Being involved in a car accident can be financially overwhelming. The cost of a car accident, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, and unexpected expenses pile up, leaving many people unable to afford time off for recovery. For most, taking weeks or even days away from work simply isn’t an option. The pressure to maintain an income forces many accident victims back to work while still dealing with pain and injury. But does continuing to work mean you can’t file a personal injury claim? Fortunately, the answer is no.
If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own and need help pursuing a personal injury claim while you continue working, contact an experienced local car accident attorney. They can evaluate your situation, help you understand your rights, and build a strong case to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve, whether or not you’re back on the job.
I Can’t Be Out of Work After an Accident, Can I Still Sue?
Many accident victims worry that if they can manage to work, it will seem as though they weren’t seriously injured. However, returning to work doesn’t mean you’re not hurting or that your injuries don’t impact your life. You shouldn’t have to choose between supporting yourself financially and seeking the compensation you deserve.
For some, it’s simply not an option to stop working during recovery so they push through the pain and maintain employment. The good news is that you can still pursue a personal injury claim if you continue to work after an accident. You may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. There is no set timeline for returning to work after being injured, and going back to work does not affect the validity of your accident claim.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Builds Your Case
A personal injury lawyer understands the unique challenges you face when continuing to work after an accident. They will gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate the impact your injuries have had on your life, even if you are still employed.
Here’s how a lawyer can help build your case:
Medical Documentation
Medical records are the foundation of a personal injury claim. Your attorney will collect reports, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans that detail your injuries and their long-term effects. These documents will show the extent of your condition and that you’re still recovering, despite your return to work.
Expert Testimony
A personal injury lawyer may work with medical professionals who can testify about the nature of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work and function in your daily life. Even if you’re physically present at your job, an expert witness can confirm that you are working through pain or are limited in the type of work you can perform.
Lost Earning Capacity
Continuing to work may mean you haven’t missed a paycheck, but that doesn’t mean your earning capacity hasn’t been affected. Your lawyer will assess whether your injuries have impacted your ability to take on the same responsibilities or work the same number of hours. You may have had to reduce your workload or take a lower-paying position due to your injury, and this lost earning potential can be factored into your claim.
Daily Impact of Injuries
Pain and suffering go beyond medical bills and lost wages. If your injuries have caused ongoing discomfort, restricted your movement, or affected your quality of life, a personal injury lawyer will ensure these factors are included in your claim. They’ll build a case to show how your daily activities, including work, are still impacted by the accident.
You Deserve Compensation, Even If You Keep Working
It’s not easy to balance recovery and work after a car accident. Many accident victims feel pressure to keep earning a paycheck, but that doesn’t mean you should have to forego the compensation you’re owed. With the right legal representation, you can recover damages for medical bills, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering—even while you continue working.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision 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!
