After a car accident, you may find yourself confused as to the best way to proceed .
In an effort to simply “be done with it”, people sometimes accept a settlement from their own insurance company too quickly, or do not pursue damages from the other party which are rightfully theirs. However, the costs to replace the immediate medical bills may not tell the whole story of the long term medical costs . In fact, too often people agree to a settlement before they understand the long-term repercussions of the accident. There are sometimes medical conditions that do not manifest until months or even years later.
The insurance company is motivated to get you to settle quickly, and for as little as possible. This is especially true if you decide to seek payment from the insurance company representing the other party in the accident. You should never accept the first offer made by an insurance company, at least not without consulting with a personal injury lawyer who deals in car accident cases.
An attorney will understand the nuances of your case, and will understand the precedent set in similar cases. You should also talk frankly with your physician as to your long-term prognosis, and any complications which may arise. You’ll want to understand how your injury today could affect your health and wellness down the road.
Here are a few considerations which you can discuss with your doctor, and share with your attorney in order to prepare for any long term medical costs.
- Possible Surgical Costs – Some injuries sustained in a car accident will need more than one surgery to effect a full recovery. Not only may you need subsequent surgeries, but depending on the severity of the injury, plastic surgery may also be required. Insurance companies do not always cover what they consider “cosmetic” procedures.
- Prescription and Drug Costs – Medications which are prescribed by a physician are often cost-prohibitive, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage. Some injuries necessitate long-term medication usage, especially if the accident victim is left to deal with chronic pain. Because it is difficult to determine how long the pain will continue, you may wish to look to previously decided court cases for a recommended settlement in this regard.
- Cost of Medical Equipment – Depending on the extent and nature of the car accident, a victim may have to procure medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and in-home respirators. Medical equipment can be exceptionally expensive and can represent a significant budget item for victims as the years go by.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation – More severe injuries may result in the need for rehabilitative therapy services. Rehabilitation is often necessary for the victim to resume a normal life, whether that means walking or being able to have full range of motion. Without access to rehabilitative services, a car accident victim may suffer long term or permanent wage loss if they cannot return to the same job.
- Psychological and Psychiatric Costs – Serious auto accidents are completely unexpected, highly emotional, and potentially traumatic. It is difficult to determine just how a patient will react. They may develop a fear of driving, suffer from PTSD, or have terrible nightmares. The costs associated with ongoing psychological care and therapy can easily escalate into thousands of dollars per month.The attorneys at Probinsky & Cole have extensive experience representing car accident victims – and helping them to win the settlements and awards they deserve. The effects from a car accident can be devastating – don’t allow anyone to talk you into less than you deserve. If you live in the Tampa or Sarasota area and have been injured in a car accident, call us today.
