Can I Be Reimbursed for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

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Car accidents in Chicago, Illinois, can cause significant injuries and damages. Auto accident victims may experience a loss of income while they recover from their injuries. Lost wages can cause financial hardships for the victim and their family.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers help you recover compensation for lost wages and other damages you incur because of an accident. Our legal team has decades of experience handling car accident cases.

Contact our law firm at (312) 929 2884 to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago car accident attorneys.

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How Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured In a Car Accident

The liability insurance company for the other driver is not interested in paying you a fair amount for your accident claim. Therefore, you need to prepare to fight for every dollar you are owed. Hiring an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer makes the fight easier for you.

Our legal team at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers handles all aspects of your car accident case. We use our considerable resources to build a solid case of fault and liability against the party who caused the car crash. Our attorneys protect you from unfair insurance tactics intended to undervalue your damages.

When you hire our award-winning legal team, you can trust that we will:

Investigate the car accident to determine how the crash happened and who is at fault for the accident
Gather evidence proving the other parties are at fault, including working with expert witnesses when necessary
Document damages to calculate how much your car accident case is worth
File insurance claims and aggressively pursue settlements that compensate you fully for damages
File a lawsuit and take your case to court, if needed

You are not alone. Our legal team at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers is here to provide advice, support, and guidance when you need trusted legal counsel. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago, IL.

What Counts as Lost Wages for a Chicago Car Accident Claim?

Lost wages are not limited to wages themselves in the context of a car accident claim. It also includes any income and benefits you lose because of the car accident and your injuries. A claim for lost wages includes, but is not limited to:

Wages and salaries
Overtime pay
Commissions
Paid vacation and sick leave
Bonuses
Income for a second job or freelance work
Paid time off
Other benefits related to income

If you sustain a permanent disability or impairment, you could also receive compensation for future lost wages, including diminished earning capacity. You have the burden of proving that your injury prevents you from working or reduces the amount you can earn compared to your pre-injury income.

What Evidence Is Used To Prove Lost Wage Claims After a Car Accident in Chicago, IL?

You must prove how much you would have earned had you been able to work. Evidence that helps prove your claim includes:

Medical records detailing the extent of your injuries
Testimony from medical specialists explaining how your injuries prevent you from working
A statement from your employer verifying your income and the compensation you would have earned if you had been at work
Copies of tax returns, W2s, 1099s, pay stubs, and other income statements

If you claim diminished earning capacity or future lost wages, you must have evidence proving how much you would have earned had you worked. Typically, you need economists and financial experts to provide an analysis of what you would have earned pre-injury versus what you could earn post-injury.

How Much Is My Lost Wage Claim Worth in Chicago, Illinois?

Numerous factors impact how much you receive for a lost wage claim. The actual amount of lost wages and salaries is usually the value of a lost wage claim.

However, permanent impairments and disabilities complicate the calculations. Experts must estimate how much you would have earned had you not been injured. Factors that impact the future loss of income include:

Age and general health
Anticipated retirement age
Occupation or career
Potential for career advancement
Education
Skills and experience
Anticipated rate of inflation

Illinois law for comparative fault can also impact the amount you receive for lost wages. The victim’s level of fault can reduce economic and non-economic damages for the cause of the car accident.

If you are partially at fault for causing the car accident, you cannot receive the total of your damages. For example, suppose a jury awards you $500,000 for damages, but the jurors say that you are 10% at fault for causing the accident. Your compensation would be reduced by 10% or $50,000 in that case.

Insurance companies shift blame to avoid paying lost wages and other damages. If they can prove you were more than 51% to blame, the court could bar you from receiving any money for your claim. Therefore, it is in your best interest to talk with a Chicago car accident lawyer before you talk to an insurance adjuster about your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Car Accident Law Firm

It is vital that you receive the maximum compensation available for your car accident claim. The settlement helps you get back on your feet after a tragic accident. It also helps pay for ongoing expenses if you sustain a permanent impairment.

Contact our office at (312) 929 2884 to schedule a free case review with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney.

Our legal team handles all types of car accidents, including: