In California, there were 55,771 police-reported vehicle accidents in 2022. Of those accidents, 6,843 resulted in a fatality or a severe injury.
If you were in a vehicle accident caused by the negligent behavior of another person or party, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other expenses that you would not have otherwise incurred.
Injuries from a vehicle accident can be costly and painful, but you may also find yourself missing work due to a car accident, which only increases the amount of debt you find yourself in.
Depending on what you have been through, you may be unable to work for an extended time, have to make permanent adjustments to your work, or be completely disabled and incapable of working.
In any of these circumstances, you may find yourself wondering if you can prove and recover the loss of wages due to a car accident.
Below, the California car accident lawyers at Wells Call Injury Lawyers go over the details of lost wages after a car accident. If you have questions, please contact us today.
How to Claim Lost Wages from a Car Accident
Generally, a claim for lost wages from a car accident covers the earnings you would have received from working had you not been injured in the accident.
This type of claim is valid for injuries that, in fact, prevent an injured car accident victim from working.
There are multiple situations where you may receive compensation for lost earnings, including:
- Lost wages for the time you were temporarily unable to work;
- Lost earning capacity caused by a long-term disability that prevents you from doing a job that allows you to earn the same wage you did before the car accident; and
- Lost opportunities to advance in your career or attend a job interview due to your injury.
The amount of lost wages due to a car accident that each person is entitled to is based largely on your salary before the accident and the amount of time you have missed work or will miss work because of your injury.
How to Prove Loss of Wages Due to a Car Accident
It is important to gather as much relevant documentation as possible to demonstrate that your injury has prevented you from working and how much money you would have made had the car accident not occurred.
Whether negotiating an insurance settlement or filing a lawsuit, you will need the following evidence.
Proof of Injury
A medical professional will need to verify the extent of your injuries and that those injuries have prevented you from returning to work.
It should detail the prognosis and when (if at all) you can return to work and in what capacity. Gather records of all medical treatments and expenses.
Proof of Wages
Assuming they were not involved in the accident, your employer is not liable to cover the cost of your missing work due to a car accident.
Your employer should provide a letter verifying that you missed work because of injuries related to the accident. Proof of your income will also be required.
Get in Contact with a Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we understand how hard it can be to move forward after a serious injury.
Many injury victims who should be focused on healing find themselves worried about how they will make ends meet while unable to work.
We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients, and we are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.