The injuries and pain suffered in an auto accident can impact your ability to work. You might be entirely unable to work for a while, or possibly forever. And if you can work again, you might need to take a less-demanding job that doesn’t pay as much. This loss of income adds a layer of financial stress to an already difficult situation.
The insurance claim you file after the crash is crucial to getting compensation for lost wages. Your insurance claim must be detailed, specifying both your injuries and the amount of money you stand to lose because of them.
Working with a qualified Texas auto accident lawyer during the claims process is recommended. The lawyer can handle things like:
- Helping you get pay stubs to show your normal level of income before the accident
- Obtaining tax returns showing your pre-accident annual income
- Making sure you get the right documentation from your doctor explaining your work restrictions
Documentation like the above is necessary to make your insurance claim as strong as possible.
Types of Insurance That Help Recoup Lost Wages
Generally speaking, there are two types of Texas auto insurance that cover lost wages:
- Bodily injury liability insurance: This insurance, also known as BI liability coverage, requires the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay for the injured party’s lost wages and medical expenses.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): In Texas, PIP is optional, so you may not have it. But if you do, it can cover lost wages and medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP coverage varies by company, but common policies may cover around 80% of your lost wages.
As personal injury lawyers in Dallas, we always encourage people to purchase PIP coverage. It’s relatively inexpensive and can provide much-needed compensation more easily than other sources.
When you file a PIP claim, you file it with your own insurance company, which is simpler than having to file against the other driver’s company. In addition to covering lost wages, PIP can compensate for transportation and household assistance expenses you might incur due to your injuries.
It’s important to remember that there’s a maximum limit on the total amount PIP will pay, so it may not be able to cover all your needs. If you need more compensation than you can get through insurance, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney can discuss that possibility with you at any point.
Talk to an Attorney About Recovering Lost Wages After a Wreck
The lawyers of Ted B. Lyon & Associates in Dallas fight to obtain full compensation, including lost wages, for our clients. We know how to handle insurance companies that don’t want to pay fairly.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys by calling 877-Ted-Lyon or contact us online anytime.
