Sep 26, 2023
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Expenses: A Comprehensive Overview
Out-of-pocket expenses are the costs an individual is responsible for paying that could be reimbursed at a later time. You may have heard this term used to describe a policyholder’s non-reimbursable medical expenses for health insurance, an employee’s work-related expenses, or expenses after a car accident injury. Regarding car accidents in Miami, you may be faced with out-of-pocket expenses that could be compensated for by the negligent driver, including the expenses that are not out-of-pocket, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of quality of life, and more. Your out-of-pocket expenses can add up quickly, so they are essential to your car accident case.
If you have been in a car accident in Miami, you likely have many out-of-pocket expenses you are dealing with. An car accident attorney with Nunez Law P.L. can help you seek compensation for the damages you incurred.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses Explained
Out-of-pocket expenses are the items you have already paid for, not any unpaid bills or expenses. You might be responsible for paying for these expenses if your car insurance policy will not reimburse them. If you choose not to file an insurance claim due to worrying that the premiums on your auto insurance will increase, or if they are denied in your car accident claim against the at-fault party. You can avoid having your claim denied by carefully documenting all expenses you pay for.
Which Out-of-Pocket Expenses to Seek Reimbursement for
If you plan to seek out-of-pocket costs in your settlement, the insurance company will only approve necessary and reasonable expenses. These expenses can add up to several hundred to thousands of dollars. If you suffer permanent or long-term injuries, the out-of-pocket expenses can add up significantly. The following breaks down the out-of-pocket expenses you can recover.
Medical Care
After a car accident injury, you are likely to have medical expenses, including:
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency room bills
- Hospital visits
- Doctors’ appointments
- Surgeries and any related expenses
- Physical therapy bills or co-pays
- Over-the-counter medications and prescriptions
- Medical equipment, such as portable toilets, hospital beds, respirators, wheelchairs, crutches, etc.
- Medical supplies, including bandages and ointment to care for your injuries
Property Damage
If you pay for any property damage out-of-pocket, your lawyer can help you receive compensation for these damages. You may pay for repairs to your vehicle and replace personal property damaged or lost in the accident. These items will be valued at the amount to repair them or what the fair market value of the items would be if they were completely destroyed.
Insurance Deductibles
If you used insurance to cover any of your medical or automobile expenses, you can seek compensation for the deductibles you had to pay out-of-pocket.
Personal Care/ Home Health Aide
If you require the assistance of a personal care or home health aide to assist with showering, dressing, and any daily personal care tasks, document these expenses to seek reimbursement for them. You should seek care from a reputable facility as the insurance company will likely question any care you receive from an unlicensed facility, family members, or friends. Your attorney will help prove that these expenses were necessary for your recovery.
Cleaning Services
Often, after a motor vehicle crash, injured victims are unable to manage the daily, weekly, and even monthly cleaning tasks for their home. If you hire a cleaning service to assist with these tasks, be sure you are paying a reasonable amount so that your claim is not denied. Document each payment you make to the cleaning company with receipts. Documentation from your doctor may be needed to explain why these tasks require you to hire help.
Travel Expenses
If you are required to travel to receive medical treatment for your injuries and pay out-of-pocket for any expenses, you can seek reimbursement for the following in your car accident claim:
- Car rental fees
- Bus fare
- Food costs
- Lodging
- Mileage reimbursement
- Parking fees
- Any additional transportation costs
Towing and Storage Fees
After a car accident, if your vehicle is not drivable, a tow truck company will tow it to a storage lot until you can retrieve it. Storage fees add up by the day, so the sooner it can be removed from storage, the less out-of-pocket costs you incur. If you pay for these expenses, be sure to keep a record of them so that your personal injury attorney can help get you maximum compensation.
Childcare Expenses
If you have to send your child to daycare or hire in-home help for your child while you recover from your injuries, you can seek compensation for these expenses. Your lawyer can let you know if you will need a statement from your doctor explaining why this care is necessary.
Vehicle and Home Modification
When someone sustains a permanent disability due to a car accident, vehicle and home modifications may be required. These modifications may include a wheelchair ramp for entering and exiting the home, a wheelchair lift so the injured person can use their vehicle, widening of doorways to allow for wheelchair accessibility, or shower modifications to meet ADA requirements and accessibility.
The insurance company must be provided with proof of these out-of-pocket expenses. You will want to save any invoices or receipts for the costs you paid to submit to the insurance company when you file your claim. Keeping track of your expenses will help you and your attorney correctly calculate the reimbursement amount that you should be paid for these losses from the insurance company.
Let Our Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Help
Car accident cases can be confusing and complicated if you have been injured, have bills mounting, and are unable to focus on your recovery. If you need help navigating the expenses you have incurred after a Miami car accident or have questions about a personal injury, let our experienced and dedicated car accident lawyers help.
Miami Personal injury lawyers at Nunez Law P.L. is skilled in personal injury cases and know Florida law, allowing us to seek and recover the maximum compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a free case evaluation using our secure online form.