Recently, a Las Vegas assemblyman’s family members were driving in the city when they were involved in an accident. According to My News 3, an SUV pulled in front of the family’s car, injuring four children. The assemblyman’s wife was airlifted to a hospital in Reno to be treated for her injuries.
As any car accident attorney in Reno knows, a crash can cause significant damage. Here are four expenses people might face following an accident:
- Property damage
According to the Nevada Department of Transportation’s latest information, there were more than 51,000 accidents in 2010. Of those, 32,754 only involved property damage, and no injury. People who are involved in a car accident will likely have to visit a mechanic to fix dents, scratches or even serious destruction involving the car’s mechanisms. Depending on the nature of the accident, there may be destruction involved, such as damage to personal property inside the vehicle.
- Medical expenses
Injuries from a car accident often require medical attention. There are several types of medical expenses a patient might see after a crash, such as the following:
- A trip to the emergency room
- Surgery or other treatment
- Prescriptions
- Rehabilitation
- Long-term care
As a car accident attorney in Reno may recommend, people who have sustained serious injuries should keep track of any such expenses. Should a victim decide to file a lawsuit, the documentation will be necessary in order to receive compensation.
- Loss of income
A serious injury could mean days and even weeks in a hospital or rehabilitative care. Many people miss work following an accident. While some insurance companies or employers may provide short-term disability funding, there are plenty of victims who simply miss out on the income they would have earned.
- Unquantifiable damages
In addition to these quantifiable damages, it is important for people to consider expenses of a non-monetary nature. The pain and suffering someone undergoes as a result of an accident can be costly in an emotional way. For example, someone involved in a car accident may be subject to chronic back pain or other lifelong discomfort. This type of damage typically does qualify for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
In cases in which serious injury is involved, a victim may experience a loss of normal life. This refers to a situation in which people who typically enjoyed a certain lifestyle can no longer participate in their favorite activities, such as an avid rock climber who is now confined to a wheelchair. While it may not be as easy to put a price tag on this type of damage, it is still an item for which a victim should be compensated.
Anyone who has been involved in a crash that caused significant damage of any kind should consult with a car accident attorney in Reno.
