Can’t Work Due to an Automobile Accident? Here’s What to Do

Learn how to secure lost wages and disability payments

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how traumatizing the experience can be. Accidents that cause injuries can have numerous complications, including months of lost wages, wildly expensive medical bills and long-term or even permanent injuries that affect your quality of life and ability to work. Although you’ll have plenty to do in the wake of an accident, securing lost wages and disability payments should be top priorities.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Lost Wages After an Auto Accident?

While the protocols for recovering lost wages can vary from state to state, there are some broad guidelines that apply to folks in Louisiana. If you’re injured in the course of your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for any time lost due to your injury. This typically covers a fixed proportion of your wages: You won’t earn your full salary, but a significant amount of your wages will be covered. However, weekly awards may be capped for higher-wage employees.

Pursuing a Lost Wages Claim

If your insurance company has a provision that covers lost wages up to a certain dollar figure or proportion, you should always file a claim with them first. If this isn’t sufficient, however, you’ll need to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. This may demand legal action that begs the assistance of a trained attorney.

To ensure that you receive the compensation to which you’re entitled, you’ll need to keep close track of the hours you miss at work. This will require a written letter from your superiors and may necessitate an independent investigation by the other driver’s insurance company as well.

What About Disability Payments?

If you experience a serious injury that results in a long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to disability payments through SSI. To qualify, you must be able to prove that your condition will persist or has persisted for at least 12 months. This requires extensive medical documentation and the assistance of a legal professional. Fortunately, it doesn’t require you to sue the other driver or his/her insurance company.

Work With a Trusted Auto Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge

In the perfect world, no one would have to go through the pain and suffering associated with a serious car accident. If we never had to work with another client who experienced a serious injury due to the negligence or aggression of another driver, we’d be perfectly content. Unfortunately, accidents happen. To learn more about how you can fight for your rights and secure just compensation in the wake of such an incident, give us a call at (866) 9-LUCKY-1 or fill out our online contact form.