What to Do If You're Struck by a Commercial Vehicle?

Lost wages, in the context of car accidents, refer to the income you lose due to being unable to work after sustaining an injury. Whether you require hospitalization, experience temporary limitations, or need long-term recovery, any income you would have earned during that period falls under lost wages. This encompasses:

Base salary: This is your regular pay, calculated according to your hourly or salaried rate.
Overtime and bonuses: If you receive regular overtime or performance-based bonuses, these should also be included in your claim.
Commissions and tips: If your income relies heavily on commissions or tips, you can claim the average or projected amount you would have earned during your absence.
Vacation and sick leave: If you’ve used accrued vacation or sick leave due to the accident, their monetary value can be included in your claim.

Here are key points to consider when filing a lost wage claim:

1. Document Your Losses
   

   Keep thorough records of the days you missed work due to the accident, including the dates and hours you weren’t able to work, as well as any supporting documentation from your employer, such as payroll records or doctor’s notes. 

   This will help you and your lawyers calculate the exact amount of wages you lost during the time you were incapable of performing your duties.

   Besides, having thorough documentation of this kind will also serve as evidence of your injuries and suffering, allowing your case to become stronger. Always remember that a strong case relies on the amount of evidence you are able to provide, leaving no room for hesitation when it comes to giving a ruling in your favor.

2. Seek Treatment & Recognition
   
   
   

   On the same note as before, a big part of establishing all your lost wages includes having a proper understanding of your situation, as well as a clear picture of why you were absent from your job. Seeking medical attention immediately after being involved in a car accident is the only way you will get the correct assessment, not only for your health but for your documentation as well. An official doctor’s note can be the difference between winning and losing a personal injury case.

   Similarly, notifying your employer of your situation is also incredibly important, since they will be the ones who can vouch for your absence and the wages you lost due to being injured. The combination of the doctor’s note and the support of your employer is a winning combination that only fails in the rarest of circumstances.

3. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
   
   
   

   This is arguably the most crucial step. Being properly guided through the complicated legal process of personal injury claims is the most essential part of receiving a favorable ruling at the end of your case. 

   Only the most knowledgeable and capable attorneys, like those at Castan, Lecca & Boeschen, are able to achieve compensation for their clients without simply settling for a meager amount offered by liable third parties or insurance companies.

   Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents, their expertise will surely be the trump card in your case. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation for lost wages, material losses, and psychological damages. 

   Castan, Lecca & Boeschen are always here to provide superior results to all those who place their trust in us. Our exceptional lawyers are always on the lookout for the next big win, aiming to bring stability and peace to all the lives that have been affected by car accidents and similar situations.