Can I Be Reimbursed for Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Brooklyn?
If you were injured in a car accident in Brooklyn, New York, you may be entitled to reimbursement for the wages you’ve lost while recovering. Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue every dollar you’re owed under state law. Contact us by calling (718) 550-3601 today for a free consultation with a Brooklyn car accident lawyer.
Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients since our founding. That’s the kind of track record of success that can give you peace of mind as your case moves forward.
How Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Brooklyn, NY
A car accident can keep you out of work for a significant period of time, all while you have medical bills and other expenses that are adding up fast. At Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers, our Brooklyn, NY, team can step in and take legal action on your behalf, aiming to recover as much compensation as we can for you.
When you hire us for help, our Brooklyn personal injury lawyers can:
- Document your lost wages using pay stubs, tax records, and employer verification
- File your no-fault PIP claim within the required deadlines
- Determine whether your injuries meet the threshold to pursue a lawsuit beyond no-fault
- Work with financial experts to calculate your future lost earning capacity
- Protect you from attempts by the insurance company to minimize your wage claim
- Negotiate a full settlement that includes all of your lost income
- Take your case to court if the other side won’t pay what you’re owed
We’ve gone toe-to-toe with powerful insurance companies countless times before and are confident we can do the same for you. Call today to get started with a free consultation.
Lost Wage Coverage Through New York’s No-Fault Insurance System
New York is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance is the first place you’ll turn after a crash. Under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, you can receive partial wage replacement regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP covers 80% of your lost earnings, up to a maximum of $2,000 per month. These benefits are available for up to three years from the date of the crash. However, the total payout is capped at your policy limit, which is typically $50,000. That limit covers your medical expenses along with your lost wages, so it can run out quickly if your injuries are serious.
You generally must submit written proof of your lost earnings to the insurance company within 90 days after the work loss is incurred.
Recovering Full Lost Wages Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
New York defines basic economic loss as the first $50,000 in combined qualifying losses, including medical expenses and lost earnings. Economic losses beyond that threshold may be recoverable through a claim against an at-fault party. Unlike non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, recovery of excess economic loss does not require a serious injury
This means that if your income losses go past the $50,000 PIP cap or the $2,000 monthly limit doesn’t come close to replacing what you actually earn, a lawsuit can help you recover the full amount. There is no cap on lost wages in a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
You can also seek compensation for future lost earning capacity if your injuries will limit your ability to work going forward. An economist or vocational expert can help establish what that number looks like based on your age and career trajectory as well as the severity of your injuries.
What Evidence Do I Need To Prove Lost Wages After a Car Accident?
Building a compelling lost wage claim requires solid documentation.
The type of evidence you’ll need depends on your employment situation:
- If you’re a salaried or hourly employee, pay stubs and W-2 forms can show what you were earning before the accident. A letter from your employer confirming your time away from work is also helpful.
- If you’re self-employed, tax returns and business financial records will be key. Contracts or invoices showing expected income during the time you were unable to work can also strengthen your claim.
- In either case, you’ll need medical documentation from your doctor confirming that your injuries prevented you from returning to work during the time period in question.
The insurance company will look for gaps in your proof, so having everything in order from the start gives your claim the best chance of success.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers
Lost wages can be one of the most financially damaging parts of a car accident when the bills don’t stop coming. If you’ve missed time at work because of someone else’s negligence in Brooklyn, NY, Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the wages you’ve lost along with the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact our Brooklyn car accident attorneys today to learn more. We’ll be able to offer you some preliminary legal advice during your free consultation.