Quick Answer
While physical injury and impacts to mental health as a result of an accident can cause lasting hardships, damage to one's vehicle can be devastating and cause immediate financial strain. People in the United States depend on cars; they provide a convenience that is simply unmatched by other modes of transport. According to the United States Bureau of Transportation, 91% of adults commute to work using personal vehicles.
Since most Americans commute to their jobs using personal vehicles, having a car that is in proper running condition is an asset that is often taken for granted. Without a reliable vehicle, basic daily functions start to collapse. An unforeseen car accident can disrupt one's ability to get to work, seek proper medical treatment, and even bring their children to school. The inability to get to work can lead to increased financial pressure to settle a case prematurely in order to get back to work more quickly. Lack of transportation to seek proper medical treatment can also lower the value of your case and can jeopardize overall health and recovery.
Personal injury law firms generally only help recover money for bodily injury - and unfortunately that does not include the body of your car.
The reason boils down to a personal injury lawyer’s incentive: the money they make. Traditional PI lawyers are not incentivized to help you repair your car. This is because the settlement you get at the end of your case, which your attorney gets his fee on, does not include damages to your car.
This means you either have to find one of the rare breeds of law firms that does help you - we know one :) - or try and navigate the insurance process yourself.
If you've been involved in an accident and are seeking legal support and representation, head over to Mighty's Accident Lawyer Directory to find a trusted attorney in your area today.
About the author
Joshua is a lawyer and tech entrepreneur who speaks and writes frequently on the civil justice system. Previously, Joshua founded Betterfly, a VC-backed marketplace that reimagined how consumers find local services by connecting them to individuals rather than companies. Betterfly was acquired by Takelessons in 2014. Joshua holds a JD from Emory University, and a BA in Economics and MA in Accounting from the University of Michigan.
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Try this AI chatbot that helps you gather the right information, write a strong injury claim, and confidently negotiate with insurers. Click here to learn more.