To claim lost wages after a car accident, you must prove the income you lost directly resulted from your injuries. This involves gathering specific documentation, like pay stubs and a doctor's note, and submitting a demand package to the at-fault driver's insurance company. Success hinges on clear evidence linking your inability to work to the accident.
The cornerstone of your claim is documentation. You need to prove three things: your pre-accident income, that a medical professional deemed you unable to work, and the exact time you missed.
Essential Documents for a Lost Wages Claim:
| Document Type | Purpose & Details |
|---|
| Pay Stubs (Pre-Accident) | Establishes your regular earnings and pay schedule (e.g., hourly, salary). Typically, 2-3 months of stubs are needed. |
| Doctor's Note/Medical Report | The critical link. It must explicitly state you are medically restricted from working and specify the dates of your disability. |
| Employer Verification Letter | A formal letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your missed work dates and that the time was unpaid. |
| Tax Returns (W-2/1099) | Provides verifiable proof of your annual income, especially useful for salaried or self-employed individuals. |
| Disability Forms | Any paperwork from your doctor or insurance company that outlines your work restrictions. |
Start by notifying your employer immediately about the accident and your expected absence. Seek medical attention promptly and explain your job duties to the doctor so they can accurately assess your work capacity. For salaried employees, the calculation is straightforward (salary divided by workdays). For hourly workers, it's hours missed multiplied by your hourly rate. If you're self-employed, you'll need to provide additional proof like invoices, profit and loss statements, and client letters confirming canceled work.
Submit all this documentation as part of your personal injury claim to the at-fault party's insurer. Be prepared for them to scrutinize the connection between your injury and your absence. If your claim is denied or the settlement offer is too low, consulting with a personal injury attorney is a logical next step to protect your financial recovery.
