how to claim lost wages from car accident

Learn How to Claim Lost Wages in a Car Accident in Maine

A pressing concern for many people involved in a car accident is the sudden loss of income—paychecks that stop while bills continue to pile up.

Whether your injuries or other accident-related circumstances prevent you from returning to work or force you to take time off, navigating the process of claiming lost wages due to a car accident can feel overwhelming.

At Mann Law, LLC, we recognize that lost wages are more than just numbers. They are the difference between feeling secure and struggling to make ends meet.

As a firm led by a former insurance defense attorney, we know the tactics insurers use to downplay or deny claims.

Our goal is to guide you through this process with the compassion and expertise necessary to help you recover your losses and put your mind at ease.

In Maine, the process can seem complex, but with the proper guidance, you can recover the wages you lost after an accident. Contact us today to get started. 

What Are Lost Wages Due to a Car Accident?

Lost wages due to a car accident refers to the income you would have earned if you had not been forced to miss work after your accident.

This income includes regular wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and benefits. For self-employed workers, it can also encompass lost profits or contracts.

The key is proving that the accident directly affected your income and ability to work. An experienced car accident attorney at Mann Law can help you establish your losses, collect evidence to support your claim, and build a strong case in your favor.

Who Pays for Lost Wages in a Car Accident?

One of the first questions people have after an accident is, who pays for lost wages in a car accident? In Maine, the answer can depend on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage you have and the accident specifics.

If your insurance policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, the plan may cover a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, policies typically limit the amount you can claim under PIP.

If the other driver was at fault, you might also seek compensation from their insurance company. Having a legal team like Mann Law, who understands the ins and outs of insurance defense, can make a significant difference.

Our experience on both sides of the negotiation table means we know how to approach insurers to secure fair client settlements.

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

Another common question clients have is, How long does it take to get lost wages from a car accident? The time it takes to receive compensation varies based on your case facts, the insurance companies’ cooperation, and whether you have legal representation.

Generally, if you’re dealing with your insurer under PIP coverage, the process is quicker—usually within 30 to 60 days, provided you submit all necessary documentation promptly.

However, claiming lost wages from the at-fault driver’s insurance may take longer, especially if it disputes liability or the claim amount.

At Mann Law, we guide our clients through this process with empathy and efficiency, ensuring all paperwork is in order and submitted correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.

We do our best to help you secure the resolution you need quickly.

Can You Claim Lost Wages from a Car Accident Without Injury?

Another common query is whether you can seek lost wages from a car accident without injury. While it’s more common to claim lost wages when an injury prevents you from working, there are scenarios where you might still have grounds for a claim.

For instance, when a car accident damages your vehicle, prohibiting you from reaching your place of employment, or similarly, when a car accident results in you having to attend medical evaluations or repair appointments, causing you to miss work.

Additionally, the time you spend dealing with insurance claims or legal consultations and not working may qualify as lost wages. At Mann Law, we explore every possible avenue for compensation to support your recovery.

Rest assured, we will fight to safeguard your interests and ensure you walk away with the resolution you need to cover your time and wage losses.

What Steps Should I Take to Claim Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and cannot work, claiming lost wages can help you recover the income you lost during your recovery.

However, it’s essential to act quickly and follow correct procedures. To successfully claim lost wages, follow these steps:

  • Inform your employer you’ve been in a car accident and of any related time you may need to take off;
  • Obtain written confirmation detailing the hours you missed and the wages you lost;
  • Collect all relevant documentation, including medical records, a police report, pay stubs, tax returns (if self-employed), and any correspondence with your employer;
  • Contact your insurer to file a claim and include all required documents; and
  • If another driver was at fault, consider negotiating with their insurer.

This process can be complex, but working with a skilled attorney at Mann Law can help you secure a fair settlement.

An experienced car accident attorney can make a huge difference in navigating the claims’ procedure, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Mann Law, LLC: A Different Kind of Law Firm

At Mann Law, LLC, we aren’t just attorneys. Like you, we are humans who understand a car accident amounts to enormous emotional and financial stress.

We strive to be more than just your legal representatives; we aim to be your trusted advisors, offering personalized and compassionate service.

Moreover, our over 50 years of combined experience and unique familiarity with insurance defense allow us to anticipate insurers’ tactics to minimize payouts and use this knowledge to your advantage.

From the moment we take on your case, we’re in it together with you every step of the way.

But don’t just take our word for it; this unwavering dedication has earned us some of the highest distinctions in the field, such as a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo, Super Lawyer status, and recognition as a Rising Star.

Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us fight for a just resolution.

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Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.