Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new information about the cost of non-fatal accidents in the United States. According to the CDC, auto accidents which resulted in injury (but not death) cost Americans the following in 2012:
- One million days in the hospital
- $18 billion in lifetime medical costs
- $33 billion in lifetime work or income lost
In total, 2.5 million people went to emergency rooms and about 200,000 people were hospitalized after car crashes in 2012. On average, each one of these emergency room visits cost the victim about $3,300 and each hospitalization cost about $57,000.
But What About You?
The aggregate numbers provided by the government are startling and the average numbers are concerning, but they have little direct impact on your life if you have been injured in a car crash. If you have been hurt, you need to know more about what the accident could cost you specifically and about your unique recovery.
As an individual car accident victim, you should be concerned about your past, current, and future:
- Medical bills. Medical bills may include things such as doctors’ visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation therapies such as physical therapy.
- Lost income. This may be a complete loss of income if you are unable to work at all or it may be the difference between what you earned prior to the accident and what you can earn now. For example, if you are working reduced hours or a different job, your income may be less than it was prior to the crash.
- Out-of-pocket costs. These include any direct expenses that you incurred as a result of the accident. You should consider things such as transportation expenses, childcare costs, nursing aids and help around your home.
- Pain and suffering. The physical pain and emotional suffering you have endured as a result of your accident may be your most significant injury and should be considered as part of your damages.
These expenses and losses can add up very quickly and if you fail to take action they could have a significant impact on your future. An experienced lawyer can help you attach a dollar figure to your specific damages so that you can identify a fair settlement offer.
Now Is the Time to Protect Your Rights
For more information about what you can do to protect your rights after a serious crash, please contact us directly via this website and browse our free library of articles and frequently asked questions. Call our office today at (703) 721-4233
