Can You Claim Lost Wages After a Car Accident in the U.S.? – Your Complete Guide

Can You Claim Lost Wages After a Car Accident in the U.S.? A red car in a mountain landscape If you’ve been involved in a car accident in the U.S., you may already know how stressful it can be — dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. But there’s one question many accident victims forget to ask: Can I claim lost wages if I miss work because of the accident? The short answer is yes, in many cases you can. This guide will explain when, how, and why you might be eligible, along with real-life examples to make it clear. What Are Lost Wages? Lost wages refer to the income you couldn’t earn because your injuries kept you from working. This could include: Salary or hourly wages Overtime pay Bonuses or commissions Self-employment income For example, if you are a delivery driver and you can’t work for two weeks due to a broken leg from an accident, the income you would have earned in those two weeks counts as lost wages. When Can You Claim Lost Wages? You can claim lost w...