Are You Entitled to Lost Wages Following a Crash?
When you file suit after a car accident, you are seeking damages. But what exactly are you looking for? While the most obvious type of damages are compensation for medical treatment, another, often overlooked category, is lost wages. If an accident has affected the way in which you are able to make a living, you may be entitled to compensation.
What is Recoverable?
If another person is responsible for the accident you were in, you may be entitled to any income that was lost as a result of your injuries or inability to return to work. This includes the time that you were off of work and the time you must take off to attend doctor’s appointments.
Sick Leave and Vacation
If you were forced to take sick leave or vacation to cover the time you were unable to work, you may be compensated for this as well. Even if you were paid, you are considered to have lost this time due to no fault of your own. In order to be compensated, you must be able to prove that you took the time off as a direct result of your accident and you must be able to show how much money you would have made had you been able to work.
Documenting the amount of money you lost due to your accident is not difficult. In many cases, a letter from your employer, an earnings statement and pay stubs are enough. If you are self-employed, proving lost income is a bit more complicated, but entirely possible provided you keep accurate records.
If you have been involved in a car accident and are wondering if you are entitled to compensation under Austin law, we will be happy to tell you. Please reach out to our offices today for more information. Our personal injury attorneys will provide you with a free case evaluation and give you advice on how to proceed. Call now for assistance or browse our website for more information about our firm.