After a car crash, the hospital bill and body shop invoice might be some of the first expenses you see, but likely they’re far from the last.
According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of a serious car accident injury in 2023 topped $167,000, and a surprising portion of that total comes from hidden long-term expenses most people don’t expect.
If you’ve been in a crash in Oklahoma City, understanding these hidden costs is crucial before you accept a settlement offer. A quick payout may seem tempting, but it might not reflect the full impact the accident has had on your life.
Lost Wages and Missed Career Opportunities
Losing income is one of the most overlooked consequences of a car accident. Those missed paychecks add up if your injuries keep you from work for days, weeks, or even longer.
Some injuries result in long-term disability or limit your ability to return to your previous job. For others, the accident may affect career advancement, reduce earning potential, or even force a complete career change. These losses may be hard to measure, but they’re real and matter in your claim.
Don’t just look at the time you’ve already missed. Consider how your injuries may affect your ability to work in the future.
The Everyday Expenses That Drain Your Savings
In addition to hospital visits and vehicle repairs, crash victims often face smaller, ongoing expenses, such as:
- Rental cars or rideshare fees while your vehicle is in the shop
- Over-the-counter medication for pain or inflammation
- Travel costs to and from doctor appointments
- Home modifications like ramps or mobility devices after serious injuries
- Therapy or counseling to address emotional trauma
These expenses add up fast; before you know it, your savings take a hit. That’s why accounting for every out-of-pocket cost related to your recovery is important.
Long-Term Medical Treatment
Not all injuries heal quickly. Neck injuries, back problems, concussions, and internal trauma result in ongoing medical care, including:
- Follow-up visits
- Physical therapy
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Assistive devices
Many people accept early settlements before they fully understand the scope of their injury. If complications arise later, they’re left to cover the costs, often with no legal recourse.
Be very weary to settle a claim until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) or consulted with a car accident attorney.
The Cost to Your Family Life
A serious accident can affect the entire household. Spouses may have to take time off work to help with care, and parents may struggle to keep up with childcare or household responsibilities. Family plans like vacations may have to be postponed or canceled.
All these disruptions should be compensated. They represent lost time, missed experiences, and the emotional burden your loved ones carry after the crash.
Don’t Settle Without Knowing What You’re Owed
Insurance companies often move quickly to offer a settlement, especially when the injury seems minor or the crash appears straightforward. But don’t let their urgency distract you from the big picture. Many victims later realize they accepted far less than they needed to cover all their losses.
An experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer at Parrish DeVaughn can help you:
- Evaluate the full cost of your accident: financial, physical, and emotional
- Gather documentation to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Fight for a settlement that reflects the impact on your life
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, don’t leave money on the table. The hidden costs of car accidents add up. Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, protect your future, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
