Injuries from a New Jersey car accident can leave a person unable to work. This can create financial stress as medical bills grow and paychecks stop. Fortunately, an injured person may have several options for recovering some lost income.
Sources of compensation for lost wages in New Jersey
New Jersey follows a no-fault auto insurance system. This means an injured driver generally turns to their own insurance first for certain benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, insurance may not cover every dollar of lost income. Other sources of compensation may be available depending on the person’s losses and coverage, including:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage: New Jersey PIP does not necessarily provide income-continuation benefits in every policy in the same way the paragraph suggests. It is an additional PIP benefit for which motorists can select coverage limits.
- Third-party lawsuits: When lost income exceeds what PIP covers, an injured person may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver for the remaining losses.
- Disability benefits: Temporary disability benefits through a New Jersey state program or an employer’s coverage may provide additional support during recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: If an injury prevents a person from returning to the same type of work, the person may be able to seek damages for reduced earning capacity in the future.
Proving lost wages generally requires clear records. An injured person should keep pay stubs, tax records and medical records from treating physicians. These records can show how the injury has affected the person’s ability to work.
Legal options after a New Jersey car crash
Recovering lost income can involve reviewing PIP limits, coordinating disability benefits and determining whether a third-party claim is available. When a car accident keeps a person from working, a personal injury attorney can review the person’s PIP policy, calculate what a third-party claim may be worth and help gather the records needed to support a lost wage claim.