After a car accident, recovering from injuries is just one part of the challenge. The other major concern is lost wages. When you’re injured and unable to work, it can strain your finances. Good Guys Injury Law is here to help you recover the lost income you deserve.
In many cases, the insurance company can help cover your lost wages. You may also have other options like personal injury claims or workers’ compensation. Getting compensation for lost wages requires the right steps.
Gather medical records, income documents, and any other relevant evidence. We’ll guide you through this process to make sure you’re paid fairly for the time you missed from work.
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Who Pays for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, several parties may pay for your lost wages. It depends on the details of the accident, who is at fault, and what type of coverage you have. Here’s who might be responsible:
Your Own Auto Insurance (Personal Injury Protection or MedPay)
If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay through your auto insurance policy, these coverages can help pay for your lost wages. These benefits are especially useful if you don’t have access to workers’ compensation or the other driver is uninsured.
PIP generally covers a portion of your lost income while you recover from car accident injuries. However, the amount will depend on your policy limits. Be sure to check with your insurance company to confirm how much is covered.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance (Liability Coverage)
If the other driver was at fault in the auto accident, their liability coverage might pay for your lost wages. However, this depends on whether the other driver has sufficient insurance to cover the costs.
If the other driver’s insurance company accepts liability, they will compensate you for lost income due to the accident. You may also be able to negotiate a higher payment if your lost wages are more than what is offered initially. An experienced car accident attorney can help you with this process.
Workers’ Compensation (If You Were Driving for Work)
If you were driving for work at the time of the car accident, workers’ compensation may cover your lost wages. In this case, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance will pay for medical expenses and the wages you missed.
This is especially true if the car accident occurred during business hours or while performing work-related duties. Your workers’ compensation benefits will provide compensation for lost earning capacity due to the accident. Make sure to report the accident to your employer as soon as possible to start the process.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If your auto insurance or the other driver’s insurance doesn’t fully cover your lost wages, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. This option allows you to seek financial compensation for your lost income through the court system.
In a personal injury claim, you can recover both medical bills and lost wages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit and fight for the full amount you deserve.
What Counts as Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the income you lose due to being unable to work after a car accident. If the accident leaves you injured and unable to perform your job duties, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income.
You can include the wages you miss from your regular job, whether you’re salaried or paid by the hour. If you’re unable to work for a period of time due to physical injury, this is considered lost wages. You can also include overtime pay, bonuses, and any commissions you would have earned if you hadn’t missed work.
If your injury affects your ability to return to your previous role, and you have to take a lower-paying job, you can also claim compensation for the difference in pay. This is often referred to as lost earning capacity. Any job-related training or education you miss due to the injury can also contribute to your lost wages.
In cases where the injury is severe and affects your long-term ability to work, disability benefits may also be a part of your claim for lost wages.
How to File a Lost Wages Claim
If you’ve lost income due to a car accident, it’s essential to file a claim for lost wages. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:
Gather Evidence of Income Loss
To claim lost wages, you’ll need to prove how much money you’ve lost. Gather documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records. If you are self-employed, include business records that document your earnings.
For hourly workers, you can provide hourly wage information along with the hours you missed. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case for recovering lost income will be. Keep track of all missed workdays and document any other financial losses, such as missed overtime or bonuses.
Get Medical Documentation
Your medical records are essential for proving your injury and the need for time off from work. Make sure to keep all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and reports that show the severity of your physical injury.
These documents will demonstrate why you were unable to work and help calculate your lost wages. The more thorough your medical documentation, the better your chances of securing the compensation you’re entitled to.
File a Claim with the Insurance Company
Once you have all the relevant evidence, file your car accident claim with the insurance company. Provide them with your medical records, proof of lost income, and any other relevant documentation.
The insurance company will review your claim and decide how much compensation you’re entitled to for lost wages. Be sure to stay on top of the process and follow up regularly with the insurance provider to ensure they are processing your claim in a timely manner.
Appeal If Your Claim Is Denied
If your insurance company denies your claim for lost wages, don’t give up. You can appeal the decision. Review the reason for the denial and see if you can provide more evidence or correct any mistakes. If needed, consult with a car accident attorney to help with the appeals process.
Having an attorney on your side can help ensure that the insurance company properly evaluates your claim and provides the compensation you deserve.
How Long Does It Take to Recover Lost Wages?
The amount of time it takes to recover your lost wages after a car accident can vary depending on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the type of insurance you’re working with, and whether there are any disputes or complications in your case.
Generally, if your claim is straightforward, you could receive compensation for your lost income within a few weeks to a couple of months. However, if there are issues with the claim, such as a dispute over liability or the extent of your injuries, the process may take longer.
In some cases, you might need to go through the appeals process or even file a personal injury lawsuit, which could extend the time it takes to recover lost wages. To speed up the process, make sure you submit all required documents and respond to any requests from the insurance company quickly.
If you’re unsure about how long the process will take or if it’s being delayed, consider reaching out to a car accident attorney to help you get the compensation as soon as possible.
FAQs
How do I prove lost wages from a car accident?
To prove lost wages, you’ll need to provide evidence of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employment records. You can also document any missed hours, overtime, or bonuses you would have earned if the accident hadn’t prevented you from working.
How does the insurance company calculate lost wages?
The insurance company will calculate lost wages based on your hourly wage, salary, or business income if you’re self-employed. They will also consider the number of days you missed from work and, if applicable, any more severe injuries that might keep you from returning to your job for an extended period.
Can I file a car insurance claim for lost wages after a car accident?
Yes, if your auto insurance policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay, these benefits can help cover lost wages. If the other driver is at fault, their liability coverage may also cover lost income.
What if my car accident claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Check the reason for the denial and provide more evidence if needed. A car accident attorney can help you prove lost wages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How long does it take to get my lost wages after filing a car accident claim?
The time it takes depends on your case. If everything is straightforward, you may receive compensation quickly. However, if there are disputes, especially in cases of more severe injuries, it may take longer. Work closely with your insurance company or attorney to speed up the process.
Injured? Our Utah Car Accident attorney is here to help you.
Call Our Utah Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
If you’re struggling to recover lost wages after a car accident, Good Guys Injury Law is here to help. Our personal injury lawyers specialize in helping clients get the compensation they deserve for their lost income. Whether your claim is being delayed or denied, or you need help calculating lost wages, our team can guide you through every step of the process.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore all your options for recovering lost wages. If you are dealing with severe injuries that prevent you from working, we can help you understand your rights and fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies or employers take advantage of your situation. Contact us today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer and start the process of getting your lost wages back.
