As an experienced car accident lawyer, I have seen many clients struggle with the financial impact of being unable to work after a car accident. It's a common concern for those who have been injured in a car accident - how will they support themselves and their families while they recover? The good news is that in most cases, you can claim for lost wages through your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company. When another driver is responsible for causing a car accident that results in your injuries, their auto insurance company is typically responsible for covering your loss of income. This is because most auto insurance policies include coverage for bodily injury. It's important to file a claim for lost wages as soon as possible, as this can help you receive the compensation you deserve. But what if you're self-employed? In this case, proving your losses may be a bit more challenging.
As an independent contractor, your income may fluctuate, making it harder to determine the exact amount of lost wages. To successfully claim for lost wages, you will need to gather documents and evidence that not only show that you've lost income, but also how much you've lost due to your injury. If you are unable to work or lose work due to a car accident, you can file a claim for lost wages with your insurance company. In some states, such as Oklahoma, you may also be able to file with the other driver's insurance if they are at fault. In some cases, you may even need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in order to receive the compensation you deserve.
While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is considered no-fault insurance, you will still need to prove that your injuries from the car accident prevented you from working. If this is the case, you may be able to recover compensation for the difference between what you are currently earning and what you would have earned if you had not been injured in the car accident. For example, if you are unable to work for a few days, you may only lose the wages for those specific days. However, it's important to note that like with lost income claims, you will need to provide evidence of the amount of wages you have lost due to your injuries. If your PIP insurance provider denies your claim or refuses to pay the correct amount for a loss of wage claim, it may be necessary to seek the help of a car accident lawyer. Being unable to work after a car accident or losing your job due to accident injuries can turn your life upside down.
If this happens to you, there are three key things you will need to do in order to recover compensation for lost wages. However, it's important to keep in mind that each person's injuries and work situation is unique, so it can be difficult to give a definitive answer as to whether or not you should take time off work after a car accident. To get a better understanding of your specific case, it's best to contact an accredited Clearwater car accident lawyer who can help you navigate any potential defenses to contributory fault claims. In addition to claiming for lost wages, you may also be eligible for compensation for loss of earning capacity. This is applicable if you can prove that your injuries from the accident have prevented you from obtaining a job that would allow you to earn the same amount of money as before.
For example, if your recovery time is expected to be weeks or months, you may be at risk of losing your job due to missing work because of the car accident.
