Claiming Lost Wages After a Car Accident

Even after a minor car accident, it’s common for someone to experience financial loss due to missed workdays. It’s hard for anybody to really prepare for the unplanned loss of their car, having to take time off of work, paying for medical treatments, or scheduling car repairs. However, it is possible for you to get compensation by claiming loss of wages due to a car accident by filing a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.

In order to do so, you must provide documentation of the lost income that was caused by the accident. This documentation will include pay stubs, tax returns, and other relevant financial records.

It’s also critically important to seek medical attention quickly and keep a record of all medical expenses, because this can be considered in the calculation of lost wages. You deserve to be reimbursed for any income you lost after your car accident. By working with an experienced attorney at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC you can increase your chances of getting compensated for your lost wages and any other damages that resulted from the car accident.

Providing Proof of Lost Income: What Documentation Do You Need?

Getting fairly compensated for income you’ve lost after a car accident won’t happen unless you have evidence to back up your loss. You should be ready to provide the following four types of documentation to your lawyer:

1. Pay stubs or other evidence of your regular income
2. Tax returns or other financial statements that demonstrate your income level
3. Employment records from your employer showing the time you missed from work due to the accident
4. Medical records supporting your claim you were unable to work due to injuries sustained in the car accident

A qualified personal injury attorney can help you collect and organize this information and present a strong case for compensation. By providing this detailed documentation, you can increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your lost income and any other damages that resulted from the accident.

How Can I Calculate Lost Wages?

Calculating lost wages after a car accident in Arizona can be a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of your pre-accident income and the amount of time you were unable to work due to the accident.

To calculate lost wages:

• Determine your average weekly earnings before the accident. You can do this by looking at your pay stubs or tax returns.
• Calculate the number of workdays you missed as a result of the accident and multiply that by your daily rate of pay.
• If you were unable to work for an extended period, you may need to add in any lost bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation (sick days, PTO, etc.).
• You may also need to factor in any future lost earning potential if you’re unable to return to work due to the injuries sustained in the car accident.

To support your lost wages claim, your attorney can help you get a written letter from your employer showing:

• The days you missed from work because of your injury
• Your hourly pay/salary at the time of the injury
• Any overtime typically worked before the injury
• Any promotion you were being considered for that is no longer available
• Any lost prizes for work performance (vacations, tickets to shows, sporting games, etc.)
• Sick, bonus, and vacation days you used while recovering

As you can see, calculating lost income can get a bit tricky, but getting lost wages from a car accident can be easier when you work with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can help make sure all relevant factors are taken into account and you receive fair compensation.

What if I am a Freelancer or Do Not Work on a Set Income?

Those that are self-employed have the same right to claim loss of earnings after a car accident as anyone else. Proof of income for self-employed individuals can include:

• Deposits made to your business bank account
• Profit and loss statements before and after the accident
• Previous tax returns showing growth and/or income consistency
• Signed contracts from your clients
• Invoices and receipts

If your lost income is substantial, you may need a forensic accountant to review prior income and predict future income. Lastly, if you lost potential customers when you were injured, you can include copies of any correspondence to prove that loss.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Car Accident Attorney

At Brown & Hobkirk PLLC we have more than 20 years of experience helping clients with claiming wages lost due to car accidents. When you’re ready, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

We provide personal injury legal services to clients throughout Arizona in our conveniently located offices in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Peoria, Chandler, and Tucson.