In 2021, 39,508 car accidents occurred in the US. This resulted in 42,939 deaths. Texas leads the country with 4,068 fatal crashes and 4,498 deaths. Car accidents don’t always result in deaths. Most car accidents result in minor and major injuries. These kinds of car accidents cause victims a lot of physical and emotional pain.
Following a car accident, the victim tends to file a claim with the insurance company to obtain compensation for their losses. But the things an insurance company does will make the aftermath of the accident worse than the accident itself. They will try to deny, delay, and reduce your claim.
You need to get in touch with a car accident attorney to avoid losing the claim. Car accident lawyers know that insurance companies will actively try to reduce or deny your claim and act accordingly. They are the right people who can get you what you deserve.
One of the common things victims miss when filing a claim is factoring in the long-term losses they will incur. This leads to reduced compensation. In addition, once a case is settled, you cannot claim it again.
Long-Term Losses a Victim of a Car Accident Will Sustain
The following are some of the long-term losses that car accident victims will experience:
- Emotional Trauma
- Permanent Disability
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Loss of Companionship
- Increase in Insurance Rate
Emotional Trauma
Many car accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD occurs in people who have experienced a scary/terrifying event, like a car accident. This leads to them being afraid of cars. Even a loud horn can trigger PTSD and make people afraid. Car accidents can also reduce the confidence of drivers. They won’t be able to drive freely. These effects will last longer than financial losses or physical injuries.
Permanent Disability
Permanent disability is highly likely in car accidents. Paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, and deafness are all examples of permanent disabilities. You might have to make some adjustments to your home to accommodate yourself. You must also claim compensation for that expense. Permanent disabilities limit one’s ability to do everyday tasks. This causes more emotional trauma and stress for a person.
Loss of Earning Capacity
You may lose your ability to work due to the accident. Permanent disability and some major injuries can cease one’s ability to do physical work. They may not be able to do the work they were doing before. You need to calculate the money you would have earned until you retired if the accident hadn’t happened and claim it as compensation.
Loss of Companionship
Deaths are a real possibility in car accidents. You could lose your spouse, your parents, your children, or your siblings. You lose a companion. This pain will exist till you exist. Losing a spouse will also lead to a lack of intimate relationships. Only immediate family members can claim loss of companionship. It is important to claim this damage since the pain it will inflict will be much greater than other types of losses.
Increase in Insurance Rates
Insurance companies tend to increase their policy rates for people who have been involved in accidents in the past. Even if you were not the one who caused the accident, they would still increase the insurance rates. This is because, to them, you are a high-risk profile. So, consider this too when claiming compensation.
Wrapping Up
Claiming the right amount is important to cover all your losses. Not factoring in these losses will lead to reduced compensation. Discuss with your lawyer about your long-term losses. They will help you claim just compensation that will cover your immediate and future losses.
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