If you were injured in a car accident, you may find yourself unable to return to work as you heal. Unfortunately, the cost of medical bills is often augmented by being unable to continue working for a paycheck. That said, in New Jersey, as long as you can prove that you were injured in your car accident due to another party’s negligence, the financial compensation you may receive in a successful claim can help offset the cost of lost wages. Continue reading and reach out to our Union County car accident lawyers to learn more. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Counts as Lost Wages After a New Jersey Car Accident?
Lost wages refer to income you were unable to earn because your injuries kept you from working. In some situations, compensation may also include reduced earning capacity if your injuries permanently affect your ability to perform your job duties in the future. Examples of lost wage damages may include the following:
- Missed hourly pay or salary
- Lost overtime opportunities
- Missed bonuses or commissions
- Sick days or vacation time used during recovery
- Loss of self-employment income
- Reduced future earning potential
- Missed freelance or contract work
Some injuries heal within a matter of weeks, while others can interfere with employment for months or even years. A construction worker with a back injury, for instance, may be physically unable to return to demanding labor, whereas an office employee with a concussion may struggle to focus or complete daily tasks.
How Do You Prove Lost Wages in a Car Accident Claim?
Insurance companies typically will not simply take your word for it when it comes to lost income. Instead, evidence is usually required to demonstrate both the amount of income lost and the connection between your injuries and your inability to work. Helpful evidence often includes the following:
- Pay stubs from before the accident
- Tax returns or W-2 forms
- Employer verification letters
- Medical records documenting work restrictions
- Doctor’s notes explaining recovery limitations
- Proof of missed shifts or reduced hours
- Business records for self-employed individuals
Can You Recover Future Lost Income in New Jersey?
Yes, in certain situations, accident victims may pursue compensation for future lost income as well. This generally applies when injuries result in long-term disabilities or permanent physical limitations that interfere with a person’s ability to continue working in the same role. A future lost earnings claim may involve the following:
- Reduced work capacity
- Inability to return to a prior profession
- Permanent disability
- Career changes caused by physical restrictions
- Ongoing medical treatment affecting employment
If you have additional questions or you believe you may have a valid car accident claim, our legal team is here to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact The Mark Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation today so we can get started working on your case.
