A totaled car, a trip to the ER, a stack of medical bills — those are the obvious costs of an accident as a car accident lawyer can easily identify. But what about the things no one prepares you for? The stress of missing work. The cost of therapy. The fact that everyday tasks — like picking up your child or taking a walk — now feel impossible.
According to our trusted partners at Mickey Keenan, P.A., the true cost of an accident goes far beyond hospital invoices. And if you’re not accounting for the full picture, you could end up settling for far less than you need—or deserve.
Here’s what injury victims (and their loved ones) need to know.
1. Lost Wages Can Pile Up Fast
Even a “minor” injury can keep you out of work for weeks. More serious accidents? You might be looking at months — or a career change altogether.
Attorneys can work with clients who are freelancers, gig workers, teachers, parents — you name it. If you can’t perform your job the way you used to, that’s a real financial hit, and it needs to be included in your claim.
That includes:
- Missed paychecks
- Reduced hours or duties
- Missed opportunities (like promotions or bonuses)
2. Future Medical Care Isn’t Always Obvious — But It’s Often Needed
Your first ER visit might be the beginning, not the end. Many injury victims need:
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
- Follow-up surgeries
- Mental health care
- Mobility aids or home modifications
Lawyers encourage clients to plan ahead with their doctors — and include these expected costs in their settlement. If you don’t ask for it now, you could be stuck paying out of pocket later.
3. Pain, Suffering & Emotional Toll Are Real — And Compensable
Let’s talk about the “invisible” stuff: the fear, the anxiety, the sleep you’re losing. Maybe you’re scared to drive. Maybe your relationship is under strain. These are real effects that impact your quality of life — and they count.
Too many people dismiss these struggles, but pain and suffering aren’t just buzzwords — they’re legal categories designed to recognize the personal, emotional, and psychological impact of an accident.
If your injury has affected your daily life, it deserves to be part of your claim.
4. Out-Of-Pocket Costs Add Up Quickly
From medical co-pays to Uber rides when you can’t drive — accidents come with lots of unexpected expenses. Some common ones include:
- Prescription costs
- Assistive devices
- Home care
- Childcare during recovery
And guess what? Many of those are reimbursable through a personal injury claim — if you document them and know to ask.
If you’re only thinking about ER bills, you’re missing the full story. The true cost of an accident includes your time, your earnings, your peace of mind, and your future well-being.
That’s why working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney matters so much. They’ll help you see the big picture — and fight for a settlement that reflects all of it.
To learn more about what a comprehensive injury claim should include, contact an attorney near you.