Posted on Thursday, July 9th, 2020 at 6:58 am    

When you are injured in a car accident, you may sustain a variety of damages. Damages may include physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses. Your financial losses could be substantial if your injuries are severe and your recovery keeps you out of work for an extended time. The total of lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses can be high, especially in cases involving permanent impairments or disabilities.

Seeking Compensation for Lost Wages After an Accident

Lost wages in a car accident case can include numerous sources of income. Loss of income may include:

  • Salaries
  • Hourly Wages
  • Commissions
  • Bonuses
  • Overtime Pay

Therefore, when calculating your lost wages, we make sure to look at what income you would have received had you been at work. For instance, based on the last four quarters, you received a 10 percent bonus. If you had been able to work, you would have likely received the same bonus. We argue that the bonus is part of the lost wages claim.

Overtime pay and commissions are the same. We look at past pay records to determine the average amount of compensation to calculate how much money the accident caused in loss of income.

Future Lost Wages and Income

In addition to the lost wages from the date of the accident through the date of settlement, you might also receive compensation for future loss of income. Future loss of income compensates you for the income you would have earned had you been able to work.

Future loss of income can be very difficult to calculate. Factors that must be considered include:

  • Your age and life expectancy;
  • Career and experience;
  • Education and skills;
  • Economic outlook; and,
  • Whether your impairment is anticipated to be permanent or improve over time.

In most cases, an economist and other experts are needed to determine the value of a future loss of income claim.

Loss of Earning Potential or Capacity

In some cases, a victim may be able to work, but the injuries prevent the person from earning the same level of income because of an impairment. The difference between what you could have earned and what you are likely to earn after your injuries is a loss of earning potential or capacity.

Loss of Benefits and Opportunities

You may also receive compensation for the loss of benefits caused by the accident. Loss of benefits and opportunities may include a wide variety of compensation, such as paid insurance premiums and loss of retirement funds.

These damages are more difficult to value and recover. An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help you document these damages and fight for full compensation for loss of income and benefits after an accident.

Contact a Sacramento Injury Lawyer to Discuss Lost Wages

Negligence and wrongdoing can cause a tragic accident. The party responsible for the accident is responsible for your damages. However, proving fault and liability requires a certain amount of skills, experience, and knowledge. Our legal team has the expertise and resources you need on your side as you fight for the compensation you deserve after an accidental injury.

For a free consultation with a Sacramento personal injury attorney, call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to speak with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.