When a car accident leaves you unable to work, the impact on your finances can be devastating. Lost wages often make up a significant portion of personal injury claims, but navigating Idaho’s laws on how to recover those wages can be confusing without the right legal guidance. Whether you’re an hourly worker, salaried employee, self-employed, or temporarily unemployed, here’s what you need to know about claiming lost wages after an Idaho car accident.
Understanding Lost Wage Compensation in Idaho
Idaho follows a fault-based system for car accident claims. This means that the party responsible for the crash — or more accurately, their insurance company — is responsible for compensating you for your losses, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Lost wages typically refer to income you would have earned if the accident hadn’t occurred. This can include:
- Missed days or hours of work due to injury
- Loss of bonuses or promotions
- Sick or vacation days used because of the accident
- In some cases, future lost earning capacity if you’re unable to return to the same line of work
How to Prove Lost Wages in an Idaho Injury Claim
Successfully claiming lost wages requires clear documentation. Here’s what you’ll need to build your case:
Medical Documentation
Your doctor must verify that your injuries prevented you from working. This could include notes about work restrictions, surgery recovery periods, or disability ratings.
Employer Verification
A letter from your employer confirming:
- Your job title and pay rate
- Your typical work schedule
- The time you missed due to the accident
- Any lost bonuses, commissions, or opportunities
Pay Records or Tax Returns
For hourly or salaried workers, recent pay stubs are often sufficient. For self-employed individuals, profit-and-loss statements and tax returns are key to showing lost income.
What If You’re Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
If your car accident happened while working, your claim may go through Idaho’s workers’ compensation system, rather than a personal injury lawsuit. Under Idaho law, workers’ comp provides wage replacement benefits for lost income — typically 67% of your average weekly wage, depending on your injury status.
According to the Idaho Industrial Commission’s Facts for Injured Workers, you may qualify for:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) if you’re completely unable to work for a period
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you return to modified work but earn less than normal
- Permanent Partial or Total Disability if you have long-term limitations
To ensure you get your full benefits under workers’ comp, report your injury immediately, follow all treatment protocols, and maintain communication with your employer’s insurance carrier.
Filing a Claim Through the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If your accident was caused by another driver, their auto liability insurance should cover your lost wages — but don’t expect a quick payout. Insurance companies often challenge these claims, especially if:
- There’s missing documentation
- You had pre-existing injuries
- You are self-employed or a gig worker
In many cases, the insurer will try to settle for a minimal amount or delay payment. That’s why having a skilled Idaho personal injury attorney on your side is crucial.
Time Limits and Legal Deadlines
Under Idaho Code § 5-219, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including claims for lost wages. If your claim is part of a workers’ comp case, you must notify your employer within 60 days of the injury, or you could lose your right to benefits.
Why You Need a Local Idaho Injury Lawyer
At Attorneys of Idaho, we understand the full financial impact a serious car accident can have on you and your family. Our team is experienced in handling both traditional personal injury claims and complex workers’ compensation cases involving lost wages. We fight to ensure insurance companies and employers don’t shortchange you during your recovery.
Ready to Reclaim Your Lost Income?
If you’ve missed work due to a car crash and are unsure how to claim your lost wages, we can help. Contact Attorneys of Idaho today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, guide you through your options, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
📍 Call us at (208) 314-8888
🌐 Visit www.attorneysofidaho.com
📧 Or submit your case online for a free evaluation.
Don’t leave money on the table. Get the recovery you’re entitled to.
