After a car accident, you might be physically and emotionally hurt. Depending on the circumstances you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for various expenses. For more information on lost future wages and your options after an accident, contact a San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer for assistance.
What Can I Be Compensated for After an Accident?
If you were injured in a car accident there is a chance that you sustained serious injury. Some examples of common injuries caused by a collision include the following.
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Nerve damage
- Broken ribs
- Lacerations
The costs you incur after any of the above injuries can be extreme. The reason that you should sue after an accident is to identify the negligent party and collect compensation to cover certain costs. These costs would not exist if it weren’t for the other person’s recklessness so it is only fair that you are awarded damages to pay for them. Some factors that will contribute to your compensation after an accident can include:
- Medical expenses, e.g. ambulance ride, hospital visit, medication, physical therapy, etc.
- Property damage to your car or anything inside the car that was damaged during the accident
- Emotional and mental anguish including pain and suffering or the development of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
- Loss of income and wages, both past and future
What Are Lost Future Wages?
As established, some injuries can leave you worse for the wear. You may be in the hospital or bedridden for months and unable to return to work. Your absence from work is likely negatively impacting your income. When you miss out on money because of your injuries preventing you from working, it is what is known as lost wages. Lost future wages are the potential wages that you will miss out on because you are unable to return to work for the foreseeable future.
How Are Lost Future Wages Calculated?
If you are already back to work when your claim is being settled then it is easy to be compensated for your past lost wages. You simply calculate how long you were absent from work and how much money you would have made. Lost future wages can be slightly more complex.
To calculate lost future wages a medical professional will evaluate your physical and mental health. They will estimate how long it will take you to make a full recovery based on the extent of your injuries, your age, how your body is reacting to treatment or therapy, etc.
Next, an economic professional will evaluate how much money you will miss out on during this time. They can look at past paychecks, sales commissions, bonuses, and more to get a feel for your average income. It can be difficult to know for sure as there is no telling exactly how the future will go. However, their calculation will be based on real average numbers and must be reasonably accurate.
