If you have been in a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident, you may consider yourself lucky if you have sustained no serious injuries. After all, Miami car accidents and traffic accidents are among the leading causes of injuries in the city. However, while injuries are catastrophic and can lead to months or even years of anguish and medical bills, property loss in Miami car accidents is also a serious problem. Even if you walk away from a car accident without a scratch and are incredibly lucky to suffer no injuries, the property loss involved in a Miami car accident can still lead to considerable costs:
1) The repair costs of your car. If your car can be repaired, the costs of repairs can easily add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. You need to ensure that your insurance carrier covers all the costs of repairs, including the costs of follow-ups with your mechanic.
2) The financial impact of losing your car. In addition to losing your car or having your car totaled, not having a car can be expensive. For example, you may need to pay for a rental car or for taxis in order to get around while your car is being replaced or repaired. This can add up substantially, especially if you have a long commute to work every day.
3) Replacement costs. If your car is beyond repair, the costs of replacing a car can be substantial. Simply replacing the current value of your car is not enough, as the current value of your car will not likely get you a similar vehicle.
4) The impact of loan payments. Even while you do not have use of your car, you may need to continue to make loan payments if you have financing on your vehicle. If you have a leased vehicle, the accident may affect your ability to turn in your vehicle at the end of your lease period. Your costs, furthermore, will remain the same even if the value of your vehicle plummets because of the accident. Even if your car is worth substantially less because of the accident or even if your car is totaled, you will still owe loan or lease payments, which you will need to continue to make. It is important to ensure that insurance covers these costs, or these costs will be coming out of your own pocket.
5) Diminished value for your car. Even if you are in a minor accident and are able to repair your car, you need to be aware that your car will be worth less. If you decide to sell your car at some point, the fact that it has been in a car accident will reduce the value you can expect to recoup. Insurance carriers will not usually pay for diminished value, but this can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost money if you need to sell your car. A qualified Miami personal injury attorney can work to ensure that these types of costs are at least partly covered with a fair settlement offer.
6) Insurance costs. Once you have been in a Miami traffic accident, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase – increases that may last for years or a lifetime.
If you have been in a Miami traffic accident and have not sustained serious injuries, you could still be forced to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost income, transportation costs, and car repair costs. Do not let yourself be shortchanged. Contact the Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation to discuss your case and to get qualified advice about your situation.