The Hidden Costs of a St. Louis Car Accident: Don’t Get Blindsided After the Crash

| Updated on September 24, 2024

Car accidents are difficult to deal with not just physically but mentally as well. There are severe injuries, medical expenses, insurance claims, loans to pay, etc. Add to all this the stress of hidden expenditure that differs for every location. Also, learn about Preventive Maintenance Tips for Trucks by reading this article.

Navigating the financial and documentation burden becomes convenient by hiring a car accident attorney who investigates the matter in detail for you.  In St. Louis, Missouri, the expert lawyers help you recover some losses, keeping in mind your short and long-term economic status. 

In certain scenarios, the incurring fees cannot be avoided, but it can be tough while hospitalized and healing from a physical injury. Therefore, this article is a guide to prevent the extra burden of complex hidden costs when involved in a St. Louis car accident.   

Beyond the Bumper: Medical Expenses

2022 study report says that nearly 1.35 million people are killed or disabled in traffic accidents every year. These shocking facts also hint at the medical expenses an injured person has to bear.    

The immediate financial costs include emergency room visits, surgeries, physiotherapy, and rehab which take longer time, and therefore pile up the bills. While these are necessary to spend, the hidden rates could be the number of medical appointments over the months, tests, medicines, etc. 

FAST FACT
When drivers lose focus for even a few seconds, their car can travel the length of a football field at 25 miles per hour.

Lost Wages: When Your Car Isn’t the Only Thing Down for the Count

You may be financially strong when the accident happened, but over the months after that, it takes time to recover from the shock. Soon, the burden of expenses becomes heavy, which also impacts the job. If you are involved in a car accident court case, then it will take extra time from working hours to show up for a court hearing. 

Here are the areas that one needs to prioritize after the car accident:

  • Medical appointments, required MRI or blood tests, physiotherapy sessions
  • Ordering medications 
  • Car repair and maintenance work
  • Calling or meeting with car insurance agents and filling out relevant forms
  • Bank visits to apply for loans 
  • Visiting a lawyer, consultations, understanding legal procedures and papers. 
  • Attending court hearings

Navigating through all these takes a mental toll on anyone, resulting in less focus on work. This often leads to poor performance in the office and may result in subsequent job loss. Continued emotional trauma cannot be calculated, but it manifests in different areas of life, resulting in decreased savings. 

Recovery and Long-Term Care Costs 

As time goes by after the car accident, it may take a few days, weeks, or months for complete recovery depending on the severity of the damage. It is the emotional and financial burden that takes a toll on a person. 

The two difficult things to manage are time and money. And while the expenses are difficult to avoid, hiring an experienced attorney can prevent hidden costs related to your car accident case.   

Long-Term Medical Cost of a Car Accident

The number of costs involved in a vehicle crash can be the following:

  • Post-accident medical expenses.
  • Fatal injury with hospitalization and rehab, medical bills, tests, etc.
  • Income loss and diminished earning capacity.
  • Vehicle damage and repairs.
  • Increase in insurance premium.
  • Emotional impact and costs related to it spent in therapy, stress-eating, etc.
  • Lifestyle adjustments or hiring a nurse in case of severe physical injury.  

To reduce the damage, it’s important to document the details of the accident and contact an attorney. The legal expert on your behalf will investigate, do paperwork, call the insurance company, and also file a case if required. 

Hiring a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

The longer you delay in deciding what to do after a vehicle crash or if hiring a lawyer is necessary or not, the more costs will increase. It isn’t just the higher charges at the hospital, but the hidden costs that add up to the taxes and take a heavy toll on the victim. 

To simplify the process, contact a St. Louis car accident attorney who has years of experience in dealing with complex unexpected incidents. They have a team of legal experts who will communicate with medical professionals regarding short and long-term expenses. 

In fact, if you want to file a claim, they have all the resources to represent your case in court, bypassing many financial hurdles. Their qualified team offers guidance throughout the process in the following ways:

  •  Free consultation during the initial phase of the accident case is needed to speed up recovery and damages.
  • Complete and detailed case evaluation, including reporting to police, filing a lawsuit, and informing the client about their rights. 
  • They have a supportive and convenient customer service that’s available for the client through calls and emails.
  • Their team also assists families of wrongful death victims to receive compensation for the loss of a family member.  

Case Study: St. Louis Car Accident Victim Fights for Fair Compensation

Case Study

Jeff Missey, a resident of St. Louis, was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 70 and faced physical injuries. The victim underwent chiropractic care and physiotherapy and was on support of a cervical spine stimulator implant. 

Though the procedure should have taken less time, it escalated and became complicated, leaving Mr. Missey with permanent spinal pain. He contacted the St. Louis car accident attorney team, who confidently reported that the long-term medical consequences were a result of the car accident causing surgery. 

They claimed that the defendant was clearly responsible for the victim’s conditions and got a $3 million settlement for Mr. Missey. 

Frequently Asked Questions
What are some associations or resources that can help me if I’ve been in an accident in St. Louis?

Some important resources that an accident victim in St. Louis should have are: 

  • The contact number of the St. Louis Police Department – (314) 444-2500. 
  • Emergency number of the nearest hospital. 
  • Non-emergency number at (314) 231-1212 and request a copy of the accident report. 
  • Auto and medical insurance company. 
  • In case of complaints or issues with the insurance company – Missouri Department of Insurance.
What must I do immediately after I meet with an accident in St. Louis?

After an accident, it’s important to take prompt action and call 911. If possible or with the help of co-passengers or other passersby, move your car to one side of the road and inspect the details. 

Check for physical injuries and vehicle damages. Also, turn on the hazard light for extra precaution. Seek immediate medical treatment and then contact a personal injury lawyer. 

Is getting a lawyer worth it for a minor St. Louis accident?

Though a minor accident may not require a lawyer, with the hidden costs and taxes, you will end up collecting more bills. To make things convenient regarding paperwork, claims, and insurance, it is recommended to contact an attorney who is an expert at handling all legal tasks. 




Vaibhav Krishna

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