Can You Claim for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

It can take a lot of time for things to feel normal again after a car accident. Particularly if it has impacted your work life in any way. If you`ve been in a car accident and feel your life has been turned upside down, luckily there are some actions you can take to regain that sense of stability. If your work has been impacted in any way due to the aftermath of a car accident, you may be able to claim lost wages.

What are Lost Wages?

Lost wages are essentially the money you have missed out on earning after a car accident. There are various ways that you may have missed out on wages due to a car accident.



Injuries, such as a broken arm, that caused you to miss work are one of the many possible circumstances of claiming lost wages. Perhaps you broke your arm and were unable to work for weeks due to this.

You can also file a claim for aggravation of preexisting injuries with sufficient evidence that the car accident is what caused it. With sufficient evidence, you can also file for psychological injuries caused by the car accident. For instance, if you got PTSD as a direct result of it, you can file a claim.

Maybe you`ve been feeling hopeless about all that missed work. Perhaps you`re even faced with the decision to rent or buy a new car after the accident. Luckily, claiming for lost wages is your first step to recovering from this setback. There is the possibility to claim lost earning capacity or lost compensation.

Lost Earning Capacity and Lost Compensation

While these terms are both related to lost wages, it may be useful to know the difference. Lost earning capacity is generally more long-term, as it refers to any disability you may have gotten due to the accident.

Lost compensation is any finances you would have earned over a period of time after the accident, but didn`t due to any short-term injuries. The processes of filing for lost earning capacity and lost compensation are slightly different due to the need to predict how different future earnings would have been regarding lost earning capacity.

Hiring a Lawyer to Help You Recover Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity

Now you`ve decided to take the leap and claim what you owe. Just as important as knowing what you should claim for is which lawyer you work with.

You want someone with experience and who you can rely on. Munley`s car accident lawyer will work with you each step of the way. Having recovered over $1 billion in compensation, you will be in good hands.

Important Records to Keep

As you work with your lawyer, it`s important to maintain certain documents.

  1. Ask for a copy of the accident report. The information included from the police will help your insurance company determine who`s at fault for the accident.
  2. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. It`s important that they have the knowledge that you`ve been in an accident, even if you were not the person at fault.
  3. Gather paystubs leading up to the accident, and keep your paystub following the accident for comparison.
  4. Keep track of all medical records following the accident and ensure you make it to all appointments.

Take Your Next Step Today

Now that you have the knowledge needed to file a claim for lost wages, it`s time to take action. Whether you`ve sustained a short or long-term injury, you may be entitled to compensation for everything that you`ve gone through as a direct result of the accident. Ensure you maintain all necessary records and contact your lawyer today!