If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you may be facing a difficult physical recovery that prevents you from working. When you’re already incurring significant medical expenses, the resulting lack of income can quickly become an emergency. While your required personal injury protection (PIP) will cover most of your medical expenses and a smaller portion of your lost wages from car accident, if your injuries are serious, you could be looking at overwhelming costs and be unsure of how you’ll pay for them.
There’s good news, though. If the other driver was primarily responsible for causing the accident, you can pursue compensation for lost wages by filing a claim against the at-fault driver. A Tampa car accident lawyer can manage the claims process while you focus on healing.
What PIP Covers – and What It Doesn’t
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires drivers involved in accidents to first turn to their own insurance for coverage. The state mandates that all drivers purchase PIP coverage as a condition of registering their vehicles. PIP covers medical expenses and certain financial losses for anyone listed on your policy, regardless of who caused an accident. This means that even if you weren’t at fault, your PIP will be your first source of compensation for injuries. Florida drivers must carry $10,000 in PIP coverage.
After paying 80 percent of reasonable and necessary medical expenses, Florida PIP will pay 60 percent of your lost wages. However, it’s not uncommon for medical expenses and lost income to exceed $10,000, especially in catastrophic car accidents. If your losses exceed your PIP policy limits, you can recover additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
The Process of Filing a Claim for Lost Wages
How much compensation for loss of earnings? Filing a claim for lost wages after a car accident involves several key steps. They can be overwhelming if you’re also trying to recover from your injuries. Before doing anything else, contact a Tampa car accident lawyer. They will manage the process of building your claim. Furthermore, they ensure it makes the strongest possible case on your behalf.
- Document Your Income: Your lawyer will gather evidence of your income before the accident. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, or direct deposit records that show your earnings.
- Collect Medical Records – Next, they’ll obtain medical documentation that outlines your injuries and how they prevent you from working. Your doctor should provide a statement if you’re unable to work and the expected duration of your recovery. Additionally, your attorney may consult an independent medical expert who can testify to the effects of your injuries.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Inform your PIP insurance provider about your claim for lost wages. Provide them with the necessary documents, including proof of income and medical records. Your lawyer can also handle communications with your insurance company to protect against tactics designed to minimize your claim.
- File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer – If your PIP coverage isn’t enough to cover your lost wages, your car accident lawyer can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This includes all necessary supporting documentation to strengthen your case.
What Lost Wages Compensation Can You Recover in an Injury Claim?
When pursuing an injury claim after a car accident, the types of compensation you may recover for lost wages extend beyond just your base salary. If you regularly worked overtime before the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for those additional hours. You may also recover lost bonuses or promotions you missed due to your incapacity to work if you can prove that you were on track to receive them. If you fail to work due to loss of benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, or other employment benefits, you may be able to recover compensation for those losses.
Additionally, if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages. Similarly, suppose your injuries still allow you to work but force you to switch to a lower-paying position. In that case, you may recover compensation for your diminished earning capacity.
How a Tampa Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation for Lost Wages
The process of recovering from a car accident is often stressful and time-consuming. An experienced Tampa car accident lawyer can make your life more manageable. They can significantly improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, they can manage your claim for lost wages against the at-fault driver. Your attorney will:
- Assess the full extent of your lost wages, considering all potential sources of income you’ve missed due to your injuries. This includes regular wages, bonuses, overtime, and other employment benefits.
- Gather evidence, including employment records, medical documents, and expert testimony, to substantiate your claim.
- Negotiate with insurers to minimize your risk of accepting a lowball offer and fight to recover fair compensation for your lost wages.
- Guide you through the entire claims process. They will answer your questions, respond to your concerns, and manage all paperwork and legal deadlines. Also, they allow you to concentrate on healing.
- They will represent you in court if negotiations fail to yield an acceptable settlement offer. They will also leverage their legal knowledge and resources to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand the challenges you face after a devastating car accident. Our firm knows how an injury accident can severely strain your family’s finances. With our years of experience, we are committed to standing up for your rights and fighting to recover the money you need to move forward. Contact us online or call (619) 233-5020 today to get started with a free consultation. Pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We look forward to hearing your story, understanding your situation, and doing our best to help you recover your financial recovery.
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