What is the True Cost of a Traffic Accident in Erie?

Your first thought might be the cost of a traffic ticket or an increase in your automobile insurance. However, if you are the victim of a traffic accident, the true cost can be much higher. The financial and non-financial costs of a traffic accident can be significant, even in a low-speed, minor traffic collision.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident, you might be able to recover the costs of the accident from the driver responsible for the crash. Call (800) 401-2066 to talk to an Erie car crash attorney at no charge. Learn about your legal rights and your options before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company.

The Economic Costs of a Traffic Accident

The financial losses from a traffic accident can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The severity of your injuries and the length of your recover have a huge impact on the amount of your financial losses. Examples of economic damages in a traffic accident claim include:

  • The cost to repair or replace your vehicle;
  • The cost of medical care, including emergency room costs, surgeries, physical therapy, medical equipment, and medications;
  • The loss of income from being out of work because of the accident, your injuries, and your recovery; and,
  • Any out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash, including travel costs, personal care, over-the-counter medications, etc.

Keeping copies of all receipts for expenses you pay is very important. Small items can add up very quickly. Therefore, you want to include all costs, regardless of how small, in your accident claim. You can work with your Erie car accident lawyer to develop a system for keeping detailed records of financial losses to maximize the amount of money you can recover for these damages.

The Physical and Emotional Cost of a Traffic Accident

In addition to the financial losses associated with a traffic accident, a victim suffers physical pain, anguish, and stress because of the accident and injuries. You deserve to be compensated for these damages just like you are entitled to recover your financial losses.

Non-economic or “pain and suffering” damages can be a significant portion of a traffic accident claim. However, it can be very difficult to prove the level of pain and suffering damages because they are subjective. A person could suffer the same exact injury, but the recovery and prognosis could be different based on other factors. Therefore, factors we use when calculating non-financial damages include:

  • The type of injury you suffered in the crash;
  • The severity of the injury;
  • The type of medical treatment received for the injury;
  • How long it took you to recover from the injuries;
  • Whether you suffered any permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement;
  • The impact the injury had on your daily tasks and relationships with others; and,
  • The amount of your financial losses.

It can help your claim if you keep a pain and suffering journal — a daily log of your pain level and how the injury has interfered with your normal routines. As experienced Erie car accident attorneys, we understand how to use the facts and evidence of a case to maximize pain and suffering damages.

Do You Need an Erie Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured, you need to at least consult with an attorney to learn about your options and your rights. Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our attorneys before you provide any statements, sign any releases, or accept a settlement.