Many people who are involved in so-called minor car accidents do not think they need to talk to a personal injury attorney. They believe that their accident was minor and did not warrant talking to an attorney. The truth is that even a “minor” accident could have big consequences – including major costs. Keep reading to learn more and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
You Insurance Premiums Can Go Up
While it depends strongly on your age, how many years you have been driving, the insurance company you work with, and any recent accidents, you can count on your insurance premiums going up if you are involved in a car accident. In fact, one study showed that a single accident claim raises car insurance rates an average of 40%.
Your Car Repairs Might Be More Than You Think
You might assume that a minor accident will have minor repair costs. This is not always true. With today’s vehicles, unique computer systems run throughout them. For example, a minor fender bender in which you are hit from behind might crush your backup camera. This can easily be $1,000+ to repair.
You Will Have Transportation Costs While Your Vehicle is Being Repaired
If another party is at fault, then they are not only responsible for the costs associated with repairing your vehicle, they are also responsible for covering rental car fees. Imagine how much it costs to rent a car in your area, then multiply that by the number of days the mechanic says it will take to repair – plus a few in case it takes longer. This can be quite a pretty penny.
You Might Have Additional Medical Bills
It could be that your accident resulted in minor pain that you assume will go away. Weeks later, that pain could be worse and if you have agreed to a settlement, you will not have any legal rights to have your medical bills paid by the at-fault party. You might have no pain at all, only to find a week later that you suffered a brain injury or spine injury. These costs can add up quickly – even if you have an excellent health insurance policy.
You Might Have Additional Car Payments
If you have an older car, you might be surprised by how easily an insurance company will consider it totaled and give you only the Blue Book Value. If you financed the vehicle, you could owe many more payments on it that are not covered by what your insurance gives you. You could end up paying for a car that no longer exists.
If you are ready to talk to a personal injury attorney who can help you find the best way to move forward, we recommend contacting The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We are here to help you understand your legal options.
