Having an accident which impacts on your life is stressful. When you are trying to cover medical costs and need to take time off work to recover, it is important that you know what your financial options are. Personal injury attorneys help people who have been through an accident and now seek recourse from the other person who caused it. Before you meet with a personal injury attorney, there are details you need to gather so the attorney can help you with your case. These posts are all about what accident and personal injury attorneys do, what they need from you, and the different situations where using one is beneficial to your lifestyle.
When a careless driver causes injuries, the effects can be devastating to the victim. Unfortunately, things can go well beyond physical injuries and can negatively affect the victim's bottom line. Read on to learn more about how to cope with missed income due to a vehicle accident.
Don't Count on the Insurance Company
The driver that caused the accident is responsible for paying your damages. If they are insured, that job is passed to their insurance company. While insurers will often readily pay for medical expenses and a vehicle repair, you cannot expect them to cover lost wages. In most cases, you have to force the insurer to cover this area of compensation by taking legal action. You may not have to take them to court, however. In many cases, a personal injury lawyer can "demand" they pay what is owed using a special letter. Lost wages are included with other losses like pain and suffering, medical expenses, transportation needs, and more. Then your lawyer will begin to negotiate with the insurers for a settlement.
Proving Losses
All forms of damage must be proven. For medical treatment expenses, save all statements. For vehicle damage, retain the repair estimate. When it comes to proving lost wages, proof of your earnings is needed. In most cases, your most recent pay statements will suffice. If your earnings are not consistent, use last year's income tax return. Others may need to contact their payroll office and obtain a letter explaining their pay and how much they normally earn. Also, keep records of your missed work dates. Even if you used your paid time-off, note the days. To help you understand what that means, take a look at some common reasons for missing work after an accident:
Career Damage
Some victims suffer far more than just income losses. For some, their career could be impacted in a far more serious manner. If you are a business owner, for example, lost business opportunities could have a lasting effect on future earnings. Others that might suffer from career damage are those with permanent physical disabilities. For example, dancers with leg injuries may find their careers negatively impacted. This category of loss is more difficult to prove and more challenging to be compensated for. Speak to a personal injury lawyer about your job-related losses as soon as possible so you can be paid what you deserve.
For more information, contact a personal injury lawyer today.
Share17 March 2020
