If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and believe you’ve lost income as a result, you’ll need to provide clear evidence to the at-fault party’s insurance company—and potentially to a jury if your case goes to trial. Proving lost income can be complex, requiring the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation.

At Moore-Faust Injury Law Group, we specialize in helping clients demonstrate both past lost wages and future lost earning capacity. Here’s what you need to know about proving lost income after an accident:

Past Lost Wages

To prove past lost wages, you must establish that your injuries prevented you from working. This requires two key types of evidence:

1. Medical Proof:

    

   • Your primary treating physician will need to confirm that your injuries directly impacted your ability to work.
   • This proof typically comes in the form of medical records or a medical report detailing your condition and work limitations.

2. Work/Income Loss Verification:

• • If employed, you’ll need pay stubs, wage statements, or other documentation from your employer confirming your earnings at the time of the accident and the time missed due to your injuries.
  • For self-employed individuals, past tax returns are typically required to establish your average income before the accident.

If you do not file tax returns or maintain financial records, proving lost wages may be more challenging.

It’s important to note that you don’t have to show an actual loss of income to make a claim. For example:

• You may have used vacation time or sick leave to cover your absence.
• You might still be eligible for compensation even if your employer continued to pay your salary or you received disability benefits during your recovery.

Future Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity

Claims for future lost income or diminished earning capacity are more complex and often require expert testimony. Here’s what’s involved:

1. Medical Documentation:

    

   • Your doctor must confirm that you’ve sustained a permanent injury that restricts your ability to work or perform certain tasks.

2. Financial and Vocational Evidence:

• • If your injury prevents you from continuing your current job, you’ll need to provide proof of your pre-accident income.
  • If your injury reduces your ability to earn in general, an economist or vocational expert may be needed to calculate the financial impact on your future earnings.

While these claims can result in significant compensation, they are often disputed by insurance companies and may require aggressive legal representation to succeed.

Why Choose Moore-Faust Injury Law Group?

At Moore-Faust Injury Law Group, we have the experience and resources necessary to handle even the most challenging lost income claims. We’ll gather the necessary documentation, work with medical and financial experts, and build a compelling case to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve suffered income loss due to an accident, don’t navigate this process alone. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Moore-Faust Injury Law Group. We’ll evaluate your case and provide a clear strategy to pursue all the damages you’ve suffered.

Call us or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you reclaim your financial future after an accident.