How Do I Get My Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Washington State?
People who suffer serious injuries in an accident often lose wages while they take time to recover. This is why lost wages should and can be recovered as part of a car accident settlement. When people are in pain and feeling overwhelmed with their injuries, they may wonder, how do I get my lost wages after an accident?
How do I Get My Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Washington State?
The only way to recover lost wages after an accident is by filing a personal injury claim and proving that you lost wages as a result of the injuries you sustained in the accident. This is often easier said than done. A car accident attorney will help you place a value on your lost wages and gather all the documents you need to prove your losses. They will also walk you through the injury claim process, negotiate on your behalf and file a lawsuit, if necessary. If you are struggling to make ends meet as you work on a full recovery, call an accident lawyer for help. You will pay no fees up front or anything if you do not recover; injury lawyers are compensated out of a percentage of the settlement.
What are lost wages?
Let’s backtrack a little to provide some more information about lost wages. First of all, what are they? Lost wages are the wages you would have earned at your job if you had not been injured. Lost wages can vary widely from case to case. Some people end up permanently disabled and never able to work again. Others may need to take a much lower paying job due to their new disabilities. For people with less severe injuries, they may need a few weeks or months off of work while they recover.
Who pays for lost wages?
Typically, lost wages are paid by the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The thing to keep in mind is that insurance companies will do anything they can to get out of paying a settlement or to pay as little as possible. A personal injury attorney is best equipped to handle negotiations for a fair settlement. In cases involving very serious injuries, a personal injury lawsuit may be needed to get the compensation that you deserve.
How are lost wages calculated?
Generally, lost wages are counted from the day you were injured to the day you can return to work. If you are an hourly worker, the amount is calculated by multiplying your pay rate by the amount of work you missed as a result of your injury. If you are compensated by salary, the amount will be calculated by assessing what salary you would have earned during the time you were away from work recovering.
Your car accident lawyer will prove your lost wages by providing the following documents:
- A letter from your doctor that describes your injuries and the required treatment/recovery process as well as how your injuries prevented you from working.
- A letter from your employer confirming that you missed work because of your injuries.
- Pay stubs or some other type of proof of income if you are self-employed.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
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 car 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!
