What Should I Do if a Car Accident Causes Me to Miss Work?
You can claim compensation after a car accident in CA, including any wages you missed after taking time off from work.
After a car accident, it can take a long time to fully recover from your injuries. You may have to take time off of work so that you can attend doctors’ appointments and get the rest you need to get better. Missing work is stressful for many people. You may not have paid sick time or vacation time available. You may worry that your employer will not keep your job for you at all.
When an accident is not your fault, you should not have to lose out on your income just because you have to miss work. Our Murrieta car accident lawyer can help you claim the full damages you need, including those for lost income.
Pursuing Lost Wages in a Car Accident Claim
Car accident claims are intended to help accident victims when another person’s negligence, or carelessness, caused a crash. You can file a claim against the negligent driver for your lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Although you can file a claim on your own, it is never recommended that you do. A lawyer will review the facts of your case and help you claim the maximum damages you deserve. For example, while you may know you can claim your lost wages, a lawyer will also help you pursue bonuses, benefits, and vacation pay you may have also lost.
Recovering Damages for Sick Pay
Some employers offer paid sick days to their employees. You may think that if you have access to these benefits, you cannot file a claim for your lost wages. Your sick days, after all, are there to make up your lost wages. However, you should not have to pay anything for someone else’s negligence. That includes losing the sick pay you have accumulated. Within your claim, you can recover damages for sick pay so you are returned to the financial position you were in prior to the crash.
Proving Lost Wages
When filing a claim, you must prove that your injuries were so serious, they caused you to miss work. This is usually done using medical evidence. You will also have to prove that you actually took time off from work. To do this, you will need evidence, which may include:
- Pay stubs
- An employment letter from your employer outlining your request for time off
- W2s and other tax forms
- Income tax returns
- Union contracts, if applicable
- The sick day and vacation day policy of your employer
Making sure you have strong evidence will help ensure you recover the full damages to which you are entitled.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Murrieta Today
Regardless of whether you have an employer or if you are self-employed, our Murrieta car accident lawyer can assist with your claim. At Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, our experienced attorneys will review the facts of your case and help you claim all of your lost wages, benefits, and more. Call us today at 951-816-3435 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.