Lost Wages Claim After St. Louis Car Accident
In Missouri, proving lost wages after a car accident involves documenting your income and missed work due to the accident. Here's how to strengthen your lost wages claim:
Gather Documentation:
- Paystubs or Employer Records: Obtain copies of your pay stubs or request a wage verification letter from your employer. This verifies your hourly or salary rate and regular work hours.
- Tax Returns: Your past two to three years of tax returns can solidify your income history and earning potential.
- Medical Records: Medical records from your doctor will document the accident, injuries sustained, and any medical limitations preventing you from working (if applicable).
- Leave Request/Approval Documentation: If you filed formal leave requests with your employer due to the accident and received approval, include copies in your claim file.
Self-Employed Individuals:
For self-employed individuals, proving lost wages requires different documentation:
- Tax Returns: Tax returns from previous years are crucial to establish your average income.
- Business Records: Profit and loss statements, income statements, and business bank statements can help demonstrate your typical earnings.
- Client Contracts/Correspondence: If applicable, contracts or email correspondence with clients can support your claim for lost income due to missed work.
Additional Tips:
- Calculate Lost Wages: Accurately calculate the amount of income you lost due to the accident. Multiply your missed workdays by your daily or weekly pay rate.
- Benefits: If you missed out on benefits like paid time off or health insurance due to the accident, factor those into your lost wages claim.
- Future Earnings: In severe injury cases, you might be able to claim compensation for future lost wages due to permanent disability. A lawyer can help navigate this aspect of the claim.
Considering a Lawyer:
While you can manage a lost wage claim yourself, a personal injury lawyer experienced in Missouri law can significantly strengthen your case. They can:
- Gather Evidence: A lawyer can assist you in obtaining all the necessary documentation to support your claim.
- Negotiate with Insurance: Insurance companies might try to downplay your lost wages. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Complexities: If your case involves permanent disability or complex calculations of future lost earnings, a lawyer can provide valuable guidance.
Remember, Missouri operates under a "pure comparative negligence" system. This means any fault you share in the accident will reduce your compensation proportionally.