Approximately 13 auto accidents happen in the United States each minute, costing the country’s economy billions of dollars annually. Part of the monumental financial burden lies in property damage and medical expenses. Still, the other costs of car accidents are worth mentioning. Thankfully, most expenses, including the unexpected, are reimbursable.
If you have been in an accident, learning about these costs will make it easier to account for everything when working with a car accident attorney in Cullman, AL. This guide outlines the hidden expenses of car accidents and how to get compensated for them.
Auto accident injuries can be financially devastating, with costs in some cases reaching tens of thousands of dollars. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, you deserve compensation for your losses.
It is possible to recover compensation for medical bills with a successful claim—but to win in court, you’ll have to prove the other party’s behavior caused your injuries. Medical records provide crucial documentation, but they’re not free. In Alabama, expect to pay up to a dollar per page for medical documents related to an auto accident.
Police reports serve a vital purpose; they help attorneys assign blame and assess clients’ losses. Therefore, they can determine the outcome of an accident lawsuit. Like other things on this list, police reports aren’t free; in Alabama, it will cost $15 to get a copy.
Court filing fees are paid to the court to start auto accident lawsuits. If your damages are under $6000, you’ll go through small claims court, paying up to $245 to file the necessary documents. If you’re filing a civil action related to a car crash, get ready to open your wallet.
After filing a lawsuit with Alabama’s courts, you will serve the at-fault party with documentation—but an unbiased outsider must do all the legwork. Process servers are people with no ties to either party in a court case and hiring one in Alabama will cost close to $100. It’s a small fee in the grand scheme of things, but costs add up quickly.
By this point in the process, you’ve likely sought legal assistance—and your attorney must talk to accident witnesses and take depositions from them. A deposition is a sworn statement made outside of the courtroom, and attorneys use it during the discovery and trial phases. Depending on the case and the witness’ professional credentials, a deposition may cost $1500 per hour.
Even if you’re in a minor collision, the damage could be worse than expected. Low-speed crashes can weaken vehicle frames, misalign wheels, and damage engine and transmission components—all of which can bring sizable repair bills. Your attorney will uncover hidden damage and ensure you’re fully compensated.
An auto accident damages more than your vehicle; it can destroy everything in it. Expensive electronics, instruments, and equipment will all bear the brunt of a collision, and replacing them can cost hundreds or even thousands.
Most auto insurance policies, including PIP or personal injury protection, have deductibles that must be paid out-of-pocket before insurance covers the rest. For instance, if a crash creates $10,000 in medical expenses and you have a $2000 deductible, you’ll need to pay it before you’re covered.
Health insurance deductibles are another consideration you’ll need to make when calculating the costs of a car accident. They’re a crucial factor, yet they’re overlooked frequently.
Auto accident victims may suffer from lifelong mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, phobias, and anxiety. Treating these conditions can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime, but it’s an essential expense for your continued health and well-being.
Time is money, as the saying goes, and the time costs of an auto accident can be significant. Various procedures and processes require time and effort, preventing you from engaging in more profitable endeavors. Auto accident victims lose time when:
• Finding legal help and filing lawsuits
• Arranging and receiving medical care
• Filing police reports and insurance documents
• Appearing in court
• Missing social and family events because of their injuries
• Losing sleep from the trauma of the event
• Losing career opportunities
These and other factors must be evaluated when calculating the value of an accident claim. An experienced attorney will help you through the process, ensuring that no potential loss is overlooked.
Auto accident lawsuits are expensive, especially if they go to trial—but your attorney will fight to get your tangible and intangible losses compensated, including:
• Economic damages. These losses include medical bills, property damage, lost wages and earning potential, legal fees, court filing costs, and more.
• Non-economic damages. Here, you’ll be compensated for the emotional costs of the accident. Emotional damages are more challenging to quantify, and they may include emotional distress, diminished quality of life, suffering, and pain.
• Punitive damages. Serving as punishment for a defendant’s willful acts, punitive damages are implemented to deter future wrongdoing and send a message.
The surest way to determine the validity of an auto accident claim is to schedule a consultation with a local attorney. Your lawyer will assess the case, determine its value, and take it to trial if necessary.
Auto accident lawsuits can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but they can be worth several times that amount when cases are strong. If you are in an accident, hire an attorney as quickly as possible. The sooner you have someone in your corner, the sooner the healing process begins.
Recovering from an auto accident takes time and money, but our firm’s attorneys will fight for your rights and help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us by phone or email to request more information and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an auto accident attorney.
