Some people decide against filing a car accident claim even when they know they did not cause the crash. Either they feel it is a waste of time or worry that filing will impact their insurance premiums harshly.
Be aware before you pass on your right to file a claim for your losses that your out-of-pocket costs may be much higher than anticipated. An emergency room (ER) visit—with or without hospitalization—could cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Delayed symptoms
You might feel fine after an accident, but are you sure you’re okay? Many victims begin experiencing injury symptoms weeks or even months after the crash. Potentially severe injuries that may have delayed symptoms include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash and other neck problems
- Spinal injuries (herniated discs, etc.)
If you didn’t file and your injuries are worse than you thought, you could end up with hefty bills, even with health insurance, for diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Average hospital and ER costs
The average cost of an ER visit in Texas is about $2,300. The worse an injury is, the more you can expect to spend on emergency treatment. If it turns out your injuries are severe enough to warrant hospitalization, you can expect to pay approximately $12,000 per day.
The figures above are just estimates. Your total costs will depend on the nature and severity of your accident injuries and the treatment they require.
As you can see, it is unwise to discount the possibility that your accident injuries might be physically and financially devastating. Instead, file your accident claim promptly to lay the groundwork for maximum injury compensation. It can help to seek legal guidance.