I still remember my accident like it was yesterday. One minute I was driving my daughter to school and the next I was waking up in a hospital bed. It was frustrating to deal with the emotional trauma of forgetting an entire week of my life, in addition to stressing about my small child. Fortunately, we were both able to recover, but it wasn't easy walking dealing with the medical bills that accompanied the accident. I found myself struggling with things as simple as answering the phone, because I was nervous about dealing with another insurance adjuster. Fortunately, by working with a lawyer, I was able to make sense of my situation. I know that you can overcome difficult challenges too, which is why I shared my story on this website.
Working Through Emotional Trauma
It's The Small Things: What Accident Victims Should Not Overlook
Debra Hawkins
After a car accident, victims may need to focus on the major areas of damage recovery. When the other driver is found to be at fault, victims may be eligible for medical treatment expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering expenses. However, there is a special category for losses that are not covered under those major issues. Read on to find out more about recovering damages for the small things.
Lost and Damaged Personal Items — An auto accident may not only destroy a vehicle but the things inside it as well. For example, experts warn never to use a child's car seat again even if it appears to be undamaged. Car seats can be a costly item to replace and, if the accident was caused by another driver, would be an unnecessary expense. Also included in this loss category are:
- Lost or damaged devices like phones, tablets, etc.
- Lost jewelry.
- Damaged clothing and expensive handbags, laptops, briefcases, or luggage.
- Expensive aftermarket sound systems.
Protecting Property from Further Losses — If your vehicle is damaged, it needs to be stored in a safe place to prevent further damage from occurring until it can be fixed. You should be reimbursed for any cost associated with that task.
Underwater Auto Loans — An underwater loan is when the value of a vehicle is surpassed by the balance due on the loan. The other driver's insurance should be responsible for paying off the loan regardless of the balance. Along those same lines are claims for rare and irreplaceable vehicles in which the value exceeds the usual insurance limits.
Domestic Help — If accident injuries have left you unable to perform your usual household duties, you may be eligible for domestic expense reimbursement. If your family is being deprived of someone to cook, clean, and perform other chores due to your injuries, speak to a personal injury lawyer to learn more.
Transportation Issues — It could take weeks for your vehicle to be repaired or for the insurer to move forward to offer you a check. In the meantime, you or your family may need a vehicle for getting to work, school, the grocery store, and more. If you must rent a vehicle, be sure to give your receipts to your personal injury lawyer to include with other forms of damage. If you must use a rideshare company, a taxi, a bus, or other public transport, save your receipts for those expenses too.
If you are having problems getting the insurer to pay you for all your damages, speak to an auto accident attorney about your case right away.
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