How to Claim Lost Wages from a Car Accident in California 

When most people are involved in a car accident and don't experience immediate, severe injuries, their primary concern often shifts to the condition of their vehicle—questions like, "How much will repairs cost?" or "Do I need a rental car?" take center stage. However, even if there are no visible cuts or bleeding, injuries can still occur and may not show up right away. Conditions like back and neck pain can take hours or even a full day to emerge. That's why it's crucial to see a doctor after a significant collision, even if you feel fine, to ensure you haven't sustained any hidden injuries.

But what if your injuries are serious and prevent you from working? Do insurance companies cover lost wages? How does one receive compensation for lost income? In this article, we'll break down what a lost wages claim entails and how a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process to recover your losses.

Do Insurance Companies Pay for Lost Wages?

The short answer is yes—but it depends on several factors. Typically, the at-fault party's insurance company is responsible for compensating lost wages, but this is contingent on the details of the insurance policy, or to be more specific—car insurance coverage limits. This is why consulting with a trusted personal injury attorney is essential, as they can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim and receive the compensation you need.

Now, let's discuss how to get lost wages after an accident. Before you can successfully file a claim for lost wages, it's important to build a solid case backed by clear documentation. This process involved a few key steps:

Documentation of your injuries proving that they've prevented you from working.

A written statement from your employer that verifies your salary and missed hours.

Financial statements that reflect your income before the accident, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.

Filing a lost wages claim involves more than just gathering paperwork. Timing and accuracy are critical, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly and within the required deadlines.

How Long Does It Take to Get Lost Wages from a Car Accident?

The timeline for receiving lost wages after a car accident depends on several factors, including how smoothly the claims process goes and whether there are disputes with the insurance company. If the insurance company accepts your claim without issue, the payment can be processed relatively quickly, often within 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the insurance company will review your documentation, including medical records, employer statements, and financial evidence showing the wages you've lost due to your injuries.

However, things can become more complicated if the insurance company disputes any part of your claim or offers a lower settlement than you're entitled to. In such cases, negotiations between your attorney and the insurer will be necessary. This process can add several weeks or even months to the timeline, depending on the insurer's willingness to cooperate and the complexity of the case. Sometimes, the insurance company may argue that the injury isn't severe enough to justify lost wages, or they might challenge the amount of work you missed. In these situations, your attorney will gather additional evidence and negotiate back and forth to secure a fair settlement.

In more extreme cases, if negotiations fail or the insurer denies the claim outright, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit, which can significantly extend the timeline. Court cases can take months or even years to resolve, although many settle before going to trial.

Need an Attorney in North Hollywood or Glendale?

If you've been injured in an accident and are unable to work, contact Yepremyan Law Firm for expert legal guidance. Filing a lost wages claim can be complicated, especially if you're unfamiliar with the necessary steps and documentation. Our personal injury law firm in North Hollywood can handle the details and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call our office today to book a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in North Hollywood or request to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Glendale.

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