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Lost wages are among the most significant sources of financial turmoil after suffering injuries in a car crash. If you can prove that your accident-related injuries cause you to miss work and lose income, Oklahoma law allows you to file a claim for the wages you have lost. This claim can include not only lost wages from time you have missed at work during your recovery but also hours or days you miss due to injury-related medical appointments.
The process of calculating current and future lost wages and filing a successful claim can feel intimidating. Working with a skilled Oklahoma car accident attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for what you have lost.
What Types of Lost Wages Might I Be Compensated For?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, you may be eligible for compensation for various types of lost wages. These include regular wages, overtime pay, bonuses, and other forms of income you would have earned had you not been injured. If you used sick days or vacation time during your recovery, you may also be able to claim the value of those days.
How Do I Prove Lost Wages After a Car Accident?
To prove lost wages after an Oklahoma car accident, you’ll need to provide documentation demonstrating your income before the collision and the amount of work you missed due to your injuries. This documentation can include pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms, or 1099 forms if you are self-employed. You may also need a letter from your employer verifying your employment, your regular hours, and the time you missed due to the crash.
Additionally, you will need medical records and doctor notes that link your missed work to your accident-related injuries. Keeping detailed records and working with an experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney can help ensure you have the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Can I Recover Lost Wages If I Am Self-Employed?
If you are self-employed and have been injured in a car crash in Oklahoma, you can still recover lost wages. However, proving lost income may be more complex than for a salaried employee. You will need to provide evidence of your average earnings before the accident, such as tax returns, 1099 forms, invoices, or billing statements.
It may be helpful to gather documentation showing projects or contracts you were working on at the time of the collision and any opportunities you had to turn down due to your injuries. You may also need to demonstrate the time you missed from work due to medical appointments and recovery.
It is essential to keep detailed records of your income and expenses, as well as any correspondence with clients or customers related to your missed work. An experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney can help you gather the proof you need to build your claim.
Can I Be Compensated for Lost Future Earning Capacity?
If your injury results in a permanent or long-term disability, you may be eligible to claim compensation for reduced earning capacity. For example, if you work on the production line in a factory and suffer an injury that makes it physically impossible for you to continue in the same role, you might be forced to take a lower-paying job requiring less physical skill. You may then be eligible to claim the difference between what you would have made in your previous job and what you would make in your new role over the course of your remaining working years.
Reduced earning capacity can be challenging to calculate. An attorney can work with medical and economic experts to help determine how much you may be eligible to claim.
How Long Can It Take to Receive My Lost Wages from a Car Accident?
The time it takes to receive lost wages from a car crash in Oklahoma can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your case, the severity and extent of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle your claim. In some cases, you may be able to recover lost wages relatively quickly through a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer. However, it may take longer to reach a resolution if your case is more complex or the insurance company disputes your claim.
If your case goes to trial, receiving your lost wages could take several months or even years. You need an experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney who can help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can also help you explore options for managing your finances while your case is pending, such as seeking disability benefits or negotiating with creditors.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims requires accident victims to file a lawsuit within two years of the collision date. Anyone who tries to start legal action after this deadline has passed may have their claims dismissed.
Consulting with a knowledgeable Oklahoma personal injury attorney right away after the crash can help ensure you do not miss out on your right to recover compensation. Enlisting the services of an attorney early in the process can also give them enough time to collect evidence before it disappears and interview witnesses while their memories are still fresh.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
The attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law have decades of combined legal experience, so we know what it takes to fight to win. We also understand the financial distress Oklahomans face when car accident injuries prevent them from earning an income. Our compassionate attorneys will do everything possible to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve so you can move forward with dignity. Call us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about how our Oklahoma personal injury attorneys can help you seek lost wages.
