Being involved in an accident and suffering an injury can take a toll on the accident victim, especially if they are forced to miss work as they recover and heal. In most cases, you can claim lost wages after a New Jersey car accident. A question we are often asked is: What If I am self-employed?

Yes, you can claim lost wages if you are self-employed, but it may be a bit more complex than if you are an employee of a company. Knowing how to file a lost wages claim might alleviate some of the stress that comes with being in an accident. More on this as you continue reading. 

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has a team of highly skilled NJ car accident attorneys who can provide you with the legal support you need to ensure you are compensated fairly.

How To Determine Lost Wages When You Are Self-Employed

It can be challenging to determine an exact amount and prove lost wages, but the time you missed from work can support your claim and show the severity of your injury.

If you were self-employed and had a stable income before the accident, you can prove that you lost income by looking at your tax return from the previous year. Loss of income as a self-employed person can have a negative impact on a company's bottom line, missing out on business opportunities and the expense of hiring new employees to fill in where you are no longer able to.

Proving Self Employment Lost Wages in a NJ Personal Injury Case

Proof of wage loss involves proof of employment, proof of salary, and proof of regular work schedule. You should also have documentation from your doctor explaining your injuries and how they affect your capacity to work, as well as a letter from your employer approving your time off. For those are are self-employed, proving your income can be done via:

• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Medical records
• Financial expert testimony

Proof of wage loss relies heavily on medical records. Along with injuries, it should show that you followed your treatment plan, which included bed rest, follow-up therapies, rehabilitation, and any other medical recommendations.

How to File a Claim For Wage Loss in NJ

You or your lawyer will have to submit a damages claim in order to get compensation for lost wages following an injury. You should start by contacting your own PIP insurance provider to begin the claims process. Drivers in New Jersey are required by law to have a minimum level of insurance coverage, regardless of liability. After a car accident, you would submit a claim with your own insurance provider.

There is a possibility that you can file a claim against the insurance coverage of the negligent motorist if the amount of your losses exceed the maximum of your own policy. If your injuries are serious enough, you could have a case against the at-fault driver. This is a discussion to have with your car accident attorney.

It's important to remember that you have a two-year window from the date of the accident in New Jersey within which you can file a claim.

Need Assistance With Recovering Lost Wages? Call Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law

Your medical expenses and lost wages should not fall on you if you've been hurt because someone else was careless or negligent. Our experienced car accident attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law will fight to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.