Can't work after your accident? Lost wages can be part of your claim.

Lost income can be part of an injury claim

When someone else causes an accident, an injury claim is not limited to medical bills. In general, it can also include income you lost because of the injury: missed shifts, used-up sick days and vacation time, missed overtime, and gig or freelance work you could not take.

If your injuries affect your ability to earn going forward, reduced earning capacity can be part of a claim too. That part is harder to see early on, which is one reason quick settlements are risky.

The paycheck panic is real, and insurers know it

When income stops and bills keep coming, a fast settlement offer can look like a lifeline. Insurance companies understand that pressure, and early offers are often made before anyone knows how long you will be out of work.

Once you accept a settlement, it is generally final. If you end up missing more work than expected, you usually cannot go back and ask for more.

Documentation that helps a wage-loss claim

Lost income has to be shown, not just described. Start gathering records now, while everything is recent.

• Pay stubs or payroll records from before and after the accident
• A doctor's note stating you cannot work, or can only work with restrictions
• A letter from your employer confirming missed time, missed shifts, and your rate of pay
• Records of used sick days, vacation days, or PTO
• Tax returns, invoices, and app earnings statements if you are self-employed or do gig work

Gig workers and self-employed people can claim lost income too

You do not need a W-2 job to have a wage-loss claim. Rideshare drivers, delivery workers, freelancers, and small business owners can generally include lost earnings in a claim, they just need different proof.

Earnings histories from apps, invoices, bank deposits, client emails, and tax returns can all help show what you were earning before the accident and what stopped.

What to do in the first days

The early days set up both your recovery and your claim. A few simple steps protect both.

• See a doctor and follow the treatment plan, and tell them the accident is affecting your work
• Ask for written work restrictions, not just verbal advice
• Tell your employer in writing why you are missing work
• Keep every bill, receipt, and record connected to the accident
• Do not accept a settlement while you are still out of work or still treating
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before you understand your situation

How Alex helps

Alex is a free AI case assistant. You explain what happened and how the accident is affecting your work, and Alex explains your options in plain English, including what your case could be worth in general terms.

If you want, Alex can connect you with a highly rated independent attorney in your area for a free review of your situation, including the wage-loss side. There is no cost and no obligation.

Can I claim lost wages if I used sick days or PTO?

Generally, yes. Paid time off you were forced to use because of the accident has value, and it can typically be part of a claim even though you still received a paycheck.

What if I am self-employed or do gig work?

You can generally still claim lost income. App earnings statements, invoices, bank records, and tax returns can help show what you were earning before the accident.

Do I need a doctor's note to claim lost wages?

It helps a lot. A written statement from your doctor connecting your time off work to the accident is one of the strongest pieces of a wage-loss claim.

Should I take the insurance company's first offer since I need money now?

Be careful. Early offers often come before anyone knows how long you will be out of work, and settlements are generally final. Understand the full picture before you accept anything.

What if I can work, but only reduced hours or lighter duty?

Partial wage loss counts too. The gap between what you earned before and what you can earn now with restrictions can generally be part of a claim.

What does it cost to talk to Alex?

Nothing. Alex is a free AI case assistant available by chat or phone, and connecting with an independent attorney for a free review afterward is optional.