Texas is a big but busy state known for its sometimes deadly motor vehicle accidents. Recent data showed that over 630,000 automobile accidents happened in Texas in 2022. If you get in a crash, it’s human nature to worry about replacing your vehicle. But getting a new car could be impossible if you can’t work after a car collision.
Understanding lost wages
Motor vehicle accidents can affect someone’s life in many ways. A mild collision can leave your car in the repair shop for weeks or months. A severe automobile accident may total your vehicle, meaning the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s worth.
Most accidents, especially severe ones, cause injuries that can take weeks, months or longer to heal. Between not having transportation and being too injured to work, car accidents could leave you no way to earn money. In the case of a car accident, lost wages equals the amount of money you lost from not being able to work. A court defines lost wage periods starting at the date of an automobile collision and ending on this case’s judgment or settlement date.
Creating a lost wages claim
Before seeking post-accident lost wages, you must complete a wage claim form online or by filling out a form. Then, you must submit your completed documents to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
Supporting documents required by the TWC may include:
- Medical documents detailing your injuries
- Proof of employment
- Paystubs
Car accident victims have the right to seek damages. Determining when you’ll receive owed wages depends on the complexity of your case. However, resolving these cases typically happens within several weeks to a few months.