Determining Lost Wages in a Car Crash Claim

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be facing both painful physical injuries and significant financial losses due to lost wages. Determining the amount of lost wages you are entitled to can help you advocate for yourself more effectively with the insurance company, but how do you do that?

We can help. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, we help victims of Pittsburgh car accidents pursue fair compensation. Give us a call at 866-565-4949 to find out how we can help you.

The Basics of Lost Wages in Personal Injury Claims

When you’re injured in a car accident and can’t work, you may worry about how you’ll pay your bills when you’re unexpectedly taken off the schedule. This is where claiming lost wages comes in. Lost wages are the money you would’ve earned from your job if the accident hadn’t kept you from working. To start, it’s critical to gather any documents that show you were out of work because of your injuries. This includes things like notes from your doctor or a letter from your employer.

In some cases, lost wages claims are more complex. For example, if you suffer catastrophic injuries that permanently impact your ability to work, you may also be looking for compensation for future lost wages.

Documenting Your Lost Wages Accurately

To make sure you document your lost wages accurately, it’s essential to keep a detailed record. Start by marking down the exact dates and times you couldn’t work because of the accident. Don’t forget to account for partial days, such as days you had to leave your shift early due to pain or an accident-related doctor’s appointment.

Gathering this information might seem like a lot, but it’s vital for making sure you’re fairly compensated. It helps to create a clear picture of your financial losses for the insurance companies or the court.

Calculating Lost Wages for Different Employment Types

When figuring out your lost wages after a car accident, the approach can change based on how you earn your money. If you’re on a salary, calculating lost wages generally involves figuring out what your hourly rate would be based on your average work schedule and multiplying from there. For people who earn an hourly wage, the calculation involves multiplying your hourly rate by the number of hours you were unable to work due to your injuries. Those who fall into the latter category must also account for overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a week.

For those who are self-employed, the process gets a bit more intricate. You’ll need to show what your average earnings were before the accident and how those earnings have dipped since you were injured. You may want to provide proof of canceled jobs, jobs you had to pay others to complete, and contracts you lost due to your injury.

Navigating Challenges in Proving Lost Wages

Navigating the hurdles of demonstrating your lost wages after a car accident can feel daunting, particularly if your income isn’t steady or you’re your own boss. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to question the amount you claim you’ve lost, which can slow down the process of getting the money you need. To tackle these obstacles head-on, having comprehensive documentation is key. You’ll want to collect and organize all possible evidence that backs up your claim—this includes your tax returns, bank statements, and any other financial paperwork that paints a clear picture of your earnings before and after the accident.

In instances where proving your lost wages becomes a steep hill to climb, reaching out for legal guidance can be very helpful. Remember, insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible. This may mean disputing the amount of lost wages you’ve claimed or attempting not to pay out for hours covered by vacation and sick pay—even though your sick and vacation hours were intended to be used at your discretion. An attorney can help you fight back against these tactics.

Discuss Your Case with the Team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman

Wondering what your next step is after a Pittsburgh car accident? Let’s talk about your options. Call our team at 877-565-4949 or send us a message online to schedule a consultation.