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Can I Recover Compensation for Dental Injuries After a Car Crash?

Posted on behalf of James Lynch on September 15, 2022  in Car Accident News. Updated on July 12, 2023

woman getting work done on her teeth at the dentistCar accident dental injuries occur more frequently than people think. These injuries are more likely to occur in certain types of crashes, especially collisions when a person’s mouth slams into the steering wheel or some other hard object inside the vehicle.

Most people do not know that their dental bills may also be included as part of the compensation recovered after a crash. You must still be able to link those dental injuries to the collision, though. Our New Jersey car accident lawyers are prepared to help.

We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and build a strong case for compensation. The initial consultation is free, and there are no fees while we work on your case. You only pay us if we win.

COMMON TYPES OF DENTAL INJURIES CAUSED BY CAR ACCIDENTS

Some of the most common dental injuries that can occur in a car crash include:

  • Cracked tooth
  • Loose or dislodged tooth
  • Dental implant damage
  • Lost tooth
  • Oral cavity damage

These ailments often require significant dental repair. Some of the necessary work may include:

  • Dental implants
  • Dentures
  • Crowns
  • Veneers
  • Bridges

In addition to the necessary work, accident victims who suffer dental injuries may also require emergency oral attention or a visit to an oral surgeon. The cost of all these procedures and dental visits can quickly add up.

DOES MY PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION COVER DENTAL INJURIES?

New Jersey drivers are all required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical costs and some other economic damages in the event of an accident. No matter who is at fault. This means PIP should cover the costs of your dental bills.

If your damages, including dental injuries, exceed the limits of your PIP insurance, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. However, the at-fault driver’s insurance is likely going to try and deny liability or try to make a lowball offer that most likely will not cover the full extent of your damages.

You should strongly consider calling one of our attorneys to help you fight back against the insurance company. Accident victims who work with a lawyer are often more likely to recover maximum compensation.

CAN I SUE THE AT-FAULT DRIVER OVER DENTAL INJURIES?

If the liability insurance company refuses to negotiate, your only option to recover compensation may be to file a lawsuit. However, New Jersey law limits an accident victim’s right to sue depending on the type of insurance he or she has.

Drivers who have a standard insurance policy with the unlimited right to sue should not have issues filing a lawsuit. However, a basic insurance policy may prevent an accident victim from filing a lawsuit except in some cases. One of the exceptions is if the victim has suffered a permanent injury.

CAN A DENTAL INJURY BE CONSIDERED A PERMANENT INJURY?

Depending on the severity of a dental injury, it may be considered permanent. For example, if you lost, cracked or broke off part of a tooth, this could be a permanent injury.

It is important to note that a loose denture or crown may not be considered a permanent injury, as it will likely be considered a pre-existing condition.

Generally, a dentist may be able to properly determine whether the injury is permanent. Whether you can sue for this could depend on the fine print of your insurance policy. Having an attorney on your side is very important for this aspect of a case.

WHAT CAN BE USED AS EVIDENCE TO PROVE DENTAL INJURIES?

Just like other types of injuries, your medical records are generally used as evidence for any dental injuries. You should be able to request this information from your dentist’s office. Our attorneys are prepared to help you get the necessary documents. Once you have them, it is important to send them to your attorney and not the insurance company. This is because they will try and look through your records to find a way to deny your claim.

CALL AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Working with an experienced attorney after an accident is important. A lawyer may be able to help you through the legal process so you may focus on recovering.

For decades, the Lynch Law Firm, PC has successfully recovered millions on behalf of our clients.* We are ready to manage the legal process on your behalf. There are also no upfront costs with our services.

Call us today for a free consultation. Ph: (800) 518-0508.

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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