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Whalen Montalvo

The Hidden Costs of a Car Accident

By Attorney James Whalen | Published on June 21, 2024

Some costs resulting from a car accident are obvious. Physical injuries and vehicle damage are often expected and costly. However, the hidden costs are less visible or known.

The hidden costs of a car accident add stress to your already challenging situation. A traumatic crash turns your world upside down, making it hard to focus on the big picture of the financial harm.

Seeking legal help with your accident claim is an option worth considering. If you recently suffered harm due to a negligent driver, you may want to contact a Greenville car accident attorney today.

Long-Term Medical Care

Around-the-clock and continuous care is costly.

Long-term medical care for catastrophic or severe injuries produces mountains of medical bills for victims and their families. Healthcare costs are staggering, regardless of whether one is insured.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a spinal cord injury are two examples of injuries that may require:

  • Rehabilitation
  • Prescription medications
  • Home modifications
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Physical, occupational, or other therapies.

Catastrophic injuries often require more care than loved ones can provide. While placing your loved one in a skilled nursing facility is never easy, it is sometimes necessary for their care.

The cost alone for a skilled nursing facility is thousands per month, which is often far more than many have in their personal finance accounts.

No one harmed by the negligence of another should lack quality care. Long-term and continuous medical care for you or your loved one deserves a fight for fair financial compensation.

Accident victims harmed by negligence deserve compensation that covers all medical care: immediate, continuous, and long-term. The liable party must face accountability for their reckless actions, as you or your loved one have a right to justice.

Insurance Premium Increases

Premiums not only continue but rise in price.

Auto insurance premiums are costly, and a South Carolina car accident can cause these costs to increase. The current state of your premium may depend upon the amount of your insurance deductible. Some policyholders choose a higher deductible for a lower premium, while others prefer the opposite. Whichever option you choose, the impact of a car accident can affect your monthly expenses.

Daily tasks and responsibilities continue after an accident. While some tasks might divert to others as you recover, financial obligations are fixed expenses. Missed time from work or an inability to return to your job impacts your wages and finances. Fighting for compensation now that covers your future insurance premium costs is where an attorney may be able to help you.

Your insurance premium increase is not your fault when struck by a drunk, distracted, or aggressive driver. The responsible party’s insurer should pay all costs associated with your accident damages, including your increased premium.

Car Insurance Deductibles

Out-of-pocket costs before insurance coverage begins.

A deductible is the out-of-pocket expense a person must pay before their insurance company pays for covered expenses. The amount of your deductible can significantly impact your current finances.

Signing for an auto insurance policy is typically a one-and-done action. Many drivers fail to remember the amount of their deductible until an accident occurs. The amount is often hundreds if not thousands of dollars. For those without savings, the unexpected expense places yet another financial stress on their shoulders.

Liability insurance on your auto does not require a deductible. However, this does not apply to you when you are the victim of a negligent and, therefore, liable driver. While they may not have a deductible for their liability insurance, they are responsible for responding to a civil claim or lawsuit.

Your insurance deductible is an unexpected, added expense that may qualify as part of your damages. A South Carolina personal injury attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation for all your damages, including insurance deductibles.

Vehicle Rentals

Transportation needs make a rental a necessary expense.

By law, the responsible party’s insurance company must cover the rental cost while your car is in a repair shop. Specifically, the insurance company must reimburse you for loss of use for what is reasonable and necessary. Many insurers pay rental car companies directly. If your car was totaled, an insurer may reimburse you or pay for a rental until your claim is settled.

Losing transportation adds stress and, when totaled, a loss of personal property. A rental is critical for medical appointments and other needs. Victims have a right to a rental when transportation is lost, either temporarily or permanently, due to negligence.

A rental is a necessity sooner rather than later. Following immediate medical care, securing wheels is a top priority. If an insurer is preventing you from securing a rental, you may want to contact a car accident attorney for help with your claim.

Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law

We help car accident victims fight for all costs.

A South Carolina car accident results in costs that far exceed a victim’s expectations or ability to pay. When negligence is the core cause of an accident, the responsible party should pay — not the victim.

Car accident victims face a difficult journey on their road to recovery. Physical, emotional, and psychological recovery are challenging enough. Worrying about financial damages can prevent rest and delay recovery. As personal injury attorneys, we have helped many car accident victims with their claims and lawsuits. We typically fight for compensation that covers such damages as lost wages, medical costs, and mental anguish.

Get Help with Your South Carolina Car Accident Case

Learn your legal options regarding hidden costs and damages.

If you or a close loved one suffered harm from a dangerous driver, contact Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law today. We will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, we will go to trial.

Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law are committed to working tirelessly for you—call (864) 770-7710 to schedule your free case consultation. The sooner we learn more about your case, the faster we can help you.

James M. Whalen

I grew up right here in Greenville, South Carolina. Following highschool, I attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where I was an NCAA Scholar-Athlete for the Rhodes Lynx soccer program.

I completed my law degree at University of South Carolina School of Law, where I was on the mock trial team and an editor for the Journal of Law and Education. Following graduation, I served as a judicial law clerk for Senior Judge Robert H. Hodges, Jr. on the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. My experience in D.C. trial courts solidified my desire to become a trial lawyer.
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