If you’ve been in an accident, you may end up paying for more than just repairs to your vehicle. There are a lot of hidden costs that may pile up after your car is totaled or severely damaged in an accident.
In this blog, we will explore the true cost of damage to your vehicle, and discuss who is responsible for paying these fees and how to recover compensation after you’ve been in an accident.
The first and most obvious cost is the actual property (or physical) damage to your vehicle. Cars are getting more expensive to repair due to the use of advanced electronics and sensors. Even an accident that seems minor can result in hefty repair bills – including the total loss of your vehicle.
You may need to pay to have your vehicle towed to an auto body shop, collision center or salvage yard, and you may need to pay to have it stored until insurance adjusters can examine it and determine whether or not it’s worth repairing. This isn’t cheap, and can easily cost you hundreds of dollars in daily storage fees.
If you need a car to get to work, take your kids to school, and accomplish other day-to-day tasks, you may need to rent a car. The price of renting a car can fluctuate so it's best to check what coverage options are available first. If your car repairs take a long time, renting a car can be very expensive.
In Wisconsin, it may be possible to recover compensation for “loss of use” meaning the period of time that your vehicle is unusable and out of service. This compensation covers the entire period of time that your vehicle cannot be used, and typically ends when your vehicle is declared a total loss.
A car accident can also cause damage to personal property. For example, if your laptop is in a bag in the front seat of your car and you’re hit, the airbags may explode and damage it or it may be shattered by the impact. Replacing damaged valuables should be considered when calculating the total value of your losses.
If you were not at fault for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for these costs from the at-fault person’s insurance provider – including repair costs, towing and vehicle storage, rental coverage, loss of use, and personal property damage. However, you can also seek recovery from your own insurance policy under your collision coverage. In fact, it may be in your best interest to do so, depending on the specific circumstances of your accident. Additionally, when a car is totaled and the amount owed on the car exceeds the car’s value, a gap insurance policy may be used to cover the difference. Working with a Milwaukee car accident lawyer will help you determine the best path to recovery and reach an acceptable settlement. Natasha Misra Law assists client with the repair or replacement of their vehicles at no additional cost.
If you are at fault, then your compensation will depend on the specifics of your insurance policy, and you may have to pay some out-of-pocket costs. Your insurance rates will also go up, since your insurance provider will have to cover your costs and the costs of the driver you hit. At times, it may be advisable to utilize your collision coverage.
At Natasha Misra Law, we’re here to help victims of car accidents recover the compensation they deserve for property damage, injuries, medical bills, and more. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our Milwaukee car accident lawyers today.
Halloween is a holiday that both children and adults look forward to each year. Unfortunately, Halloween can also be dangerous for pedestrian trick-or-treaters. Below are some Halloween safety tips for a safe and sweet trick-or-treat experience for both pedestrians and drivers.
Stay On Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths - Pedestrian trick-or-treaters should try to stay on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians should also try to walk as far to the side of the road as possible. Pedestrians should walk under the assumption that the drivers coming toward them are not able to see them.
Follow the Rules of the Road – Pedestrians should try to cross the road at crosswalks. They should not run or dart across the road. Trick-or-treaters may need to remove their masks so visibility is not obstructed.
Wear Reflective Tape – Children and adults should use or wear reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Parents may even consider wearing a reflective jacket.
Carry Cell Phone – Pedestrians should carry a cell phone for quick communication in the event of an emergency.
Avoid Loose Dogs – Be cautious of dogs on the loose as they may become frightened or scared causing an unexpected dog bite or injury to a trick-or-treater.
Stay on Well Lit Streets – Pedestrians should assume that drivers are unable to see them.
Use Flashlights – Obtain flashlights for both kids and their escorts to improve the visibility of trick-or-treaters.
Slow Down - Drivers should slow down on Halloween and during designated trick-or-treat hours. Because of the excitement of trick-or-treating, kids run from house to house and often dart out into the road. By reducing speed, a driver will be able to stop before hitting a child that runs out in front of the vehicle.
Watch Driveways – Drivers should carefully enter and exit driveways to avoid kids who may be running or darting out into the driveway.
Do Not Use Cell Phone - Because a child may run out into the road, even a quick glance at the cell phone could cause a devastating accident. Avoid all distractions so you are able to focus on the road and surroundings.
Turn On Headlights – Turn on headlights earlier in the day so you are able to spot the pedestrian trick-or-treaters from farther distances.
Report Drunk Driving – During Halloween, drunk drivers are common and dangerous on the road. If you suspect a driver of drunk driving, you should contact local law enforcement.
Designate a Sober Driver – Halloween is also a night of adult parties involving drinking. Designate a sober driver or use other means of transportation such as Uber and Lyft.
With the above safety tips, Natasha Misra Law would like to wish you a sweet, spooky and safe Halloween! If you have any questions about an accident involving a pedestrian trick-or-treater, please contact our office at 414-210-3834 for a free consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney.
My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.
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