Were you injured in a car accident in Clearwater, Florida? One of the most pressing concerns many victims face is lost income due to time away from work. Fortunately, you may be entitled to reimbursement for lost income through a personal injury claim.
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Clearwater car accident lawyers will help you fight for every dollar you’re entitled to under the law. We have decades of experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients.
Call our law firm today at (727) 493-4418 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Clearwater car accident attorneys.
How Winters & Yonker Can Help With a Lost Wages Claim After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL
Lost wages create additional stress while you’re trying to heal. Losing your source of income — even temporarily — can put your financial stability at risk.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t make it easy to get compensation for lost wages. They often dispute how much time off was necessary or whether your injuries prevented you from working. At Winters & Yonker, we understand these tactics and know how to fight back.
When you choose our Clearwater, Florida legal team, we’ll put decades of combined experience behind your claim. We’ll investigate the accident to determine who’s at fault, work with experts to strengthen your case, and work to maximize the value of your damages.
We’re here to guide you through every step of your injury claim and ensure you aren’t left covering costs out of pocket. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Clearwater car accident attorney.
Understanding Your Right to Lost Wages in Florida
After a car crash, Florida law allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Lost wages fall into the category of economic damages, which are intended to compensate you for financial losses related to the accident.
Economic damages include:
- Wages you missed while recovering
- Loss of future earning potential (if your ability to work is impacted long-term)
- Employment benefits such as commissions, bonuses, or paid time off
- Missed freelance or self-employment income
Even if you used sick leave or vacation days to bridge the gap, you can pursue reimbursement for that time.
How Do I Prove Lost Wages After a Car Crash in Clearwater?
Insurance companies require extensive documentation before they’ll consider paying for lost income.
You’ll typically need to demonstrate two key things:
- That your injuries prevented you from working
- The specific amount of income you lost as a result
Our legal team will help you gather the evidence you need, which may include:
- A wage verification form from your employer (showing your recent pay history)
- Documentation of hours or days missed
- Doctor’s notes confirming that your injuries required time off work
- Medical records
- Tax returns, 1099s, and profit-loss statements for self-employed individuals
The more detailed your records, the stronger your case will be. We’ll help you gather all the necessary documentation to prove that you lost substantial income due to your crash.
Who Pays for Lost Wages in a Florida Car Accident Case?
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own car insurance, i.e., your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, is your first source of compensation, regardless of who caused the crash.
Your PIP policy covers:
- Up to 60% of your lost wages
- Medical expenses, up to your policy limits
However, basic coverage is capped at $10,000 for both medical and wage-related losses. Many accident victims find that this amount runs out quickly, especially if they’ve sustained serious injuries or cannot work for an extended period.
If your injuries qualify as serious under Florida law, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This opens the door to recovering full damages for your lost income, along with other losses like pain and suffering and medical bills.
What Types of Injuries Commonly Result in Missed Work?
Almost any injury can interfere with your ability to earn a living.
Some of the most common crash injuries that lead to lost wages include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Burns
- Amputations
- Joint or nerve damage
- Severe back pain
- Paralysis
You don’t need to be permanently disabled to have a valid lost wage claim. If you missed work for weeks or even days, you’re still entitled to pursue compensation.
What Types of Accidents Can Qualify?
Winters & Yonker helps clients recover lost wages in all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including those involving:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Intersection accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run crashes
- Drunk driving collisions
- Distracted driving accidents
Our car accident attorneys in Clearwater will investigate your accident and identify every potential source of compensation to recover your lost income.
Contact Our Clearwater Car Accident Attorneys for Help Recovering Lost Wages
After a Florida collision, you only have two years to take legal action to recover lost wages. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to seek lost wages entirely. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you get full compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients. Call our office today to learn more about how we can help you move forward after your crash.
