Determining Lost Wages in a Car Crash Claim

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you may be facing a long list of challenges, from physical injuries to emotional distress and financial stress. One major concern for many individuals is the impact the accident has had on their ability to work and earn a living.

That’s why you may be able to recover your lost wages with a personal injury claim. Let us help you explore your options—call Nowell Law Firm at 864-707-1785.

Why You May Be Entitled to Lost Wages

When you’re involved in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, you might find yourself unable to work, leading to a loss of income. This situation can add financial stress to an already difficult time. The law recognizes the financial impact of such accidents and may allow you to receive compensation for the money you’ve missed out on. 

Lost wages can cover the days you’ve had to take off work, or even the hours you couldn’t put in because of your injuries. It’s essential to keep a detailed record of your work and income before and after the accident. This means saving your pay stubs, noting down any conversations with your employer about taking time off and keeping track of the work days or specific hours you missed. These details will be crucial in proving how the car crash has affected your ability to earn.

What About Lost Future Wages?

When you’re hurt in a car crash and it causes issues with your job, you might also worry about the money you won’t be able to make in the future because of your injuries. This is what we call lost future wages. There are many ways this can become an issue. Imagine, for example, a construction worker who suffers permanent paralysis because of their injuries. 

Their entire career trajectory is now gone, which includes future earnings and future potential promotions. Or think about an executive who makes tough decisions every day and has to develop extensive marketing plans. If they suffer a traumatic brain injury that leaves them unable to navigate workplace stress or focus on the financial details of their work, they could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in income by cutting back or stepping down.

To figure out how much you may have lost in future wages, you’d look at things like how old you are, your job, your education, and where your career was heading. Because this involves a lot of guesswork and math, having a lawyer to help can make a big difference.

Calculating Your Lost Wages Accurately

To figure out your lost wages in a way that’s accurate, start by gathering all your work documents, like your recent paychecks, your tax returns from the last year, and any letters from your boss that talk about your earnings. Consider any extra money you usually make, like bonuses, commissions from sales, or overtime hours that you couldn’t work because of the accident. 

Putting a number on your lost wages means looking at all these factors so you can tell the insurance company or court exactly what you’re owed. This step is crucial for making sure you’re compensated fully for the impact the car crash has had on your ability to earn.

Considerations for Those with Irregular Incomes

For individuals with irregular incomes, such as freelancers, gig workers, or commission-based employees, calculating lost wages is often a daunting task. Unlike traditional employees with steady paychecks, your income may fluctuate significantly from month to month, making it harder to prove the full extent of your lost earnings. The key here is to document your income history as thoroughly as possible. 

Look at your income over the past year or more to find an average monthly or weekly earning. This might involve gathering bank statements, invoices, contracts, and any other records of payment you have. It’s also helpful to note any upcoming contracts or gigs you had lined up that were canceled or postponed due to your injuries from the car crash.

Start Your Claim with Nowell Law Firm

Getting what you deserve after a car accident is hard, but not with the right legal team. Let us help. Reach out to us online or call us at 864-707-1785 to set up a time to meet with our car accident team now.