Compensation for Lost Wages After a Truck Accident in TX

Truck accidents are more severe than other types of traffic collisions, and, as such, the consequences are more devastating. Those involved are very likely to sustain severe or catastrophic injuries, which result in medical bills and other financial burdens. One financial burden injured victims contend with is lost wages due to time away from work while recovering.

Thankfully, Texas law allows truck accident victims to seek compensation for lost wages, ensuring they are not left struggling to make ends meet. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can recover lost wages after a truck accident in Texas, including what qualifies as lost income, the documentation needed to prove your claim, and how a skilled attorney can help maximize your compensation.

Our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team can answer your questions about the Texas truck accident compensation process and help you take action. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Choose Our Texas Truck Accident Lawyer to Help You Recover Lost Wages?

Having the right attorney makes a difference when seeking compensation for lost wages in a truck accident. Our truck accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have experience handling trucking accident cases and have a successful track record. We can identify all the possible liable parties in your claim to ensure you get the full damages.

We also have strong negotiation skills, and our trial lawyers are certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Whether we are negotiating with insurance companies or advocating for you in court, you can trust us to secure the best possible outcome. We are dedicated to every client and will provide personalized and compassionate representation throughout the claim process, so do not hesitate to choose us as your legal team.

We commit time and resources to every case, and our results and positive reviews show the hard work we put into every client’s case. 

What Qualifies as Lost Wages in a Truck Accident Claim?

Lost wages are the income you would have earned had you not been injured and unable to go to work after the truck accident. It is one of the economic damages in a truck accident claim and is easily calculable as it has a fixed dollar value. It generally includes the following:

• Missed Paychecks: This covers wages or salary lost during your recovery period.
• Lost Benefits: These are the health insurance, retirement contributions, or other employment benefits you could not access because you were away from work.
• Overtime Pay: This is the compensation for overtime hours you would have worked.
• Salary Increases: These are merit raises and other wage increases you could have gotten if you were not away from work.

If your injuries resulted in a disability affecting how you earn and how much you’ll get paid, you can also receive compensation for loss of earning capacity. Several factors affect how much you’ll receive for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. We’ll examine them individually.

Factors Affecting Lost Wages

The following factors affect the value of lost wages:

• Injury Severity: The general rule remains the same: the more severe your injuries are, the higher the compensation amount. So, someone with a broken bone who could not work for several months will receive more lost wages than someone with whiplash who recovered within a few weeks.
• Pre-Accident Earnings: How much you earned before the accident will influence the amount you receive.
• Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. If your fault is not more than 51%, you can still receive compensation for lost wages.

Factors Affecting Loss of Earning Capacity

The following factors influence the value of loss of earning capacity:

• The type and severity of your injury
• Your past earning history
• Your career, education, experience
• The anticipated number of years before your retirement based on your age at the time of the accident
• The overall outlook for a job based on your career
• Your overall health and life expectancy
• Whether you can get another job or perform any activity to earn income
• The likelihood of learning a new trade despite being impaired.

Insurance companies always look for ways to fight claims for loss of earning capacity. This is because loss of earning capacity could run into millions of dollars based on your job, qualifications, and prospects. Therefore, get legal representation to have your rights and interests protected.

We know and understand the evidence needed to prove loss of earning capacity and will help you get enough compensation to move on with your life. 

How to Prove Lost Wages

You need evidence to recover compensation for lost wages in a truck accident. The evidence required includes the following:

• Pay Stubs or Tax Returns: These documents establish how much you received before the accident.
• Employment Verification: You need a letter from your employer detailing your position, pay rate, and the time you missed due to the accident. You can also attach your employment contract.
• Medical Records: Obtain a copy of your medical record from your healthcare provider. The record confirms and shows how your injuries prevented you from working.
• Expert Testimony: Financial or vocational experts can help you prove loss of earning capacity. They will estimate your future earnings based on your education, skills, and career trajectory.

How a Lawyer Can Help in a Truck Accident Compensation Claim for Lost Wages

Truck accident claims are complex as they often involve multiple parties. Also, insurance companies will want to reduce the amount of your lost wages to secure their bottom line. Therefore, you should have legal representation.

Your lawyer will help you collect and preserve evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation. We will also help you recover compensation for other damages, like:

• Medical Expenses: This covers costs for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and more.
• Pain and Suffering: This is known as non-economic damages, and it compensates for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

You can also receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. If you lose a loved one in a truck accident, you can receive compensation for the money they would have earned had they lived.

Call Now for a Free Case Review!

Dealing with injuries and trying to pursue financial recovery is not always easy. Insurance companies have different tactics for denying and underpaying claims, and you should not handle your claim alone. You can trust our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law with your case.

Our attorneys know what is needed to win your case and will give it 110%. We are known for our work ethic, skill, knowledge, and ability to provide exceptional service to our clients in Houston and across Texas.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not charge upfront fees. We will be with you from the beginning to the end of your case, so call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential case evaluation.