Recovering Out-Of-Pocket Costs After A Car Accident
In Florida, individuals who are hurt in car accidents and whose damages exceed their policy limits are often able to file claims directly against the at-fault driver. If successful, the injured party could be eligible for reimbursement of his or her medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. In addition, claimants may also be able to recover some or all of their out-of-pocket costs, which, while typically less than the other types of damages incurred in a car accident, can still add up.
What are Out-of-Pocket Costs?
Out-of-pocket costs is a term used to describe the expenses that arise from injuries sustained in an accident, but that aren’t a part of the economic and non-economic damages for which an injured party may already be eligible. Generally, accident victims are responsible for paying these costs even if they have insurance, which can be extremely difficult, as these costs can range to thousands of dollars. Common out-of-pocket costs include:
- Travel expenses required to obtain treatment, such as mileage reimbursement and parking fees;
- Car rental fees;
- The cost of transportation services (i.e. bus or ride share services);
- Vehicle towing and storage fees;
- The cost of personal assistance with day-to-day tasks;
- Childcare expenses; and
- Household assistance (i.e. cleaning and cooking) costs.
It’s important to note that only out-of-pocket costs that are considered reasonable and necessary and that have been adequately documented will be reimbursed.
Can I Recover Out-of-Pocket Costs?
An at-fault driver’s insurer won’t usually offer to pay for a claimant’s out-of-pocket costs. They will, however, often pay these expenses if they are included in an auto accident settlement and deemed reasonable and necessary. A person who was seriously injured in a car accident and who had to purchase medical equipment as a result, would likely be able to recover reimbursement for that out-of-pocket cost. Someone who was in a minor fender bender, on the other hand, who put in a request for compensation for medical equipment would probably have his or her request denied.
Documenting Out-of-Pocket Costs
Insurance companies are usually unwilling to reimburse accident victims for alleged out-of-pocket costs that haven’t been properly documented. To avoid this, claimants should be sure to keep copies of their receipts and invoices, which can be used to establish what they spent when obtaining treatment, or getting their vehicle repaired.
Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
Insurers are often unwilling to compensate accident victims for their out-of-pocket costs after an accident. If you were injured in an accident and are having trouble recovering the full value of your claim from an insurer, we are here to help. The experienced Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers at Boone & Davis are ready to advocate on your behalf for fair compensation. Call us at 954-566-9919, or reach out to us online today to learn more.
Sources:
thebalance.com/what-is-out-of-pocket-527310
forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/settle-car-accident-privately/
