If you have been injured in a car accident in California and cannot return to work, you are likely worried about how you’re going to pay your bills or provide for your family. California law provides several options for accident victims to recover lost wages, medical costs, and other forms of compensation. If you’re wondering about your legal options when you can’t work because of a car crash, continue reading and consult with an experienced San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer today.
What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the money that you would have earned from your job but could not because of an injury. Essentially, it is income that you lose out on when you are physically unable to work after an accident. Lost wages can include hourly pay or your salary, but also overtime pay, bonuses, commissions, sick days and vacation time that you had to use, and more. Recovering lost wages is crucial when you are unable to work after an accident.
What Are My Legal Rights if I Can’t Work After a Car Accident in CA?
If you can’t work because of injuries sustained in a car accident, it is crucial that you explore all avenues of compensation. You can recover your lost wages in a variety of ways, including the following.
- File a claim with the at-fault driver: California state law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000 for injury or death to one person and $60,000 for more than one person. If another driver caused your accident, you can pursue a claim under their liability policy and recover compensation for your lost wages.
- Use your own auto insurance: If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or has inadequate coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can pay for your lost wages. File a claim with your own insurance provider, given that you carry the appropriate coverages.
- Apply for disability: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may qualify for State Disability Insurance. This program provides short-term benefits, which include partial wage replacement for up to 52 weeks.
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver: If your insurance claim against the driver does not yield a successful settlement, or they do not have insurance, you can file a lawsuit. Suing allows you to recover compensation not just for lost wages but also medical expenses, a reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
- Workers’ compensation: If you were driving for work-related purposes when the accident occured (like if you are a delivery driver or were traveling for sales, for example), you may qualify for workers’ compensation, a type of no-fault insurance provided through your employer. This includes temporary and permanent disability benefits, which can provide coverage for lost wages.
If you were involved in a car accident and your injuries are severe enough that you cannot work for a period of time or can no longer earn at the same rate that you used to, there are many options available to secure compensation for your losses. For more information, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney today.