Being involved in a car accident can leave you with severe wounds, both physical and emotional. If the accident was not your fault, understanding your legal rights to compensation for the various costs associated with your injuries is crucial to ensure you are protected and fairly compensated. If you are concerned with whether or not you can recover lost wages if you can’t work because of your injuries, read on and consult with a skillful San Mateo County, California car accident lawyer.
Can I Recover Lost Wages if I Can’t Work Because of My Car Accident?
An extremely concerning but often overlooked consequence of a car accident is the inability to work due to injuries sustained during the crash. Depending on the details of your situation you may be able to recover lost wages if you can’t go to work after a car accident.
If the accident was caused by another individual’s negligence or reckless behavior, you can collect compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Loss of income is one of many damages that you may be entitled to after an auto accident.
How Can I Collect Compensation for Lost Wages?
If the other driver caused the car accident and your injury you generally have two legal options available to you: an insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
You may be able to recover lost wages by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. You will be required to prove that the driver caused the accident and that the crash directly led to your inability to work. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured you may be able to collect some compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage (UMC).
You may also have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable driver. If the other party was at fault for your accident and injuries you could seek compensation for a wide range of damages including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. To win your case you need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent and that their behavior directly caused your injuries and inability to work.
Regardless of the legal action you are taking to recover lost wages, evidence is crucial to establish your case and be awarded compensation. Effective evidence will include the following.
- Medical documentation detailing your injuries, the severity, how they limit your mobility or other functions, etc.
- Verification from your employer detailing the amount of work you missed and the income you would have received during this time
- Proof of income before the accident like tax returns or pay stubs
- Expert testimony from medical and economic professionals
For help gathering and presenting evidence in your case, work with a skilled attorney at the Law Office of Allister R. Liao, P.C.
