The roads in Florida can be dangerous, and, unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents occur all too often. If you get into a motor vehicle accident, it’s essential to know what rights you have and how to seek lost wages that may come as a result of the incident.
Lost wages: What they are
Lost wages are the wages you would have earned following your accident through the point in time whne you can return to work. This includes wages from your current job or other jobs you may have taken during this period, minus any earnings you are able to make in some other way, which may include “light duty” work (work that is not physically demanding). In addition, if you had planned trips or events where you would have earned money, such as a speaking engagement or a performance, you could be eligible for lost wages due to your inability to attend.
Seeking lost wages after a motor vehicle accident
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after a motor vehicle accident, it’s essential to:
Gather all the necessary evidence
After the motor vehicle accident, make sure to record all relevant details, such as contact information for witnesses, photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, any visble physical damage to your body, and a police report, which will help support your claim. Other documents like medical bills, do-not-work or light-duty only doctor orders, prescription information, and repair or rental car receipts should also be gathered. This will help provide proof of the financial impact of the accident.
Contact an Attorney and Do Not Speak with any Insurance Companies
After getting the medical attention you need, the next thing you should do is contact an attorney. You should contact an attornmey before you speak with any insurance company representatives. An attorney will inform you of all your rights and obligations and will protect you. Once you choose and hire an attorney, he or she will make contact with the party responsible for your injuries and with your insurance company. Your attorney will investigate and determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation.
Calculate your lost wages
You will need to provide evidence of the wages you earned before and would have earned after the accident. This could include expense reports, tax forms, pay stubs, employment contracts and wage and salary verification forms completed by your emplolyer. These documents will detail what you earned before the accident and how much you lost afterward. Depending on how badly you are injured, as well as if and when you are able to return to work and earn what you were earning before the accident, you may also be entitled to recover lost future wages.
By understanding these steps, you can ensure you get the compensation you deserve after a motor vehicle accident. While it’s never ideal to be in such an unfortunate situation, contacting an attorney before you conact any insurance companies will ensure your rights are protected and you receive the money you are entitled to.