California has some of the busiest streets in the United States, especially in its densely populated cities like LA. The state logged over 480,000 vehicle crashes in 2017 alone.
Unfortunately, these accidents can be both deadly and expensive. To give you some ideas, refer to the number below:
Car Crash Costs
The cost of car crash repair vary, depending on several factors:
- Make, model, and age of the vehicle
- The severity of the damage
- Part of the car that has been damaged
On average, it can reach up to $10,000. If the accident left a few scratches, it could be around $500. Dents will be more expensive at a thousand dollars or more.
The costs, though, go beyond what you see. Car crashes can affect your budget indirectly:
- It can increase your auto insurance premium by at least 10%.
- It can reduce your productivity as you might need to commute using public transport until you can get your vehicle back.
- If the damage is substantial, you might have no other option but to buy a new one.
Impact on Health
Perhaps the biggest financial impact of car crashes is on health:
1. Whiplash Injury
The most common vehicle-accident-related injury is whiplash. It occurs when the head suddenly jerks back and forth because of a strong impact. It could result in either a painful neck strain or, worse, fracture in the cervical (neck) region.
If the problem is minor but painful, you have to undergo therapy. You can go to a chiropractor, which costs about $200 a session in California or a physical therapist for $300 per visit. Depending on the severity, you might need multiple appointments a month.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Car accidents can also cause traumatic brain injury, particularly among pedestrians and cyclists. According to Northwestern University, the average lifetime cost for TBI is at least $85,000. If it’s severe, it could reach up to $3 million. Meanwhile, a 2019 PLOS One study said that an in-hospital treatment for this case could be worth $400,000.
3. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The American Family Physician (AAFP) revealed that 9% of severe-accident survivors develop PTSD. In contrast, others exhibit PTSD-like reactions even if the crash was only minor or the injuries are mild.
Therapy and medication can cost at least $2,400. However, people with PTSD might struggle with finding and keeping a job.
Don’t Let It Strain the Budget
Vehicle accidents can happen as long as you use the road. What you can do is learn how to reduce its impact on your finances. One underrated strategy is working with a personal injury expert, like an Uber accident attorney.
Just because you have auto insurance doesn’t immediately mean you can file a claim. The company still needs to investigate the matter. Even if it approves your claim, you might not get the full amount. Sometimes it’s not enough to cover all your healthcare and property damage costs.
If you sustain an injury from a crash, you can sue the other party for personal injury and claim damages that include:
- Economic damages, which cover medical expenses, loss of income, or long-term care
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of or decrease in quality of life, and emotional distress
While everyone wishes not to deal with an accident, it is still best to prepare for the worst, such as knowing the average costs.
