A crash can leave you with injuries that may affect your ability to work. You may be out of your job for days, months or even years, depending on the extent of the injuries you sustained. Life can get quite hard without a source of livelihood.
Fortunately, you can recover missed earnings with a car accident claim. Lost wages are among the damages you may be entitled to after a crash caused by a negligent driver, and they form part of the larger settlement package.
Proving lost wages
Like all other damages, you must prove lost wages to claim compensation for them. First, you need to show how much you were earning before the accident, including potential overtime and other work benefits. Pay stubs, tax filings and statements from your employer can help establish that.
Second, you need medical evidence of your injuries. A doctor’s report detailing the extent of your injuries, how they affect your ability to do your job and the duration you are expected to be out of work will support your claim. Remember, you may be entitled to compensation for lost future wages if you can only work a lower-paying job due to mental or physical limitations caused by your injuries.
Understand how the claims process works
Learning more about the damages you can claim after an accident, such as lost wages, will ensure you do not settle for less. Getting enough compensation may be the only way of undoing the financial losses you suffered from the accident.
Understandably, things can get legally complicated, especially if you do not know what to expect along the way. Therefore, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance if you have any concerns or questions about the claims process.