When you’re involved in a car accident in Shreveport, the immediate damages are often clear; cracked bumpers, hospital visits, or missed workdays. But the real cost of a car accident doesn’t always show itself right away. Many victims settle quickly with insurance companies, only to face a wave of unexpected expenses down the road. That’s why it’s critical to have the best lawyer for car accidents in Shreveport on your side from the start, someone who knows what to look for and how to protect your financial future.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses That Add Up
Even minor car accidents can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses; costs that often aren’t fully covered in a standard insurance payout.
- Follow-up medical care: Think rehab appointments, physical therapy sessions, or prescription medications that continue long after your initial emergency visit.
- Transportation costs: Fuel for medical appointments, ride shares, or even rental cars while your vehicle is being repaired.
- Medical devices: Crutches, braces, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids are often necessary but rarely reimbursed.
- Mental health support: Emotional trauma after an accident can lead to therapy or counseling expenses that aren’t accounted for in basic settlements.
Most insurance adjusters push to settle quickly before you even realize these costs exist. Working with an experienced Shreveport car accident attorney ensures these future financial burdens are anticipated and properly included in your claim.
Medical Bills Often Outpace Estimates
It’s easy to underestimate how much medical care will ultimately cost, especially when your injuries evolve over time.
- Delayed symptoms: Many car accident injuries, like soft tissue damage or traumatic brain injuries, don’t show up for days or even weeks.
- Recurring treatments: Chiropractic visits, nerve blocks, or other pain management interventions can continue for months or longer.
- Specialist referrals: Seeing orthopedic surgeons or neurologists adds layers of medical billing most victims didn’t expect to face.
A quick insurance settlement may not include any of these future expenses. And once you sign, you can’t go back and ask for more.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
One of the most overlooked costs of a car accident is the loss of earning capacity. While your current lost wages may be easy to calculate, long-term impacts are harder to measure.
- Did your injury force you to miss a promotion?
- Are you now unable to return to your previous job?
- Will you need to change careers or reduce your hours?
These scenarios should be factored into your settlement. A skilled attorney can bring in economists or vocational experts to help calculate the true cost of your accident over time.
Emotional and Psychological Damages
Pain and suffering isn’t just legal jargon, it’s real. Car accidents often lead to:
- Anxiety while driving
- Sleep disturbances
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your settlement doesn’t account for these intangible damages, you could be left feeling emotionally and financially unsupported. The best lawyer for car accidents in Shreveport knows how to quantify these non-economic damages and make sure they’re recognized in your claim.
Protect Yourself With the Right Attorney
The full cost of a car accident doesn’t hit all at once and that’s exactly what insurance companies count on. They want you to accept a low offer quickly, before you know the extent of your injuries, bills, or emotional recovery. That’s why consulting a Shreveport car accident attorney early is so important.
At Collins Law, we fight for clients in Shreveport and surrounding Louisiana communities who deserve full and fair compensation. We understand that the true cost of a crash goes far beyond vehicle repairs and we’re here to make sure none of it gets overlooked.
Schedule your free consultation today and let our team help you uncover every dollar you’re owed.
