Missed work can become part of a motorcycle accident claim as lost wages can be calculated, although medical documentation is needed to connect injuries to missed work. Your lost earning capacity can also extend beyond your recovery, and other employment losses can be recoverable, too.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcyclist fatalities have slowly gone up from 2013 to 2022, while injuries have remained relatively steady at over 80,000 per year. This means that if you get in a motorcycle crash, it's likely that you'll suffer from some injuries.
The good news is that not only can medical bills go on a motorcycle accident claim, but also missed work. Here's the key info to know.
How Are Lost Wages Calculated After a Motorcycle Accident?
One of the most immediate financial consequences of a motorcycle accident is missing time at work. If your injuries prevent you from performing your job, the income you lose may be recoverable as part of a personal injury claim.
Calculating lost wages typically starts with your normal earnings, including:
- Hourly pay
- Salary
- Overtime
- Commissions
- Bonuses
- Tips
The amount claimed generally reflects the time you were medically unable to work because of the accident.
Why Medical Documentation Connects Injuries to Missed Work
Simply telling an insurance company that you missed work due to a motorcycle injury is rarely enough. Medical documentation plays a central role in proving that your absence was necessary. The following can help establish both the severity of your injuries and the length of your recovery:
- Doctors' notes
- Treatment plans
- Physical therapy records
- Work restrictions
Consistent work is equally important because gaps in care may allow insurers to argue that your injuries were less serious than claimed.
Can Lost Earning Capacity Extend Beyond Your Recovery?
Some motorcycle accident injuries have lasting effects that make returning to the same job difficult or impossible. In these situations, a claim may include compensation for diminished earning capacity rather than only wages already lost.
The insurance settlement considers how the following could affect future employment opportunities and lifetime income:
- Permanent impairments
- Chronic pain
- Reduced mobility
- Cognitive limitations
Because these damages can involve long-term projections, they often require more detailed evidence than a straightforward lost wage claim.
Other Employment Losses That May Be Recoverable
Missed work affects more than just a paycheck. Depending on your circumstances, a claim may also account for lost employment benefits tied to your absence. This can include missed:
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Retirement contributions
- Paid leave that was used during recovery
- Other employment-related compensation
Self-employed individuals and business owners may also seek recovery for lost business opportunities or canceled contracts.
Every employment situation is unique, so gathering thorough documentation and getting help from Denver motorcycle injury attorneys is very beneficial.
Get the Maximum Amount for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you've been injured in a crash, then you should file a motorcycle accident claim. It can cover things beyond just your lost paycheck, so you can have less stress while focusing on recovering.
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This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
