How To Claim Lost Wages From a Car Accident In PA
There are a lot of ways a car accident can negatively affect your life. From the initial trauma and health toll to the financial burden of medical bills and vehicle repair fees, it can be a lot to deal with.
One consequence of car accidents that people often overlook is the potential for lost wages. If you are injured or lose access to reliable transportation, you may end up missing work. Whether it’s just a day, weeks, or even months, that’s money you don’t have at the exact time when you need it the most.
How do you claim lost wages from a car accident, though? Who can claim? What is the process of claiming lost wages?
The car accident lawyers at Selingo Guagliardo are used to hearing these kinds of questions, as well as many others. That’s why we put together this helpful guide. If you need assistance claiming lost wages from a car accident in PA, schedule an appointment with Selingo Guagliardo today. We will put our expertise to work for you.
Is It Possible To Claim Lost Wages From a Car Accident?
When planning to file a personal injury claim following a car accident, you may be unsure if you are eligible to claim lost wages. Here are a few factors that you should take into consideration before file your claim:
Did you have to take time off from work in order to receive treatment?
Did your injury make it difficult to leave the house or find reliable transportation?
Did your injury inhibit your ability to perform the work your job requires?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be able to receive compensation to recoup any wages you would have otherwise received but ended up losing due to your car accident.
Can Self-Employed Individuals Claim Lost Wages?
Claiming lost wages when you’re employed by another person or company is one thing, but what about individuals who work freelance or who are self-employed? Can they claim lost wages from a car accident?
Yes, actually! Any person who loses income because of a car accident arising from someone else’s negligence can file a personal injury claim. Although it may be more difficult to calculate or show evidence of your lost wages, the fact remains that if your ability to earn was demonstrably limited by your injury, you deserve compensation.
How To Recover Lost Wages From the Other Party
In addition to receiving compensation from the insurance company of whatever party was responsible for your accident, in some cases, you may be able to file for compensation directly from the other party.
These kinds of personal injury cases usually take 1-2 years, with the process being faster if the party at fault has income benefits that can make the process faster. Depending on if you are self-employed or a W-2 worker, your worth and approach may differ. For example, a W-2 worker will need a few documents, including:
A letter from your physician
A letter from your employer
If you are self-employed, you will need the following documents:
Your most recent tax return
Your bank account statements
Any client contracts you have
Your 1099s
Personal injury cases can be difficult and confusing to deal with, not the least because you’re likely still hurting, healing, and under pressure as a result of the accident itself. Claiming lost wages from a car accident can make things even trickier. It pays to have a good lawyer by your side.
The landscape of personal injury law is complicated and dotted with pitfalls that, without professional training and experience, can be hard to navigate. Working with the car accident lawyers at Selingo Guagliardo can help ensure you receive the financial support you deserve, including:
Compensation for your lost wages
Payment for the pain and suffering caused by the accident
Payment for any hospital bills that may result from the accident
Compensation for possible injuries or surgeries
Payment for automobile and other property damages
Payment for any necessary physical therapy treatments
…and more!
Your attorney can also help you with other related legal issues that may arise from the circumstances surrounding your accident, such as insurance coverage disputes.
Call Selingo Guagliardo to Get Yourself a Good Lawyer
A car accident is more than just a disruption in your day-to-day existence; it’s a potentially life-altering event that can have serious consequences for your health, your emotional well-being, and your financial stability.
With the professional attorneys at Selingo Guagliardo by your side, you don’t have to deal with these obstacles on your own. Let us help you shoulder the burden, so you can go forward and get the compensation you deserve.
Call Selingo Guagliardo today. We’re always happy to help.