Car accidents can have all sorts of impacts on those involved. From potential hospital time to being away from work, the aftermath can uproot lives. If your injuries were severe, you likely had to take time from work to recover. A lost wages claim can help you alleviate the financial burden and stress of an accident. Learn more about lost wages claims and how they can apply in your situation.
Types of Wages That Can Be Claimed After a Car Accident
Various types of wages can be claimed by filing for lost wages after a car accident. These include regular earnings in addition to unique or miscellaneous earnings. Examples of types of wages that can be claimed include:
- Salary/Hourly Wages
- Vacation/Sick/Other PTO
- Retirement Benefits
- Health Benefits
- Bonuses/Overtime/Commission/Tips
- Raises/Promotions
- Stock Options
An important thing to keep in mind is that if you would have earned a specific type of compensation through work if you hadn’t been injured, you can likely receive compensation for it. An experienced car accident attorney can discuss your options and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.
Proving Lost Wages Due to a Car Accident
To claim lost wages, you must successfully provide proof of the income you lost due to the car accident. Many documents can be used to prove your case. Examples of them include:
- Medical Records: These records should provide insight into the extent of your injuries and how they affected your ability to work. Medical records are invaluable because they provide a connection between your injuries and the lost wages.
- Employer Documentation: Your employer can provide a letter or statement that details the time you missed from work, the position you hold, and your rate of pay if you are paid hourly or your yearly salary if you are salaried.
- Pay Stubs or Tax Returns: Recent pay stubs or tax returns can demonstrate your usual earnings and be used to calculate the amount of lost income. Those who are self-employed can compile business records, invoices, and financial statements to serve as evidence.
- Work Schedules: Work schedules or project timelines can demonstrate the period you were unable to work and how it affected your day-to-day workflow.
- Documentation of Overtime and Bonuses: If you are someone who regularly earned overtime pay or bonuses, provide records or documentation that show how your earnings would have been impacted due to the time away as a result of your injuries.
How to Make a Lost Wages Claim
A major aspect of making a claim involves collecting all of the necessary documentation and making sure it gets to where it needs to go. This may include medical records, proof of employment, pay stubs, and other relevant evidence.
Once all of the documents are compiled, the claim needs to be submitted to the insurance company.
It’s important to work with an attorney throughout this process. Insurance companies may try to lowball you and offer you a low settlement in the hopes that you will accept. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accident claims can ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Oftentimes, you likely also need to file a car accident claim which can account for any lost wages in the total settlement amount.
Learn more about filing a car accident claim in our blog.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation?
The time it takes to receive compensation can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case. This can range from weeks to months to years even.
Simple claims with clear evidence are usually processed much more quickly while complex cases that involve disputes or extensive documentation can take longer.
At the same time, you also need to consider negotiations or any legal proceedings that need to occur before a settlement is reached. If negotiations are necessary, you’re extending the timeline by however long it takes to reach an agreement. In some scenarios, a claim may need to be taken to court which can take several months or years to resolve depending on the details of the case and the availability of the court’s schedule.
Finally, even after everything has been decided upon, you may still be waiting on the speed of the insurance company and how long they take to process the claim.
Generally, you can expect a straightforward, simple case to be resolved much quicker than a complicated one.
Get a Trusted Car Accident Attorney on Your Side
Navigating the process of claiming lost wages after a car accident can be complex, confusing, and time-consuming. A trusted attorney can provide invaluable assistance in this difficult time.
The car accident lawyers at DM Injury Law will assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and even take the claim to court all on your behalf. Our team has over a century of collective experience fighting for the rights of those who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are facing loss of income as a result, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for professional help. With the right legal support, you can confidently navigate the claims process and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.