Expenses You Can Collect After a Car Accident

Updated on: December 30, 2025 | By The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C.
Expenses You Can Collect After a Car Accident | The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C.
Expenses You Can Collect After a Car Accident

A car accident can literally cost you. The moment you call for an ambulance at the accident scene, the bills start adding up. It starts with emergency medical care, a hospital visit, and vehicle repairs, and quickly progresses to costs related to physical therapy, prescription medication, counseling, and more. You may soon wonder what’s recoverable and what isn’t. 

In Georgia, the law allows you to seek compensation for a wide range of expenses related to your crash, but identifying each one and proving its value can be challenging. You need a clear picture of what you can collect so you don’t leave money unclaimed.

At The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., we help injured clients across Georgia recover the full costs tied to a car accident. You have the right to pursue payment for medical treatment, lost income, and other losses that arise from the collision and its aftermath. This guide answers the question “What expenses can I claim after a car accident?” and how you can document each cost to protect your financial recovery.

What You Need to Know About Compensation After a Car Accident

When you file a car accident claim in Georgia, your compensation usually falls within two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. 

  • Economic damages refer to measurable costs such as medical bills, lost income, and repair expenses. 
  • Non-economic damages address the pain, stress, and disruption caused by your injuries. 

Both categories aim to return you, as closely as possible, to the way you were before the collision.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under OCGA § 51-12-33. This means you can still collect damages if you were partly responsible for the crash, but your recovery decreases by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 40% responsible for the accident, your total award would be reduced by 40%. Under state law, you can’t recover compensation if you’re found 50% or more at fault. 

Most personal injury claims begin with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement that covers your current and future damages, you may file a personal injury lawsuit. While insurance policies normally provide the first path to recovery, Georgia law also gives you the right to pursue full compensation in court when necessary. Knowing how these systems interact helps you decide the right approach for your claim.

First Up: Medical Expenses

Medical costs make up a large portion of most car accident claims. These expenses start accumulating immediately after the crash and can continue long after the initial treatment ends. Fortunately, you have the right to recover the full value of your medical care if it resulted from the accident, but you need to maintain complete and organized documentation that connects each cost to your injury.

Examples of recoverable medical expenses include:

  • Emergency Medical Care: This includes ambulance transport, emergency room evaluation, diagnostic imaging such as CT scans or MRIs, and immediate treatment for visible or internal injuries. You can also claim related follow-up testing recommended within days of the incident.
  • Hospitalization: This category covers all hospital-related costs, including room and board, surgical procedures, anesthesia, nursing care, specialist consultations, and post-surgery monitoring. If your stay requires an intensive care unit or rehabilitation wing, those costs also qualify.
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy: You can claim expenses for physical therapy sessions, occupational therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and pain management programs that help you regain mobility and strength. These treatments are compensable even when required for several months after release from the hospital.
  • Medication and Medical Supplies: This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as braces, crutches, compression garments, or durable medical equipment used at home. Refill costs and replacement items are also recoverable when linked to your injury.
  • Future Medical Treatment: This accounts for surgeries, rehabilitation, injections, or specialized procedures recommended for chronic conditions caused by the accident. Your car accident attorney may work with medical professionals to project these future expenses accurately.
  • Specialist Care: This category encompasses consultations and ongoing evaluations from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or pain specialists. Expert assessments like independent medical exams or disability evaluations also fall under this category.

Your personal injury lawyer will gather medical bills, provider statements, and expert opinions to establish the full cost of your treatment. At The Champion Firm, we help clients present this information clearly so insurers recognize every valid expense instead of minimizing the claim. Documenting each cost ensures your medical recovery doesn’t become a financial setback.

Retraining and Career Adjustment Expenses

Some injuries from a car accident make it impossible for you to return to your previous job. If your physical or cognitive abilities have changed, you may need new training to re-enter the workforce. Georgia law allows you to recover the costs of retraining or education when those expenses are directly related to your injury and necessary to restore your earning ability.

Examples of recoverable retraining and career adjustment costs include:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Programs: You can claim the cost of state-approved or private programs that teach new skills suited to your post-injury abilities. These may include classroom instruction, online certification courses, or trade programs.
  • Tuition and Educational Fees: You can recover tuition payments, registration fees, textbooks, and educational materials if additional schooling is required to prepare you for a different line of work. Documentation from the institution showing course relevance strengthens your claim.
  • Career Counseling and Job Placement Services: You can seek reimbursement for professional guidance that helps you identify suitable career paths or locate new employment opportunities. This includes resume preparation, interview coaching, and career assessments.
  • Assistive Technology and Tools for New Employment: You can include expenses for adaptive equipment or technology that enables you to perform new job duties. Examples include ergonomic office setups, modified vehicles, or specialized computer software.
  • Transportation and Lodging for Training: If you need to travel to attend retraining or certification courses, you can recover related expenses such as mileage, fuel, or temporary lodging. Keeping receipts and travel logs is important to verify these costs.
  • Proof of Need for Retraining: You’ll need statements from your doctor or vocational expert confirming that your injury prevents you from returning to your prior job. Documentation linking the training to your new employment path is key to reimbursement.

Retraining expenses reflect your effort to rebuild your career and financial independence after an accident. At The Champion Firm, we include these costs when calculating your total claim value to ensure your recovery supports both your current needs and your future employment potential.

Can You Claim Property Damage?

Georgia law allows you to recover the full value of all property that was damaged or destroyed as a result of the crash. By documenting each loss thoroughly, you can make sure you’re compensated for both visible and less obvious property-related expenses.

Examples of recoverable property damage include:

  • Vehicle Repair or Replacement: You can claim the cost of repairing your car or, if it’s declared a total loss, the fair market value before the crash. It’s important to get multiple repair estimates and keep detailed invoices to support your insurance claim.
  • Depreciation in Vehicle Value: Even after repairs, your car may lose value due to its accident history. You can recover the difference between the car’s value before and after the crash, known as diminished value.
  • Rental Vehicle Costs: You can seek reimbursement for the cost of renting a temporary vehicle while your car is being repaired or replaced. Rental records and receipts should clearly show the dates and rates paid.
  • Personal Property Inside the Vehicle: You can include the cost to repair or replace personal items damaged in the collision, such as laptops, mobile phones, child car seats, or eyeglasses. Providing receipts or purchase records will help confirm their value.
  • Towing and Storage Fees: You can recover costs for towing your car from the accident scene and for storage at a repair facility or impound lot. Make sure to save any service invoices to include with your claim.
  • Photographic Evidence and Estimates: You should take clear photos of all visible damage and obtain written repair estimates. This documentation helps establish the extent of the loss and limits the insurer’s ability to dispute your claim.

Property damage claims rely heavily on accurate records and fair valuations. At The Champion Firm, we review estimates and repair reports to confirm that you’re not accepting less than what your property is worth. 

Out-of-Pocket and Miscellaneous Expenses

You are allowed to recover any reasonable costs directly tied to your injury and recovery, even if they don’t fall neatly into medical, income, or property damage categories. Keeping detailed receipts and records helps ensure you’re reimbursed for these out-of-pocket expenses.

Examples of recoverable out-of-pocket expenses include:

  • Transportation to Medical Appointments: You can recover the cost of driving to and from doctor visits, therapy sessions, or specialist consultations. This includes fuel costs, parking fees, public transportation fares, or rideshare expenses. Keeping a mileage log or digital receipts will make your claim stronger.
  • Home or Vehicle Modifications: If your injuries require accessibility changes, you can include costs for home ramps, stair lifts, widened doorways, or vehicle hand controls. These adjustments are compensable when supported by documentation showing medical necessity.
  • Childcare and Household Help: If your injuries prevent you from caring for children or completing household tasks, you can recover payments made to caregivers, babysitters, housekeepers, or lawn care providers. Written invoices or canceled checks are important evidence of these expenses.
  • Medical Supplies and Personal Care Items: You can claim reimbursement for bandages, braces, crutches, compression wraps, and other medical supplies not included in hospital billing. Personal care services, such as in-home nursing or temporary assistance, may also qualify.
  • Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication: You can recover costs for prescribed medications as well as recommended non-prescription treatments, such as pain relievers or topical creams. Pharmacy receipts or medication statements will support your claim.
  • Temporary Housing or Travel Costs: You can include hotel stays, meals, or travel expenses if your injuries or car repairs force you to stay away from home temporarily. Receipts showing the reason for the stay help connect the cost to the accident.

These expenses may seem minor on their own, but they can create a noticeable financial impact over time. At The Champion Firm, we encourage clients to keep a running expense log from the first day after an accident. Organized documentation helps ensure you recover every cost connected to your injuries and recovery.

How to Maximize Your Compensation

Every action you take, from documenting expenses to speaking with insurance adjusters, can affect how much compensation you ultimately receive. In Georgia, following a few clear steps can help protect your rights and ensure that your claim reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Here are some ways to strengthen and maximize your car accident claim:

  • Document Every Expense: You should keep copies of all medical bills, receipts, invoices, and correspondence related to your accident. Organizing these records from the beginning makes it easier to present a clear and complete claim to insurers or in court.
  • Avoid Early Settlements: Insurance companies may offer quick payments to close your case before all costs are known. You should avoid accepting any offer until your medical treatment is complete and all future expenses are clear.
  • Consult Qualified Professionals: Financial experts, medical specialists, and vocational evaluators can provide independent assessments of your losses. Their input can help establish a fair and well-supported value for your claim.
  • Communicate Through Your Attorney: You should let your attorney handle all communications with insurance adjusters to prevent statements that could weaken your case. Insurers are trained to reduce payouts, and professional representation ensures your interests come first.
  • Be Honest and Consistent: Providing accurate and consistent information about your injuries, medical history, and accident details builds credibility. Any inconsistency can create doubt and reduce the strength of your claim.

To maximize your compensation, you need to prove the full scope of what the accident has cost you. At The Champion Firm, we help clients document every expense, project long-term losses, and respond effectively to insurance tactics. By handling these details carefully, you improve your chances of recovering the amount you’re truly owed.

Let The Champion Firm Fight for the Compensation You’re Owed

After a car accident, you have the right to recover the full cost of your losses, not just the obvious ones. Georgia law gives you the ability to collect medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. Each category represents an important part of your recovery, and documenting these expenses early helps ensure that nothing is left unclaimed.

At The Champion Firm, we guide clients through the process of identifying every recoverable expense and presenting strong evidence for fair compensation. Our team reviews medical records, employment data, and financial documents to calculate the complete value of a claim. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call 404-905-1994 or contact us online today.

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