Car accidents in the greater Las Vegas area are on the rise, and they are becoming more costly. More drivers are on the road as our population increases, the cost of repairs is higher, the cars are pricier, and hospital bills can soar out of control. Here are some of the ways a car accident can impact your family’s budget.
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Vehicle Repairs and Replacement
The first financial impact is on the cars. Hopefully, that is the only damage, and all passengers walk away unscathed. But even then, minor car crashes can carry a hefty price tag. The cost of a bumper can be as much as $1,400, plus the one to three hours of labor to replace the damaged bumper with the new one. Repair shops can charge between $45 and $170 hourly for labor. Other scratches and dings can require extensive body work, especially if the damages cover multiple panels of the car.
Once you get past the external parts, things get complicated, especially when the crash causes internal damage and structural misalignments. A bent car frame can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Suspension components can get damaged, radiators can spring leaks, and electronics and wiring can be compromised. The price quickly adds up, and it can even become more costly to fix the vehicle than to replace it. Once the repair cost gets that high, the insurance company (yours or the at-fault party’s insurance company) will declare your car a total loss and pay you the current value of your vehicle based on its age, make, model, and condition.
Unfortunately, if you have a loan on the vehicle, this can put you in a bind. Unless you have gap insurance (which covers the difference between the financed amount that you owe on your car and the car’s actual value), the value of the car may be less than what you still owe on your car loan. You are still responsible for paying the difference whether or not you were at fault or have another vehicle. On top of the previous loan’s balance, families often need to take out a second loan to get another car. You can get farther behind financially all the time.
Medical Expenses
The next immediate financial concern is medical expenses. These can be the most stressful. You can choose not to repair a vehicle till you’re ready. However, there is no delaying medical attention. The emotional cost can be high, depending on the type of injury and who is involved, adding to the stress of the ever-growing medical bill.
Let’s say you’re in an accident and you get a broken bone. You need surgery but can go home the same day. The average emergency room visit and outpatient surgery charge in Nevada, according to Consumer Health Ratings, is $55,000. If the injury is more serious than that and they admit you to the hospital, the average charge for inpatient care is $114,000 ($20k per day).
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
When a breadwinner can’t work, your family will suffer. Just how costly this will be depends on how long it takes to recover and whether or not the injured family member can return to work in the same capacity after they have healed.
If you were counting on the injured person’s pension or healthcare benefits and suddenly they can’t work anymore, this could change everything about your retirement plans.
Ongoing Health Effects
Hopefully, your family member’s injuries will heal quickly, but they may have long-term implications. For example, family members may need months or even years of physical therapy. They may also need specialized equipment, such as a wheelchair. This equipment may require you to restructure your home. If your family member can’t drive as usual, you may need to pay to get your vehicle adapted. Your family member may also need additional surgeries and medications.
In some cases, you may need a family member to stay home and care for the injured person. This may keep a second breadwinner out of work.
How Can Your Family Recover Financially?
Your family should not have to suffer financially if your accident was caused either in part or in full by the negligence of others. Contact an accident attorney in Las Vegas for help filing a personal injury claim.
You can help your case by compiling evidence. This includes photos from the accident scene, photos of your damaged vehicle, vehicle repair bills, medical bills (including copays and bills for therapy and medication), and a record of missed work due to your accident injuries. Your car accident attorney can use this evidence to create a strong case and help you recover the damages that you are entitled to.
If you are in a car accident, it won’t just affect you. It can take a significant financial toll on your family and other loved ones. Filing an injury claim can help you and the people you love move forward beyond the financial burdens of the accident.
Infographic
Car accidents are becoming more frequent and expensive in the greater Las Vegas area. As our population increases, more drivers are on the road, causing accidents. In addition, car repair costs have increased, and cars are becoming pricier. Discover in this infographic how a car accident can affect your family’s budget.
