Life has a habit of chucking curveballs at you, usually when you least expect them. There you are, plodding along blissfully, when something happens that makes you veer off-course. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you may be wondering how you’re going to cope financially. Here are some common curveballs and some tips to help you regain financial stability.
A car accident
Did you know that in the US alone, more than 40,000 people were killed in car accidents in 2017? Car crashes are commonplace, and they can turn lives upside down. Although there have been major improvements in the safety of vehicles, the number of accidents isn’t decreasing because more than 90 percent of accidents are caused by human error. Speeding, careless driving, driving tired and drink driving are all common causes of accidents on US roads. If you’ve been injured in a crash that was caused by a negligent or irresponsible driver, you have a right to claim compensation, and it’s wise to seek advice from legal firms like Winer, McKenna & Burritt. If you make a successful claim, the money you are awarded could help you to plug the gap left by lost income and cover medical and rehabilitation costs.
Illness
If you’ve been diagnosed with an illness, which affects your ability to work, or you’ve been advised to give up your job to focus on your recovery, it’s natural to feel anxious about your financial future. You may have savings set aside, but if you don’t, it’s advisable to look into benefits that may be available to you. Contact the relevant local authorities and find out if you are eligible for support schemes, which could help you to cover bills and outgoings while you’re not working.
Home disasters
If your home has been damaged by extreme weather or targeted by burglars, you may be facing the prospect of paying out a lot of money to recover lost items and cover repairs. If you’ve got insurance, contact your provider immediately and alert them to the situation. The sooner you can submit a claim, the sooner it can be processed, and you can start rebuilding. If you don’t have insurance, and you’re going to be liable for the cost of repairing any damage, call around local building and restoration firms and get several quotes before you make any decisions. If you can’t afford to do all the work at once, prioritize emergency tasks and tackle additional jobs as and when you have money available.
If an unexpected life event has knocked you for six, there are ways of recovering and rebuilding. Although it’s natural to be very anxious about your finances following an accident, illness or a disaster at home, there is help available. Take a look at your financial situation, seek professional advice and take advantage of programs or benefits that are designed to assist people who are in the same boat as you. It may take time to get back on your feet, but stay positive, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
