At some point in your life you’re bound to be in a car accident. In Florida alone, there were 281,340 in 2012. That’s an average of 770 traffic accidents a day! Out of all of those car accidents 198,032 had reported injuries. With rising medical costs, the price for getting in a car accident can be astronomical. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, you may think the other driver’s insurance company will take care of your medical bills. This isn’t always the case.
After an auto accident, you’ll likely hear from the insurance company. Keep in mind that it is common practice for insurance companies to attempt to minimize their payout. Anything you say will be recorded and can be used as evidence when trying to settle an insurance claim. It is in your best interest to contact a car accident attorney prior to speaking to any insurance company.
Understanding the True Cost of a Car Accident
Injuries from a car accident may appear to be small at first, but can quickly add up. Medical expenses usually go far beyond the initial doctors visit. Take into consideration that after residual medical bills are paid, there are often many follow up appointments that are needed for complete recovery. Long term medical expenses aren’t usually a priority for insurance companies and are rarely covered. This could add up to a lot more than you anticipated.
Think about the impact a car accident has on your job. Small settlements from an insurance agency often aren’t enough to cover lost wages after an accident. A hospital stay can leave someone out of work for a few days or a few weeks! Medical bills will often consume the majority of the settlement given. Consider everyday expenses like utilities that can rack up as the weeks turn into months. A car accident attorney takes all of these things into account while handling your accident claim.
In addition to physical injuries, sometimes a car accident can cause depression and traumatic flashbacks. Especially in a serious accident. Mental health is a medical cost as well but is often overlooked. A car accident attorney will ensure that both your physical health and emotional health take into consideration and you receive a fair settlement.
Help From a Tampa Car Accident Attorney
The Tampa car accident attorneys at Hancock Law Firm specialize in fighting unfair insurance settlements. With more than 25 years experience and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for car accident victims, we know what it takes to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review.