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How to Recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident in South Carolina

Missing work due to car accident injuries is common in South Carolina, leaving victims in a tough spot as they might experience a loss of income during a time of need. This added burden can make an already challenging situation even more difficult.

If you have lost wages due to an injury, our team can assist you in recovering compensation. We can file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, depending on which option is best for your case. Our firm will help you assess the full value of your damages and gather the necessary evidence to prove it. We will make sure to claim for your past lost wages and any future losses your injuries might cause. With access to your medical and employment records, we can provide you with the legal support you need and prove your claim.

Call our South Carolina car accident lawyers at Burriss & Ridgeway today at (803) 855-1040 for a free case assessment.

How You Can Recover Lost Wages After a South Carolina Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, you might be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered, including lost wages due to missed work. However, lost wage damages encompass more than just the income lost due to injury. Our Sumter, SC car accident attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and recover the income you have wrongfully lost. In addition to compensation for missed income, lost wages also include compensation for future time off and loss of future earning potential.

Lost wages are a common component of car accident claims and are typically covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, obtaining lost wages in an at-fault insurance system can be challenging for victims unfamiliar with the process. Accurately assessing your damages is crucial to ensure you receive compensation for any lost income. You might also file a lawsuit against the negligent driver to recover lost wages if necessary.

South Carolina’s At Fault Insurance Rules

Car accidents can be a major setback, causing not only physical injury but also financial distress. In South Carolina, you can file a claim for damages against the at-fault driver’s car insurance if you are involved in a car accident. South Carolina follows a fault-based system for car insurance purposes, meaning that the person responsible for the accident will be held accountable for the damages caused.

If you have suffered lost wages as a result of the accident, you can claim compensation for the same. However, to successfully recover compensation, you must provide the insurance company with substantial evidence that the other driver was at fault and records that show the value of your damages. Several documents can be used to prove your lost wages, including pay stubs and employment records.

It is important to keep in mind that the compensation provided by insurance might not be enough to cover all the costs incurred due to the accident. In such cases, filing a lawsuit might be necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you choose to file a claim or a lawsuit, it is crucial to be aware of what can be claimed as lost wages in South Carolina.

Types of Lost Wages You Can Claim

When it comes to lost wages, there are typically two different categories that victims can claim. The first category is the most commonly known and involves the loss of income due to being unable to work because of injuries sustained. This type of lost income includes time spent away during recovery and time taken off to attend appointments with doctors and lawyers. Proving this type of lost income is usually a straightforward process that can be done with pay stubs and other employment records.

The second category of lost wages is known as “loss of earning potential” and can be more complicated to establish. This type of loss occurs when an individual’s injuries prevent them from returning to work or continuing in their previous capacity. Proving loss of future earning capacity requires expert medical testimony to establish the permanence of the victim’s injuries and their impact on their employment. This can be a challenging process, but ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve is essential.

How Do I Prove I Lost Income After a Car Accident in South Carolina?

If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries resulting in lost wages, you might be wondering how to prove your lost income damages. For most people who are typical employees, proving lost wages is a relatively straightforward process. You will need to provide evidence, such as your pay stubs and records of time off, to show the income you have lost since the accident. Additionally, you will need to provide records that demonstrate your anticipated future lost wages.

Your medical records can also be a crucial source of evidence when establishing lost wages. These records will generally include doctors’ notes that detail your capacity to work and how your injuries will affect your job functions. While there is no definitive list of evidence that can be used to prove lost wages, our experienced lawyers can help ensure that any relevant evidence is gathered and presented effectively in support of your claim.

Can I Recover Lost Future Earnings After a Car Accident in South Carolina?

If you have suffered injuries that prevent you from returning to your previous job or resuming work altogether, you might have a valid claim for loss of future earning capacity. In order to determine the extent of your loss, experts will need to review your case and assess the impact of your injuries on your future employment prospects. Lost future earning capacity is typically calculated by comparing your current income to your pre-injury earnings. If you are currently earning less due to your injuries, you are entitled to recover the difference.

The losses incurred due to loss of future earning capacity are not limited to lost income. Factors such as missed promotions, bonuses, and raises that you might have been entitled to had you not been injured can also be taken into account. Even if you are currently employed, chronic pain resulting from old injuries can significantly affect the type of work you are able to do and the income you can earn. It is therefore important to understand that you can claim these damages even if you are currently working.

Our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

For a free case review, contact our Lexington, SC car accident attorneys at Burriss & Ridgeway at (803) 855-1040.