Motor vehicle crashes can take a serious toll on one’s finances. Not only can the damaged vehicle require repairs, but bodily injuries may lead to mounting medical expenses. In some cases, injured motorists are unable to work after an accident.

But who pays for lost wages in a car accident case? If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, you might be wondering if insurance compensation is available. Find out what you need to know about wage reimbursement in car accident claims.

How a Car Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC, Supports Injured Clients

Contacting a car accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC, shortly after a crash could be a wise decision for many injured victims. After reviewing the initial case details, attorneys may help clients gather evidence, evaluate damages, and file a claim. If early insurance settlement offers don’t adequately reflect the victim’s losses, lawyers may also conduct negotiations on their client’s behalf.

Car accident cases can be complex and may not always end with successful settlement negotiations. If necessary, lawyers could help their clients file a lawsuit and take the case to court. Whether a case resolves with an early settlement or goes to trial, personal injury lawyers aim to protect their clients’ interests every step of the way.

How To Document Lost Wages for a Personal Injury Case

Before we explain who pays for lost wages in a car accident claim, you should understand how accidents can impact one’s income and how to document lost earnings. Depending on the severity of one’s injuries, a car accident could cause someone to miss a few days of work or have a reduced long-term earning capacity.

Impacted workers may prove and track their lost wages in the following ways:

  • Receive a doctor’s note detailing work restrictions.
  • Use previous tax returns to show their typical earning capacity.
  • Ask employers for letters outlining their work schedule, salary, and confirmed days away from work.
  • Use testimony from a vocational expert about long-term earning potential after an injury.

All of this information may be useful when filing a claim.

Insurance Policies That May Cover Lost Wages Due to Injury

If you ask an attorney who pays for lost wages in a car accident case, their answer could vary. Whereas, in some states, personal injury protection and car insurance policies often handle wage reimbursement and accident settlements, in North Carolina, potential payouts could come from various types of insurance plans, including:

  • Another driver’s liability insurance: Filing a claim against another motorist may lead to their insurer paying for your lost earnings and other damages, depending on policy limits.
  • Your auto insurance: If your personal policy includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, that may be used to cover the funds that another driver’s insurer can’t provide.
  • Workers’ compensation: Delivery drivers who end up in car accidents while working may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover some of their lost wages and medical expenses.
  • Short-term disability: For employers that offer short-term disability benefits, their insurance provider could be the one to cover an injured employee’s lost wages.

What if you were using your phone when you collided with another driver? Fault often determines the eligibility for compensation, impacting who pays for lost wages in a car accident claim. If you were at fault in any way for the accident, you will not be able to pursue damages, according to North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rules.

Exploring the Timeline for Insurance Claims and Settlements

Say your recovery after a car accident keeps you from working for a month. It will take some time for the insurance company to investigate the claim.

If they approve, but you want to negotiate their settlement offer, this can delay the process a bit more. Once both parties reach a settlement agreement, payment is typically available within a few weeks, though timelines may vary. Cases that lead to lawsuits could take even longer to resolve.

Consult an Attorney About Your Personal Injury Claim

Since every situation is different, it may be difficult to determine who pays for lost wages in a car accident case. Consider calling a lawyer if an accident has left you unable to work in some capacity. A legal professional could review the case’s details and assist you during the claims process.

Reach out to Yale Haymond Law PLLC to discuss your case with a qualified Charlotte car accident attorney. Our legal team, led by founding attorney Yale Haymond, has years of experience handling car accident cases and other personal injury claims. To schedule a free consultation, contact our firm at (704) 800-4357.