Can I Get Reimbursed for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident in Spokane, you may not be able to go back to work right away. You may be out for several weeks, or even several months if the accident was severe. In some cases, individuals are permanently disabled and can either no longer do the same type of work they were able to before the accident or they are no longer able to work at all. Not receiving a paycheck while you’re recovering from a devastating car crash can cause your family great financial distress. This is particularly true if you were the primary wage earner in your household. Here’s what you need to know about getting compensation for lost wages after a motor vehicle collision.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Your own insurance may have a clause that allows for partial reimbursement of your wages in the event of an accident. Check your policy documentation or contact your insurance company and ask what your policy allows.

Don’t Accept a Settlement Too Soon

When families are in financial distress after an accident, it can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer. When bills are piling up, it can be difficult to say no to a check that could be written to you in a few days. However, it’s important to understand that once you accept a settlement, you are waiving your right to any future claims. If your treatment is not yet finished, accepting a settlement too soon could be a big mistake. For example, you may find out later that you are permanently disabled and won’t be able to work again. If you’ve already accepted a settlement offer, you may not be able to pursue compensation for your disability.

Hire a Forensic Accountant

In wage loss cases, it’s important to hire a forensic accountant. There’s much more to calculating lost wages than just taking into account average weekly pay. Bonuses, benefits, future potential raises, future promotions, and more should also be figured in. It’s essential to know not only the pay you are missing out on now but also what pay you would have likely missed out on in the future.

Contact Albrecht Law

At Albrecht Law we fight for our clients to get the full and fair compensation they deserve after being injured in a car accident. Let us help you get reimbursed for your lost wages. Contact us today.