If you were injured in a California car crash, you may be left paying for things that never would have been necessary otherwise. From hospital visits and missed work to parking meters and medication, the costs can quickly add up. You may wonder what expenses can be claimed and what records you need to support those claims. California law allows you to be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses, including both financial losses and personal harm. Consulting with a California personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and increase your chances of recovering all that you are entitled to.
What Expenses Can I Claim After a Car Accident in California?
Your claim may include any out-of-pocket losses directly related to the accident. The term “economic damages” covers actual money you paid or lost because of your injuries. These amounts are usually easier to prove with documentation.
Some of the most common categories include:
- Medical expenses. These costs form the bulk of many personal injury claims. Whether you were taken to the emergency room or later required rehabilitation or pain management, you have the right to be reimbursed for the full cost of treatment.
- Property damage. If your car was damaged or totaled, you can claim the cost to repair or replace it. This includes rental car fees while your vehicle is in the shop or being appraised.
- Lost wages. Time spent recovering often means missing paychecks or falling behind on professional responsibilities. You can recover these losses if you have documentation from your employer confirming your missed time and wages.
- Transportation costs for treatment-related travel. Even small expenses, such as driving to and from medical appointments, add up over time. You can include compensation for mileage after an accident, public transit fares, and parking fees if they were incurred solely for accident-related care.
- Childcare or household services. Injuries can interfere with your ability to care for children or manage your household. If you had to pay someone to clean, cook, or supervise your children while you recovered, those expenses may be recoverable.
- Mobility aids or home modifications. Some injuries may require you to purchase a wheelchair or cane, or install equipment such as grab bars or stair lifts. These purchases are typically compensable as long as a medical provider recommended them.
All of these losses must be directly related to the accident and supported by relevant records. Keeping detailed notes can help ensure none are missed.
Proving Out-of-Pocket Expenses After a Car Accident
You are allowed to seek reimbursement for necessary out-of-pocket spending that would not have occurred but for the crash. However, you will need to show that the expenses were reasonable and related to your injury. That usually requires more than just a receipt. A journal, calendar of appointments, or written confirmation from a provider can all help support your request.
Without strong evidence, insurers may dispute whether a service was necessary or reject the full amount. Providing consistent, well-documented support makes it harder for them to deny payment.
Does Health Insurance Pay for Car Accident Injuries?
If you have health coverage, your insurer may cover some medical costs upfront. However, that does not mean they cover everything or that you avoid responsibility. In many cases, your health insurer may seek reimbursement from any personal injury settlement you later receive. This is known as a lien.
You may also have medical payments (MedPay) coverage through your auto insurance policy. This type of benefit covers certain expenses, regardless of who was at fault. Understanding which policy applies first can help avoid delays.
Noneconomic Losses May Also Be Compensated
Not all expenses show up on a bill. California law also allows you to seek damages for pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are called “general” or “noneconomic” damages. Even though they do not come with a receipt, they represent very real losses.
You may be asked to describe how your injury disrupted your work, relationships, or daily routine. The more specific your examples, the more persuasive your claim.
What Expenses Can I Claim After a Car Accident: Preparing for a Strong Claim
The sooner you begin tracking your expenses, the easier it will be to present a complete and well-supported demand for your car accident reimbursement. Waiting too long to gather records or file a claim may affect your recovery. Under California law, you usually have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Even if you believe the other party caused the crash, insurance companies rarely pay full value without review. A lawyer can help you compile your records, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure all allowable expenses are included.
Understanding the range of losses you can claim is the first step in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Get Help Claiming Every Dollar You Are Owed
You should not be left covering the cost of someone else’s carelessness. At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we help California accident victims recover the full range of damages allowed under state law, including medical bills, lost income, transportation costs, and personal hardships that do not appear on a receipt.
Our team has over 40 years of combined legal experience and knows how to document these losses, challenge undervalued offers, and fight for a result that reflects the impact the crash has had on your life. Whether your expenses are big or small, you deserve a fair recovery.
