Millions of Americans are affected by auto crashes in different ways, whether as an injured victim or through a loved one. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 46,000 people are killed in motor vehicle collisions annually, while another 5.2 million people seek medical care for injuries in traffic accidents. In sum, NSC estimates that motor vehicle injury costs total up to $481.2 billion.
However, you might assume that the only expenses after a car accident are medical bills and vehicle repairs. This is not necessarily the case, as the costs of a car accident often extend well beyond what insurance might cover. You could be left with significant financial stress, so a Baltimore County car accident lawyer can help dispel some myths about the full scope of expenses. Common misconceptions include:
Costs Beyond Medical Treatment
Of course, medical costs for treating injuries, such as emergency care, surgeries, or physical therapy, can be substantial. Unfortunately, they often aren’t the only financial impact or even the primary expense. Additional consequences can surpass immediate medical bills, and they may include:
- Loss of income during recovery
- Lost future earning capacity and business opportunities
- Ongoing medical care, including in-home and skilled nursing services
- Potential future medical needs, such as assistive devices, a wheelchair, a hospital bed, and adaptions to the home and vehicles
Insurance Coverage
A frequent misconception is that insurance will cover all accident-related expenses. Insurance policies often come with limits, restrictions, and conditions that can leave the injured party paying out-of-pocket for uncovered costs.
Maryland’s auto insurance requirements include minimum coverage, but these may fall short of covering total expenses, especially in severe accidents. Additionally, some policies may not cover long-term care or may limit compensation for pain and suffering.
Your insurance company was required to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage when you contracted for your policy. If you opt out, you will not be able to claim amounts for your injuries from your own insurer. If you did purchase PIP, you might be entitled to amounts for medical bills and lost wages through a first-party claim with your insurance company, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Recovery Time is Predictable
People often believe that recovery from car accident injuries will follow a set timeline, but this is rarely the case. Recovery time can be unpredictable and varies greatly in how it impacts each person, especially with injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Herniated and bulging discs in the spinal cord
- Broken bones
- Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
Some may recover in weeks, while others face months or even years of medical care and rehabilitation. Unexpected setbacks in recovery can result in additional medical expenses, lost income, and increased stress.
Reach Out to a Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Maryland
Common misconceptions about car accident costs could lead to an insufficient amount of damages if you try to seek compensation on your own. Trust Michael A. Freedman to assist with your claim. You can set up a free consultation with an auto crash lawyer by contacting us at 410.363.6848 or via our website.
