If a car accident meant that you missed work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Lost wage compensation is available in many states and usually only requires minimal evidence of the time lost. Below are some steps that may assist you in obtaining compensation for missing work due to a car accident.
Become a Record Keeper
The moment you must miss work because of a car accident is also the moment that you should turn into a record keeper. This means that you should document the days and reasons, namely the aspect of the auto accident that prevented you from working, when they occur. If you miss work because you must undergo medical treatment for you injuries, keep copies of all documents and other records created by the physician. File this alongside your records so that you have the information in the same place in the order of occurrence.
Notify Your Employer
While you may find it unnecessary, it may be wise to tell your employer that you are missing work due to being involved in an auto accident. If the accident involved a company automobile or other property, it will put the employer on notice that you were injured on the job. If the accident is uninvolved with your employment, detailing the reasoning behind missing work may 1) prevent you from being fired for missing so much work and 2) put your employer on notice that you are hurt. Your employer will appreciate knowing you are injured so that he may treat you accordingly and not be later subject to a worker’s compensation claim.
Calculate Your Damages
Lost wage damages include all the money you should have earned but did not because you were injured. Note that this does not mean all the money you could have earned. Lost wage calculations are based on the exact amount you earned and lost, not on the money you could have earned. However, if your wages vary depending on the type of job you obtain for a day or two, you might be able to obtain compensation for being unable to obtain these higher-paying positions.
Include Lost Wages in Your Claim
When filing your claim with the insurance company, make sure to include your lost wages as part of the compensation you seek. Most companies will not dispute this request because it is easily verifiable and calculable. However, you cannot receive money you do not request.
Obtain Legal Representation
If you have lost wages due to being injured in a car accident, consider obtaining legal representation for your claim. An attorney will review the facts of your injury and the reasons why you missed work and discuss the reasonableness of a request for compensation for your lost income.
