5 Expenses & Losses to Track After a Car Accident Injury

If you were hurt in a car accident and you intend to bring a personal injury claim, it’s wise to start tracking your damages from day one. This will ensure none of the expenses you incur are overlooked when it comes time to negotiate for a settlement.

Read on to learn about some of the damages you should start documenting immediately after the accident:

1. Medical Bills

The costs associated with diagnosing and treating a serious injury can be exorbitant. Depending on the circumstances, failing to account for all of the medical bills incurred could lead to severe debt and potential bankruptcy. Be sure to maintain any documentation of the following:

• Ambulance fees;
• Emergency room services;
• Diagnostic imaging;
• Surgical consultations;
• Transportation to and from medical appointments;
• Prescription medication;
• Office copays;
• Physical therapy;
• Home care; and
• Any necessary medical equipment.

2. Home & Vehicle Modifications

If your injuries cause any long-term physical limitations, you may have to modify your home and vehicle to make them more accessible. The cost of making these upgrades might be recoverable.

3. Property Repairs

If your car was damaged in the collision, save your receipts from the towing company, mechanic, and rental car company. Your attorney can include the expenses for property repairs or replacement in the settlement calculations.

4. Domestic Help

If you are unable to keep up with household duties while recovering, you may be entitled to compensation for services like child care, cooking, and cleaning. As long as such help is reasonable and necessary, the cost may be recoverable.

5. Lost Wages

In addition to the direct costs mentioned above, accident victims often incur substantial indirect costs while recovering from their injuries. For example, if you have to miss work for every doctor’s appointment or if you are unable to earn an income for an extended period of time, the resulting lost wages can add up fast.

If your injuries turn out to be so severe that you’re unable to return to the same profession, you may also be able to seek compensation for lost benefits and loss of future earnings. To approximate the value of these damages, your attorney may need prior tax returns, paystubs, work contracts, and other financial documents. It might also be necessary to depose an economist and vocational expert.

It’s important to note that accident victims in Minnesota also have the right to seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and mental anguish. To track these damages, start a personal injury journal in which you write daily entries about the ways the accident and injuries are affecting your life. Important details include missed social and familial events, types of symptoms, symptom frequency, symptom severity, and medication side effects.

Call 800-770-7008 for a Free Consultation with a Minneapolis Car Accident Attorney

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that unanticipated injuries can have on your life. Let us handle the logistics of your case so you can focus on your health and your family. Call 800-770-7008 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Minneapolis.