The hidden costs of a car accident can add up quickly, leaving you with more than just vehicle damage. While insurance might cover some expenses, many victims struggle with medical bills, repair costs, and ongoing treatment that insurance doesn’t cover. Without effective planning and legal guidance, these out-of-pocket expenses can be daunting. An experienced attorney ensures that every relevant invoice or receipt is included so you’re not left paying these sums yourself.
For assistance with your Naperville car accident case, contact Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC at (312) 775-0042.
Common Out-of-Pocket Expenses Insurance Often Ignores
In Illinois, out-of-pocket expenses from a car accident are costs you pay that your insurance doesn’t cover. To qualify as out-of-pocket, these expenses must be:
- Reasonable and necessary for your injuries and property loss.
- Caused by the at-fault party.
An expense is considered reasonable if you didn’t overpay. For instance, a modest hotel stay for medical treatment is reasonable, while a stay at a luxury hotel isn’t. An expense is necessary if it relates directly to a loss, often shown by a doctor’s recommendation. For example, renting a hospital bed may be deemed necessary if your doctor advises it.
For causation, there should be a clear link between the accident and the expense, and the at-fault party’s actions must be the kind that could foreseeably cause harm.
These expenses add up quickly. In 2023, the typical expense for even small accidents without injuries was $7,400. Common sources of out-of-pocket expenses in personal injury cases that insurance often overlooks include:
Medical Treatment
When seeking medical treatment, you might face various expenses. Traveling for care can involve costs like fuel, airfare, parking, lodging, and dining. Treatment-related expenses may include over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and durable equipment like wheelchairs. Additionally, you may have charges from doctors and hospitals, such as ambulance fees, hospital bills, and insurance copays.
Disability Accommodations
Following an injury, it might be necessary to adapt your living space to better suit your needs. This could involve installing features like grab bars, constructing wheelchair ramps, or adjusting counter heights. Additionally, you may find it essential to enlist help for tasks you can no longer handle on your own. Services you might consider hiring for include meal preparation, housekeeping, childcare, or transportation.
Property Losses
After experiencing a vehicle loss due to an auto accident, you have the option to seek reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Common costs that may arise include towing and storage fees, charges for rental cars, and fares for rideshare services or taxis.
How Insurance Policy Limits Can Impact Your Compensation
In Illinois, an at-fault state, the driver who causes an accident bears the financial responsibility for the resulting damages, including the other party’s medical costs. However, the insurance limitations after a car crash determine the maximum amount the insurer will pay for any covered damages. These limitations can affect the compensation you might receive for your expenses in several ways:
Limited Recovery from the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
The insurance company of the driver at fault is only required to pay out up to the specified policy limits. If your expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages, exceed these amounts, recovering the full cost from their insurance may not be possible.
Settlement Delays
As insurance adjusters look into fault determination, you might find yourself having to pay for medical bills and rental car expenses out of your own pocket until a settlement is reached.
Insurance Coverage Gaps
Not every auto insurance policy offers Medical Payments, Personal Injury Protection, or rental car coverage. These coverage gaps can create additional financial burdens for you.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Crucial to Recovering Full Accident Costs
After a car accident in Illinois, hiring a car accident lawyer can affect your chances of recovering all related costs. Insurance companies tend to overlook smaller expenses, which can lead to out-of-pocket payments. An attorney will ensure all relevant invoices are considered, protecting you from unexpected expenses. A lawyer knows common mistakes after a car accident to avoid, and can also navigate legal intricacies such as comparative negligence in Illinois to assess fault accurately.
Assessing Your Full Claim Value
Car accident lawyers know the average car accident settlement amounts and may determine the full value of your claim. Many claimants often fail to recognize the full extent of their damages, which can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or long-term care needs
Lawyers can accurately evaluate these factors, leading to higher settlements.
Insurance Often Pays More When Lawyers are Involved
Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts. They provide lower initial offers to individuals without legal support, banking on their lack of knowledge about the claims process. When an attorney is involved, insurers acknowledge they’re facing a knowledgeable adversary, which typically results in claimants receiving more compensation than those who go it alone.
Negotiating Settlements
Successful negotiation with insurers requires experience. Lawyers know the strategies used to lower claims and build strong cases backed by medical records and expert testimonies. Those without representation may feel pressured to accept insufficient offers due to inexperience.
Access to Witnesses and Resources
Complicated injury cases often require expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or economists, to substantiate claims. Lawyers have connections to these witnesses and resources, which can strengthen the case and increase the settlement amount.
Higher Settlements Through Litigation
While most personal injury claims settle before reaching court, lawyers can escalate cases if insurance companies are uncooperative. Just the prospect of litigation can motivate insurers to offer fairer settlements, as they prefer to avoid the risks of a trial, which could result in a greater award for the claimant.
If you need a lawyer to assist with your car accident claim, contact us at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC.
