A car accident can leave you with a mountain of medical expenses and car repair bills. Unfortunately, these aren’t the only costs associated with a collision. Other expenses can get swept under the rug or written off just because they aren’t big-ticket items. However, big-ticket expenses aren’t the only ones you should be compensated for after an accident that wasn’t your fault. You may be entitled to money for your out of pocket expenses as well.
If you are in a significant car accident, contact the St. Louis car accident lawyers of OnderLaw to talk about your situation. At OnderLaw , we will thoroughly review your case and help calculate the full and fair value of your claim. We will work diligently toward getting you compensation for your medical bills, car repairs, and lost income. Yet, we also work tirelessly to obtain the money you deserve to cover your other car accident-related expenses.
For a free case evaluation, contact our office today. Let’s discuss the ways we can help you move forward with your claim and take back your life.
Out of pocket expenses are an umbrella category that covers anything you pay for yourself that is not related to repairs bills or medical costs. They are expenses related to a car accident but are difficult to place into a category. Generally, you can think of an out of pocket expense as something that is both reasonable and necessary.
After an accident, many people are in a tough spot financially. There are so many costs associated with an accident that it can become overwhelming trying to manage the influx of bills. If you are out of work due to your injuries, the financial pressure of being in a crash can be even more overwhelming. You may not always know how to cope and make ends meet. Out of pocket expenses, even small ones, can put even more strain on an already precarious financial situation.
Identifying out of pocket expenses after a collision can be challenging. Sometimes these costs are minor, but over time they can accumulate to a hefty chunk of change out of your wallet. Some of the most common types of out of pocket expenses include:
Out of pocket expenses must be directly related to a car accident. For example, lodging and food costs may be considered an out of pocket expense if you need to be treated by a specialist not located in your city. If your doctor says you need to be on crutches, but insurance does not cover the cost of buying them, they may be considered an out of pocket expense.
It can be easy to get lost in the details, but keeping track of your out of pocket expenses is a necessity. These expenses, no matter how small, can all add up over time. Eventually, they can end up costing you big money. You should track all your out of pocket expenses and keep receipts for everything.
It may help to keep a binder or folder with all your car accident-related documents. When you receive a bill or receipt, file them in a safe location and keep them all together. You may even want to make copies of everything. Keep one copy for yourself and give another copy to your attorney.
Technology can also help you manage your out of pocket expenses. Consider using a spreadsheet or an app on your phone to track what you spend on accident-related expenses. Make note of the date and amount and, if possible, retain the receipt for the purchase. You may want to keep a small notebook in your rental car or purse. If you are on the way to a doctor’s appointment, note your starting and ending mileage in the notebook. Having it handy in your car, pocket, purse, or cell phone makes tallying your out of pocket costs easier.
Yes, often, you may be able to seek compensation for your out of pocket expenses. First, an experienced car accident attorney can review your situation and help you determine what type of claim you should file. In some cases, you may end up filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. An attorney can review the circumstances of the accident, help you file a claim, calculate the full and fair value of your claim, and negotiate on your behalf for the money you deserve. Your out of pocket expenses may be included in the calculation of the overall value of your claim.
However, there are situations where a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover compensation. Again, an attorney can place a value on your claim and attempt to seek money that will cover your medical bills, repair costs, lost income, and out of pocket expenses.
Recovering money for out of pocket expenses can be challenging. Don’t let an insurer balk at your attempts to recover the money you may rightfully deserve. Talk to a seasoned car accident attorney who will fight for you and give you the best chance possible at recovering the money you are owed.
If you want the money you deserve, you need to talk to a skilled personal injury attorney in St. Louis today. You shouldn’t be put in a financial hole because of an accident you didn’t cause. Hold the negligent driver accountable and seek the money you need to move forward with your life.
For help with a car accident claim and getting the money you need to cover your out of pocket expenses, contact OnderLaw . We offer a free case evaluation to help get you started. Call us and talk to a skilled car accident attorney about your case. Our team will be there for you.
