A rideshare accident can be devastating, especially when the victim loses their ability to work and earn a living. If you are a survivor of a rideshare accident and are unable to work due to the injury sustained from the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your lost wages.
Lost wages refer to the income you would have earned if the accident had not occurred. This includes hourly wages, bonuses and commissions, overtime pay, sick leave, or income gained as self-employed.
Keep in mind that before proving the loss of your wages, you must have both proper documentation and a clear demonstration of how the accident has affected your ability to work. If you are at a loss on how to go about this, then you should hire attorneys experienced in rideshare accident cases to guide you.
Steps to Prove Loss of Wages
Here are the steps involved in proving lost wages:
- Seek medical attention and obtain your medical report. It’s important to see a doctor no matter how minor your injury might seem so that all your injuries, treatments, and expected recovery time can be documented.
- Gather your employment records that indicate your salary to establish your earnings before the accident occurred. You can also make use of your tax returns and employment letter.
- If you’re self-employed, you can provide documentation using your tax returns and 1099 forms, invoices and contracts, bank statements, or an email that corresponds with a client that states why you can’t work due to the injury you had during the crash.
- If your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages or diminished earning capacity. To support this claim, you may need a medical expert’s testimony to assess if you had an impairment that can affect your work or an economic report to help estimate your lost future earnings.
- You can maintain a journal that details your recovery process, including your pain levels and how your injuries impact daily activities and your work. This can strengthen your claim. Also, if you were unable to perform specific job-related tasks due to your injuries, you can document those struggles as well.
What Your Legal Considerations Should Be
Here are the legal options that are available to you:
Filing a Claim Against the Rideshare Company or Driver
If the rideshare driver was at fault, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance or the rideshare company’s policy. However, popular rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer liability coverage, but the process can be complex, and it usually requires strong evidence of wage loss.
Work with a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal process of rideshare accidents is no child’s play, as it can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies. This is why you must hire an experienced rideshare accident attorney. Your attorney can then help to gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurers, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for lost wages.
Understanding State Laws
Note that each state has its own rules regarding personal injury claims and wage loss compensation. Some states have caps on damages, while others allow broader claims. It’s best you consult with a legal professional who is familiar with your state’s laws to improve your chances of success with fair compensation.
