paying bills after a car accidentAfter a car accident, you may have the right to file a claim for any losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Working with a personal injury attorney in Nebraska will help ensure you get compensated as soon as possible.

Filing a Claim for Lost Wages

A car accident can limit your ability to work, impacting your wages. Your income may change in several ways:

  • Your injuries don’t allow you to work right now.
  • You lost the ability to do the type of work you were doing.
  • You cannot work as many hours.
  • You can’t work at all due to your injuries. 
  • Your earning potential is significantly different if you’re a self-employed individual.

Keep in mind your injuries may continue for weeks or months. In some cases, they may become permanent. 

Your claim for losses should include all types of earnings. This may be:

  • Self-employment losses
  • Wages normally earned 
  • Benefits paid to you 
  • Immediate losses (hours missed)
  • Long-term related wage losses

Paying Medical Bills

Your own health insurance or the MedPay or PIP coverage on your auto policy can be used to pay for medical bills after a car accident. The facility providing your care may also choose to place a lien on your future personal injury settlement. 

Consider Your Role in the Car Accident

A Nebraska car accident case may lead to a jury awarding you full compensation for your losses if the other driver caused them. However,  you may bear some of the blame yourself. In this case, Nebraska law states that comparative negligence is considered. That means you may still recover damages in the case, but the amount may be reduced by the percentage of responsibility you hold.

Don’t Try to Navigate This Alone

Determining the actual losses you’re owed is a complex process you shouldn’t try to navigate on your own. Instead, hire an Omaha car accident attorney to help you file your claim. At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, our team will help calculate your total income losses before trying to settle any claim. Set up a free consultation to discuss your needs today.