of work. If an individual sustains any sort of disability, not only will they have to worry about continued medical expenses, but their overall earning capacity will be affected.
Finally, any type of traumatic incident can lead to significant pain and suffering damages for those involved. This includes emotional and psychological distress as well as physical pain and suffering caused by their injuries. These non-economic losses can have a significant impact on a person’s life, so much so that they affect a person monetarily.
Work With an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or sustained property damage as a result of a vehicle accident in Georgia, reach out to an Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. A lawyer can investigate your claim, work to determine liability, and negotiate with aggressive insurance carriers to recover the compensation you are entitled to.