Recovering Compensation for Lost Wages After a Pittsburgh Car Accident
In a personal injury claim, the term “lost wages” refers to the income you miss out on because you’re unable to work. This can include your regular salary, hourly wages, and even potential overtime. It’s important to recognize that lost wages are not limited to just what you earn. They can also encompass bonuses, commissions, and any other earnings you would have reasonably expected to receive during your recovery period.
Proper calculation of your lost earnings can help you demand fair and full compensation. Learn more now by calling Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 412-391-9860.
Legal Grounds for Compensation
In Pennsylvania, you have the right to seek compensation for lost wages if you are injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. The legal foundation for this right is based on the principle of making the injured party whole again.
To strengthen your claim, you must provide thorough documentation and evidence. Essential documents include pay stubs, tax returns, and medical records that illustrate your injuries and their impact on your ability to work. Additionally, a statement from your employer detailing your regular hours and the time you’ve been unable to work can be invaluable.
Timeliness in gathering and submitting these documents is crucial. Delays can complicate your claim and may result in lower compensation or a denial. The clearer and more organized your documentation, the stronger your case will be.
You should also consider the potential for other forms of income loss, such as missed bonuses, commissions, or freelance opportunities. Any earnings you would have reasonably expected to receive during your recovery period can be included in your claim.
How to Calculate Lost Wages
To calculate lost earnings in a Pittsburgh car crash case, you need to be accurate and thorough. For salaried employees, start by determining your daily wage. Divide your annual salary by the number of workdays in a year, which is typically around 260 days (52 weeks multiplied by five days per week). Multiply the daily wage by the number of days you missed due to the accident. For example, if you earn $52,000 annually, your daily wage is $200. If you missed 20 days of work, your lost wages would be $4,000.
| Lost Wages Calculation Step | Details |
| Determine daily wage | Annual salary divided by number of workdays in a year (260 days) |
| Example: Annual salary | $52,000 |
| Example: Daily wage | $200 |
| Multiply daily wage by days missed | Daily wage multiplied by number of days missed due to accident |
| Example: Days missed | 20 days |
| Example: Lost wages | $4,000 |
For hourly workers, the process is straightforward. Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you couldn’t work because of your injuries. If you make $15 an hour and miss 100 hours of work, your lost wages would amount to $1,500.
Self-employed individuals have a more complex calculation. You will need to review past income tax returns, invoices, and any records that show lost business opportunities. For instance, if you normally earn $5,000 a month and you couldn’t work for two months, your lost wages would be $10,000. Gathering and organizing all relevant financial documents is crucial to support your claim. You’ll also need to consider seasonal fluctuations in your work if you have a busy season.
Don’t forget to include other types of income you might have missed, such as bonuses or commissions.
Accurately calculating lost wages is a critical step in your compensation claim. The more detailed and organized your documentation, the stronger your case will be when you present it to the insurance company or in court.
Preparing for Negotiations
After calculating your lost wages, the next step is to begin negotiating with the insurance company. While you can technically approach this step on your own, many victims find it far easier to work through it with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies are notorious for failing to pay victims what they are owed after an injury, and that extends to lost wages. If you approach the insurance company on your own and attempt to negotiate, you could harm your case and give them ammunition to use against you.
This makes your attorney’s work much harder if you then seek legal assistance. Instead, consider reaching out to a lawyer right away to handle negotiations and other aspects of your claim. After calculating your lost wages, the next step is to begin negotiating with the insurance company. While it’s possible to handle this step yourself, it’s generally advisable to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies are known for their reluctance to adequately compensate victims for their losses, including lost wages.
Attempting to negotiate with the insurance company on your own can be detrimental to your case. You may inadvertently provide them with information they can use against you, making it more difficult for an attorney to assist you later. By reaching out to a lawyer early on, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will have the experience and expertise to effectively negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They will understand the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize payouts and will be prepared to counter them. Additionally, your attorney will be able to gather evidence to support your claim for lost wages and present it in a compelling manner.
Key Points to Remember:
- Negotiating with insurance companies can be complex and challenging.
- Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to victims.
- Attempting to negotiate on your own can harm your case.
- A personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
- Seek legal assistance early in the process to ensure the best possible outcome.
We’re Here to Help—Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman
The team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman is here to help you after your Pittsburgh area auto accident. Let’s talk about your injuries and next steps—call us at 412-391-9860 or get in touch with us online.
