LOST WAGES AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
In car accident cases, lost wages refers to income that was lost as a result of injuries caused by an automobile accident. Lost wages can be calculated from the time of the accident to the date of the settlement. You would be able to collect payment for wages that you could have earned if you didn’t have to miss work to receive medical care and recover from your accident-related injuries.
Moreover, depending on your case, you may also be able to recover compensation for two different types of damages known as “lost compensation” and “loss of future earning capacity.” Lost compensation refers to all financial benefits that you would have made if it wasn’t for the car crash, while the loss of future earning capacity involves any accident-caused disability that resulted in a diminished ability to work.
COMPENSATION FOR YOUR CASE
After an accident, you can recover lost wages by filing a claim with your auto insurance company or by filing a lawsuit in a severe case.
Insurance Claims
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that you will file a claim with your own car insurance provider after an accident to receive payment for some of your losses regardless of liability. By law, drivers have to purchase full liability car insurance with a minimum of $10K in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. These PIP benefits will cover a portion of your medical bills and lost wages.
The disability benefits in your PIP coverage will pay for 60% of lost income per individual that must be paid at least every two weeks. To request compensation for this portion of your lost wages, you have to submit a “Wage and Salary Verification” form. This document provides proof of your gross wages for 13 weeks before the accident to the insurance company. Some insurance providers might require your doctor to complete a disability form as well if you expect not to work for an extended period of time.
You should wait until your medical treatment is almost done and your condition is stable before filing a claim. Agreeing to a settlement before you know the long-term effects of your injuries may leave you without coverage for future medical expenses. Providing the right documentation for all of your medical bills, lost wages, and verifications required by your insurance will help you get the most money for your injuries.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you have more than $10K in medical bills & lost wages or have sustained permanent damage as a result of your car accident, you might be able to recover additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on your circumstances, compensation could include any out-of-pocket expenses stemming from your accident including lost wages, loss of future income, and lost financial benefits.
CALL 1-800-Injured TODAY
If you are filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, an experienced attorney can help you recover lost wages and get you the maximum compensation for your case. A knowledgeable lawyer will stand up to your haggling insurance company and protect you from unfair adjustment practices. You already have so much on your plate. Let an auto accident lawyer in Miami fight for you so that you can focus on recovery.
Call us today toll-free at 1-800 INJURED to get connected with an experienced personal injury attorney today. We are medical and attorney referral service that works with a network of lawyers dedicated to getting clients the maximum compensation for their injuries. Call us today and get started on the brighter side of justice.