What If I Can’t Work After a Car Accident in Ohio?

What Happens If You Can’t Work Following a Car Accident

If you were injured in the accident, your stress is just beginning. Medical treatment is expensive, and if you can’t work, you are probably seriously worried about your finances.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our experienced Ohio car accident attorneys can help you navigate your options and work to recover all the compensation you are entitled to under the law. Car accidents leave you vulnerable, especially if you can’t work. Let us answer your questions, file the paperwork, and demand what’s right.

Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to discuss your next steps during a free, no-risk consultation.

Compensation for Your Lost Income

If you suffer an injury in a car accident that prevents you from working, your insurance company may pay for your lost wages. Receiving lost wages usually depends on your injury and your insurance company. But there are several categories of reimbursement you may qualify for.

Lost Wages

Lost wages are what you would have been paid during the time you were unable to work. For example, if you broke your leg and couldn’t work for six months, you may be entitled to six months’ pay that you would have been paid if your leg had been healthy.

Lost Earning Capacity

Lost earning capacity refers to money you lost out on because your injuries prevented you from making as much as you did before. This is usually seen after a severe injury that led to a long-term disability. For example, if you broke your leg and were forced to use a wheelchair for the rest of your life, your ability to earn as much as you did before is reduced. Therefore, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost earning capacity.

Lost Opportunities

If your injury costs you an opportunity for employment or payment, you may be entitled to compensation for that too. This happens to independent contractors or people who work on commission after suffering an injury. In addition, if you missed a job interview due to your injury, you may be reimbursed for those potential earnings.

Call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation about your Ohio work-related car accident compensation.

Will Insurance Cover Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

If you can’t work after a car accident, the following insurance coverage plans may compensate you for wages or earning opportunities you lost:

Liability Bodily Injury Coverage

If your accident occurred because of another driver’s negligence, you might be able to use their at-fault liability coverage to submit a claim for your lost wages.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you’re injured by an uninsured or inadequately covered driver, and you have uninsured or underinsured coverage, you may be compensated through that policy.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage

Required in some states, personal injury plans will pay for injuries and lost wages up to the policy limit. It is important to note that personal injury protection coverage pays you even if the accident was your fault.

Make sure to check with your insurance agent or car accident attorney for other ways to recover damages for lost wages and opportunities.

What if You’re Injured While Driving for Your Employer

Workplace vehicle accidents are more common than you think. Whether you were in a company vehicle or driving your personal car while on the clock, your ability to recover compensation for your lost income will depend on various factors. These include whether you were driving within the scope of your employment, who’ at fault for the accident, and what insurance policies apply.

For instance, if you were injured while driving a company vehicle, you may be entitled to your lost wages through a worker’s compensation claim or your employer’s insurance coverage. However, if you are injured in car accident in your personal vehicle, you may have to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

How to Get Compensated if You Can’t Work

If you missed work due to an injury caused by someone else, here are some things you should do to ensure you are properly compensated.

• Physician’s Report – You need a report from your doctor acknowledging that your injury prevented you from working. The report should detail your injury and how long it prevented you from working. The report should also include any treatments, prescriptions, and medical bills. Also, check if your insurance company has a report your doctor should fill out.
• Employer Report – You also need your employer to verify that you missed work due to your injuries. Depending on your field of work, this could be a schedule of shifts or access to your tax returns.
• Police Report – Finally, you must provide a copy of the Ohio police report of your accident. This should include at least a preliminary mention of any injuries, which will provide a foundation for your claims.

Steps to Take to Recover Lost Income after a Car Crash

1. Get a Doctor’s Report: A medical evaluation that clearly ties your injury to your inability to work is essential. Ask your doctor to include all restrictions, treatments, and expected recovery timelines.
2. Employer Verification: Have your employer confirm your absence and lost income through official payroll records, tax returns, or scheduling documentation.
3. Police Report: A formal Ohio crash report helps establish the connection between your injuries and the accident, creating the foundation for your claim.

How Do I Prove That I Couldn’t Work Due to My Injury?

You’ll need documentation from both your doctor and your employer. A physician’s statement should explain your work restrictions, and your employer should confirm the time you missed and your typical earnings.

Can Independent Contractors or Self-Employed Workers Recover Lost Income?

Independent workers can recover lost earnings, but documentation is crucial. Tax returns, 1099 forms, and client communications can help substantiate your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wage Loss Claim in Ohio?

In Ohio, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, wage loss documentation should be collected early, as insurers often dispute these claims without solid evidence.

How Is Lost Income Calculated After a Car Accident?

Lost income is typically calculated using your average weekly wage multiplied by the number of workdays you missed due to your injuries. For salaried employees, it’s based on your annual income, while hourly workers and contractors may need to show recent pay stubs, tax returns, or 1099 forms. Documentation from a physician and employer is critical to support the claim.

What If I Have to Change Jobs Because of My Injuries?

If your injuries force you to take a lower-paying job or leave your field entirely, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of earning capacity. This covers the difference between your pre-accident income and your new reduced earnings. A vocational expert may be used to assess how your injuries impact your future employment potential.

Can I Recover Lost PTO After the Accident?

You may be reimbursed for their value if you used paid time off (PTO), sick days, or vacation days because of your injury. These benefits are considered part of your lost wages, as you would not have used them if the accident had not occurred.

Can I Recover Future Lost Income If I Can’t Return to My Career?

If your injury results in a permanent disability that limits your future earning potential, you may be entitled to future lost wages. This requires medical evidence and often expert testimony to estimate the income you’ll lose over time due to your condition.

Can I Work Part-Time and Get Compensation for Lost Wages?

If you return to part-time work but still earn less than you did before the accident, you may recover the difference in lost wages. This is considered partial lost income, and it’s important to maintain accurate records of your pre- and post-accident income levels.

Do I Need an Attorney to Recover Lost Wages After a Crash?

While not legally required, working with an attorney significantly increases your chance of recovering the full value of your lost wages. Insurers often undervalue or dispute wage loss claims, especially when self-employment, partial disability, or long-term income loss is involved.

Speak with KNR About What You Deserve

Not being able to work, under any circumstances, can place you in duress. If a car accident injury is keeping you from earning money, you may feel helpless. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we know what to do.

Our offices are conveniently located throughout Ohio, including in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. As one of the largest personal injury firms in the state, we have fought for injured Ohioans for over 15 years and know how to get results.

If you are now hurt and out of work after a car crash, call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation. We don’t earn a fee unless you recover.