A serious car accident can derail your life in many ways. If you have been injured in St. Louis, Missouri, you may be entitled to be reimbursed for lost wages after a car accident as part of a personal injury claim. Missouri law allows victims to recover damages when another party’s negligence causes harm, and lost income is often a major component of those damages.
An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue every dollar you’ve lost, including wages from missed work. Contact us today at (314) 932-1066 for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for your financial recovery.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in St. Louis
For nearly two decades, our personal injury team has recovered millions of dollars for Missouri car accident victims, including those pursuing lost wage claims. With over 21 years of combined experience, we understand how a crash can disrupt your ability to work and support your family.
Our St. Louis car accident lawyers handle every stage of the process, from investigating the cause of the accident and gathering police reports to interviewing witnesses and establishing fault. We also work closely with medical and vocational experts to prove the full extent of your damages, including lost wage claims.
If your injuries have forced you to miss work after a car accident, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers will fight to recover the income you have lost and any future earning potential your injuries took away. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you pursue lost wages after a St. Louis, MO, car accident.
When Can You Recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Missouri?
You may be able to recover lost wages if you missed work because of accident-related injuries in Missouri. Lost wages are part of your economic damages tied directly to the accident.
You might be eligible for lost wage reimbursement if:
- You were employed at the time of the accident.
- Your injuries prevented you from performing your job duties.
- You can provide documentation showing you were unable to work, such as a doctor’s note or employer verification
- Your accident was caused by another driver’s negligence.
Lost wages can cover not just regular pay but also bonuses, overtime, and other employment benefits you missed out on because of your injuries. In more severe cases, you may also be able to recover for loss of future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your lost wage claim will be.
What Counts as Lost Wages?
Lost wages after a car accident can include more than just your base salary or hourly rate. A skilled attorney will help ensure you account for all income you missed due to your injuries.
Examples of compensable lost wages include:
- Regular hourly wages or salary.
- Overtime pay you would have earned.
- Commissions or bonuses lost because of missed work.
- Tips or gratuities for tipped employees.
- Paid time off or sick leave that you were forced to use.
- Lost opportunities, such as promotions or special assignments.
Insurance companies often try to limit payouts, and they may challenge these losses. Having an experienced lawyer on your side who can calculate the full scope of your claim can be beneficial.
How Do I Prove Lost Wages After a St. Louis Car Accident?
Insurance companies won’t simply take your word that you missed work and lost income. You will need to back up your claim with evidence.
Common types of documentation include:
- Pay stubs from before and after the accident to show reduced income.
- Employer statements confirming missed days and your normal pay rate.
- Tax returns to verify your income history, especially if you’re self-employed.
- Medical records showing your injury and the prescribed time off work.
- Doctor’s notes or disability slips that outline your work restrictions.
The stronger your proof, the more likely you will recover the full value of your lost wages. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you gather the strongest evidence available for your case.
What if I’m Self-Employed?
Self-employed victims can still recover lost income, but the process is often more complex.
Instead of employer verification, you may need to rely on:
- Tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.
- Invoices and contracts for work you had to cancel.
- Correspondence with clients showing lost projects or delays.
A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you compile the right evidence so that you can prove the value of your time and lost opportunities.
What If I’m Partly At-Fault for My Car Accident in St. Louis?
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault rule, which means the amount of compensation you receive is reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. For instance, if you are awarded $20,000 in lost wages but are found 20 percent responsible, your payout would drop to $16,000.
An experienced car accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO can work to challenge unfair fault assignments and push back against insurance company tactics that are designed to reduce your compensation.
Consult Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you have missed work due to a car accident in St. Louis, do not leave money on the table. Lost wages are a legitimate part of your damages, and you have the right to pursue them. However, proving and recovering these losses requires strong evidence.
Our experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers will fight for you to receive full and fair compensation for all your losses, including lost income and diminished earning capacity. Call Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
