An article published in the Examiner stated a report released by the Department of Public Health shows victims of traffic accidents are responsible for an annual average of $35 million in medical bills at San Francisco General Hospital.
The article states medical data was collected between 2012 and 2014 showing that $105.5 million in medical bills were charged to individuals injured in traffic accidents. Roughly half of all patients treated at the hospital’s trauma center are victims of car accidents, with city trauma surgeons responding to a serious traffic injury within the city every 17 hours.
What Compensation Can Victims Seek?
Many victims are unprepared to deal with these high medical costs and encounter severe financial hardship in the aftermath. For others, the injuries they sustain may result in a permanently reduced quality of life, robbing them of the ability to work. In these situations, victims may have grounds to file a legal claim against the party responsible for the collision in pursuit of compensation for their losses.
Compensable damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Vehicle repairs
- Loss of consortium
- Lost income
In cases where a collision is caused by a particularly egregious act of negligence, victims may also be able to pursue punitive damages against the responsible party. Since compensation will vary on a case by case basis, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Injured? Call (415) 940-7176
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, our team of award-winning San Francisco personal injury attorneys at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn can help. With millions recovered in verdicts and settlements on our clients’ behalf, our knowledgeable advocates have what it takes to help you get back on your feet as smoothly as possible.
Discuss your claim with us today during a complimentary case review.