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New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
With PIP coverage, you first make a claim under your own policy for medical bills, regardless of fault.
In accidents with severe injuries, you might be able to step outside the no-fault system, opening the door to additional compensation.
But what about lost wages?
If you have questions on pursuing a claim for lost wages from a car accident with injury, contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer at Wiley Lavender Maknoor.
How to Claim Lost Wages from a Car Accident
Your PIP policy can provide some reimbursement for your medical bills following a car accident.
Lost wages might also be partially reimbursed, provided you have income continuation coverage.
Income continuation coverage is an extra package option above the standard PIP coverage.
Income continuation coverage will pay a portion of your lost wages, less temporary disability benefits provided your accident-related disability keeps you from working.
Benefits vary based on the coverage limit you select. However, benefits cannot exceed the net income normally earned during the period when benefits are payable.
Do Insurance Companies Pay for Lost Wages?
If your injuries qualify you to file a claim beyond the no-fault system, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
If the at-fault party has additional liability coverage on their auto policy, their insurance company might negotiate a settlement with you.
Minimum limits on a bodily injury auto insurance policy are $15,000 for one injury or $30,000 for one accident and injuries from all parties.
Before collecting any compensation from the driver’s insurance company, you must prove liability against the defendant. Proving liability requires building a solid case.
Consider hiring a New Jersey personal injury lawyer to help you make the best case.
If your accident involves an uninsured driver, you might be able to pursue compensation from your own insurance company. With uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage, you could file a UM claim.
Demanding compensation for lost wages from a car accident with injury under UM coverage is not a first-party claim.
That’s important to remember because it means your insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault, uninsured driver.
Because your insurance company’s adjuster will investigate a UM/UIM claim as a third-party liability claim, you must be cautious about what you say to the insurance adjuster.
Even though you’re dealing with your own insurance company, they will be looking for any information to use against you.
Hiring a car accident lawyer means you’ll have someone protecting your rights and handling all communication with the insurance company.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
If you need assistance pursuing a claim for lost wages from a car accident, contact Wiley Lavender Maknoor.
Our attorneys have years of experience helping injured victims recover compensation after an injury car accident.
Please schedule a consultation with one of our skilled lawyers who can help you determine legal options to recover compensation for your lost wages claim.