Getting hurt in a car accident can flip your life upside down. On top of dealing with injuries and medical bills, you might have to take time off from work. In some cases, you could even lose your job. That kind of stress can make it hard to focus on healing. This post breaks down what to expect if a car accident causes you to miss work or lose your job, and what steps you can take to protect your income, health, and future.
Can You Be Fired After a Car Accident?
Employers can legally fire workers for different reasons, including extended absences or not being able to do the job anymore. If your injuries keep you from working for a long time, it could put your job at risk. However, there are laws that protect workers in some situations.
For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives some workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off. If you qualify, your employer can’t fire you for using this time to recover. You may also be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which may require your employer to make changes at work so you can still do your job.
It’s a good idea to talk to your employer about your condition and provide medical proof of your injuries. That might help you keep your job or return to it later with the right support.
What Happens to Your Income?
Missing work usually means missing paychecks. If someone else caused the accident, you may be able to recover lost wages by filing a personal injury claim. This includes money you would have earned through regular hours, overtime, bonuses, or commissions.
It helps to gather documents that show what your income was before the accident. Pay stubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer can all help prove what you lost.
If your injuries are serious and will affect your ability to work in the future, you might also be able to seek compensation for lost earning potential. This includes jobs you can’t return to or wages you’ll miss out on long-term.
Keeping Track of Your Lost Wages
To make sure you’re asking for the right amount of compensation, keep all records of your income before and after the accident. This includes:
- Pay stubs and direct deposit slips
- Past tax returns
- A letter from your employer explaining how many days you missed
- Any notes from your doctor explaining why you can’t work
Writing everything down in a notebook or spreadsheet can make it easier to track your losses.
Medical Expenses and Other Costs
Injuries from a crash can bring a long list of medical costs. You might face bills for ambulance rides, emergency care, surgeries, therapy, prescriptions, and follow-up visits. These expenses can add up fast, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover everything.
Keep copies of all your medical bills and receipts. Ask for itemized statements so you know what each charge is for. You can include these costs in a personal injury claim, even if some were paid by your insurance.
Property Damage and Pain and Suffering
If your car was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can also ask for property damage compensation. This could include repair costs, rental car fees, or the full value of your vehicle if it can’t be fixed.
You may also be able to ask for pain and suffering. These are non-money losses like physical pain, emotional distress, stress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment in daily life. It can be harder to put a dollar amount on these, but they are still real losses.
In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are extra payments that punish the other driver if they acted recklessly, like driving drunk or speeding excessively.
What If You Can’t Return to Work?
Sometimes, injuries make it impossible to return to your old job. If your injuries are long-term or permanent, you may qualify for disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one option if you can’t work at all.
If you can work but can’t do your old job, you might qualify for retraining or education programs. These benefits could be included in a personal injury settlement to help you move into a different career.
Can You Be Paid for Emotional Distress?
Losing your job, dealing with pain, and worrying about money can take a toll on your mental health. Many people suffer from depression, anxiety, and high stress after a crash. You may be able to get compensation for emotional distress, but you’ll need to show how it has affected your life.
This might include records from a mental health professional, a journal where you track your feelings, or statements from friends and family about how you’ve changed since the accident.
Getting Legal Help Can Make a Difference
You don’t have to handle everything alone. A lawyer can help gather the right documents, talk to the insurance company, and build a strong case for your losses. They can also help you understand your options and protect your rights, especially if your job is on the line.
Whether you’re dealing with lost wages, medical bills, or emotional pain, having someone on your side can help take the pressure off so you can focus on healing.
Call for Help Today
If a car accident caused you to lose your job or miss work, you deserve answers and support. Our team can review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps. Call (732) 229-3200 to schedule a free consultation today. You don’t pay unless we win.