Car accidents and the injuries they cause are alarming expensive. In fact, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, the economic impact of motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. is $871 billion annually. This figure includes upwards of $380 billion in direct medical expenses.
After any car accident, it is wise to seek immediate medical care. After all, because of your body’s automatic stress response, you may not realize you have suffered a serious injury immediately. While diagnosis and treatment of car accident injuries can be expensive, there are many hidden costs that may set you back thousands of dollars.
Medical devices
You may need a wheelchair, braces, prosthetic devices or other piece of medical equipment during your recovery or permanently. Unfortunately, your health insurance may only cover part of the costs of these devices or not cover them at all.
Home modifications
If your injury leaves you with mobility challenges, you may need to modify your home to make it suitable for your post-injury life. Ramps, grab bars, non-slip floors, wider doors and other essential upgrades are not likely to be inexpensive.
Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
You may require physical or vocational rehabilitation to return to normal after your injury. You may also need counseling or mental health therapy to manage the emotional aspects of your injury and recovery, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Loss of income
While you may have considerable expenses after your injury, you may also be unable to work. Depending on the length of time you are out of work, which may be forever, you may lose substantial income.
While there are some options for supporting yourself and your family after a life-altering injury, pursuing financial compensation from the person who caused the accident may help you manage the hidden costs of your injury.
