If you get into a car accident in Georgia, the driver who caused the crash has to compensate you. In most cases, their insurance company is responsible for footing the bill. Most car accident victims know they can recover damages for injuries and damage to their vehicles. However, unless you consult a lawyer, you may not know about the other types of compensation you can get. Many accidents result in serious injuries that prevent victims from working for some time. Some are never able to work again. This puts a significant financial burden on them and their families. Fortunately, victims can seek compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity.
That being said, getting the damages to which you’re entitled isn’t a straightforward process. Insurance companies work hard to avoid paying out more than they have to. Even if you suffered serious car accident injuries and you’re laid up at home, the insurance provider may fight you. They may say you contributed to the accident or you’re exaggerating your injuries. That’s why it’s helpful to hire an Albany, Georgia car wreck lawyer who knows all the tactics these companies try. They will help you to calculate all your losses, gather evidence, and fight on your behalf. They will also assist in ensuring that fault is assigned to the correct party.
Determining Fault in a Georgia Car Accident
After your accident, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will look at the evidence and give an opinion on who was at fault. Some of the things they will look at include:
- The police report
- Statements from the parties involved and any witnesses
- Skid marks or visible evidence from the scene
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- The damage sustained to the vehicles
While it sounds like the insurance company will be objective in their investigation, you need to remember that they are biased. They will look for any opportunity to say their client was innocent and you were at fault. At the very least, they will try to show that you must share some of the blame. This allows them to reduce the amount they have to pay you. if you work with a Georgia car accident lawyer, they will push for a fair offer.
Seeking Compensation for Lost Wages Following a Car Crash
Just a few days off from work can impact you significantly. If you suffer serious car accident injuries, you may be hospitalized for weeks or even months. During this time, you will still have your regular bills to pay along with your medical expenses. If someone’s negligence or recklessness led to your injuries, they should have to reimburse you. That’s why you should include lost wages in your claim against the at-fault driver. You will need to support your claim with proof that you actually suffered these losses. If you don’t, the insurance company won’t compensate you.
Simply stating the dates that you did not work will not enough. You will need to convince the insurance company that your inability to work was linked directly to injuries caused by the accident. There are three pieces of evidence your attorney may recommend that you present. These are a medical report, wage reports, and a statement from your employer.
The medical report should include details of your injuries and how you’re being treated. The doctor should also give information on your prognosis and if or when you’ll be able to return to work. The report should make it clear why your injuries prevented you from carrying out your usual job functions.
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The statement from your employer needs to state how long you were away from work and how much you would have earned if you were able to work. If you went to work but your functions or hours were reduced, this should also be explained. All these details will influence the amount you can claim in compensation.
Meanwhile, the wage report should outline your past weekly or monthly earnings. If you worked for a flat salary, this will be easy to calculate. However, your lawyer will help you to arrive at a total if your income was based mainly on tips or commissions.
Contact Joe Durham Jr. P.C. Today to Get the Help You Need
If you suffered injuries in a Georgia car accident and are unable to work, you deserve to get compensation for lost wages. You shouldn’t have to bear your losses alone if you were not responsible for your injuries. To recover damages for lost wages, lost earning capacity and other losses, contact our personal injury law office in Georgia and talk to one of our accident attorneys in Georgia. Your first consultation is free.
