Car accidents are traumatic events that can turn lives upside down in an instant. The physical pain and emotional distress are often compounded by financial concerns, especially if the injury prevents a family income earner from working at all or can no longer work in career feild after car accident. The sudden loss of income can make it difficult to cover everyday expenses, let alone mounting medical bills. The stress can be overwhelming for both the injured person and their family, who are left wondering how they will manage financially during this difficult time.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident because of the negligence of another, it’s important to discuss your legal rights with an experienced local car accident attorney. A personal injury lawyer will assess all damages in your case, including lost wages and lost earning capacity and build a case to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Fighting for Compensation for Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
A personal injury lawyer plays an important role in ensuring that the injured party receives compensation for lost wages. This includes several steps:
- Calculating lost wages. A car accident lawyer will gather evidence of lost income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and statements from the employer.
- Assessing future earning capacity. If the injury affects the plaintiff’s ability to work in the future, their injury lawyer will work with medical and vocational experts to estimate the impact on earning capacity. This can be crucial for securing compensation that reflects the long-term financial loss caused by the accident.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies typically try to offer the minimum possible payout. A skilled lawyer will negotiate on the plaintiff’s behalf to ensure they receive a fair settlement that covers lost wages and future earnings.
Deferring Medical Bills Until Settlement
One of the immediate concerns after an accident is how to pay for medical treatment. Personal injury lawyers can help alleviate this burden in several ways:
- Medical liens. A personal injury lawyer can arrange for medical providers to treat patients with a pending personal injury claim on a lien basis. This means the providers agree to wait for payment until the case is settled.
- Negotiating with creditors. A personal injury attorney can also negotiate with medical providers and other creditors to defer all bills or set up manageable payment plans until a settlement is received.
- Ensuring comprehensive coverage. By meticulously documenting your medical expenses and treatments, personal injury attorneys try to make sure that all medical bills are included in the settlement, so the plaintiff is not left with out-of-pocket expenses.
Additional Financial Support Options
Besides working with a personal injury lawyer, consider exploring these options to manage your finances:
- Short-term disability insurance. Short-term disability insurance can provide partial income replacement for those who have coverage.
- Government assistance programs. Programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be available to those who become permanently disabled because of their injuries.
- Community resources. Local charities and non-profits sometimes offer financial assistance to those in need due to unforeseen circumstances such as disability after car accident no longer work at same job.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. A personal injury lawyer can be a powerful advocate, helping you secure the compensation you need to cover lost wages and medical bills. By taking legal action, you can focus on your recovery, knowing that your financial future is being protected.
Seek the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!