Vehicle accidents happen every day and cost the U.S. more than $230 billion annually.
No one expects to be in a car crash, but how much will you have to pay for medical care if you should become a victim?
Post-crash steps to take
Even if you are the victim of a minor collision, you should seek prompt medical attention. You might have walked away from the crash, but you could have underlying injuries. Alert your insurance agency to the accident and review your policy about what is and isn’t covered in terms of property damage and medical costs.
What affects the cost
Many factors affect the cost of a vehicle accident, such as the severity of the crash and the damages to the vehicles in addition to your injuries and any injuries caused to passengers or bystanders. The location of the crash will also be a consideration.
Examples of medical expenses
An average emergency room visit costs $2,200. One night in the hospital can run almost $12,000. An uninsured patient with a broken wrist could see over $21,000 in medical care. Post-crash medical costs might include:
- Ambulance fee
- Consultation with doctors
- Medical equipment such as crutches or a wheelchair
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- In-home services
A look ahead
In terms of compensation, you also have a right to expect coverage for the wages you lost due to the accident. Depending on the type of injury you incur and your ability to recover, you may not be able to work either temporarily or permanently and your medical bills can grow alarmingly. An advocate knowledgeable about insurance settlements can work on your behalf to obtain the maximum compensation to cover your current and future medical expenses, lost wages and more.