A car accident can be a traumatic experience that not only affects you physically and emotionally but also financially. One of the common financial impacts is lost wages.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Here’s how to get the most out of your lost wages claim after a car accident.
Understand the law that applies to lost wages claims
The first step in getting compensated for lost wages is to understand the laws that apply to lost wages claims in your state. The laws vary depending on the state you live in.
For instance, some states have no-fault laws, which means that your insurance company pays for your lost wages, while in other states, the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays for your lost wages.
Therefore, before filing a lost wages claim, you should seek legal advice from a workers compensation lawyer in your state.
Gather all relevant documents
To support your lost wages claim, you need to gather all relevant documents, such as pay stubs, time off records, and medical bills related to the accident. These documents will help you prove the amount of earnings you lost as a result of the accident.
Calculate how much you could have earned
Calculating how much you could have earned if you had not been injured or unable to work is crucial in determining how much compensation you are entitled to.
This calculation is based on your regular income and how many days you were unable to work due to the accident. A professional such as an accountant can assist you in this regard.
Get in touch with an experienced attorney
Filing a lost wages claim after a car accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures. Therefore, it’s recommended that you get in touch with an experienced attorney who specializes in car accident cases.
An attorney from a reputable car accident law firm scottsdale az can guide you through the legal process, help you gather relevant documents, and handle negotiations with insurance companies.
File a claim with your insurance company
In most states, you are required to file a claim with your insurance company first before you can claim for lost wages from any other party. Therefore, you should notify your insurance company about the accident and file a claim for your lost wages and other damages.
For better results, ensure that you have all the necessary documents to support your claim.
Stay organized
It’s advisable to keep all your important documents in one place to help you easily access them when needed. Keep records of all communication with the insurance companies, attorneys, and medical professionals involved in your case. Keep a diary of all your appointments.
This will help you to be more organized in managing your claim, and you can use this record to follow up on your progress.