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Legal Options if You are Unable to Work After a Car Accident in Florida

Missing work due to a car accident can be frightening. You may be unsure how to pay bills and handle your other obligations while keeping your job. Your next best step is to contact a car accident lawyer who has experience juggling these issues and can handle the stressful parts for you.

Attorney David Fuchs has more than three decades of experience helping victims of car accidents understand their options after a wreck. He will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you get the compensation you need to move forward with life. You have legal options if you are unable to work after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, and our legal team is here to help.

What Happens If You Can’t Work After a Car Accident?

Car accident injuries can be so severe that victims are unable to work after the crash. If you cannot work, you will likely have lost wages from the car accident. You may even have short- or long-term disabilities due to the injuries. And there could be medical bills and other obligations piling up while you’re bedridden.

Issues to Consider after a Car Accident

After you’ve been injured in a car crash and before you can start collecting compensation and disability payments, there are steps you need to take to ensure you’re adequately covered, protected, and get the most help you can.

Telling Your Employer About the Crash

Once you’re able, you should contact your employer and let them know you are unable to work. Be honest: tell them you were involved in a car accident and sustained serious injuries. You should not tell them how long you will be unable to work. Instead, tell them that you will keep them updated about your condition.

Find Out If You Have Available Time Off

Ask your employer if you have any sick days, vacation time, paid time off (PTO), or unpaid time off that you can use while recovering from your injuries. It’s essential to keep track of these days because you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver for the benefits you used while taking time off.

FMLA Rights & Keeping Your Job

You should also determine if you are eligible for Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) time off. FMLA protects your job while you are out of work due to qualifying medical conditions. Several requirements must be met to qualify for FMLA, so you should ask your human resources department at work and consult with your attorney to determine your eligibility.

If you are eligible to take time off work under FMLA, your job is protected. Your employer must allow you to return to your job or a similar job once you heal. However, you only have up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave.

Filing a Disability Claim

Another option to cover your lost wages and other expenses after a car accident is a disability claim. You may qualify for those benefits if you have a short-term disability insurance plan or long-term disability insurance policy. Contact your plan administrator to obtain the documents necessary to submit a disability claim.

If your car accident injuries are catastrophic or permanent, you may qualify for social security disability insurance (SSDI), which is a benefit from the federal government. An SSDI claim can take years to process, so it’s important to start as soon as your doctors indicate that you will not be able to return to work.

Bills You’ll Have After a Car Accident

If you are unable to work, bills will likely pile up. These bills are considered part of your damages and can be recovered through compensation in a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Some bills you may need to pay include:

  • Ambulance Ride
  • Hospital and Emergency Room
  • Cost of Treatment
  • Medical Devices
  • Home Alterations
  • Physical Therapists
  • Vocational Therapists
  • Rent or Mortgage
  • Utilities

What Insurance Covers After a Car Accident

One of your best options after a car accident is to have a car insurance policy cover your losses. Florida is a no-fault state, indicating that you must have certain types of insurance that will cover damages regardless of who was at fault.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Florida requires that every driver have PIP coverage. PIP will cover your own lost wages and medical costs no matter who is at fault in the car accident.

How to Recover Lost Wages

There are multiple ways you can recover lost wages after a car accident. However, it’s important to know that you must prove the following in order to get compensation for your lost wages:

  1. You missed work due to injuries suffered in the accident
  2. The amount of money you would have made if you had not been injured.

You should collect information for your lawyer to properly determine the value of your lost wages claim, including:

  • Your position at work
  • Your rate of pay
  • The number of hours missed
  • Time off benefits used

Lost Wages for Self-Employed Individuals and Contractors

Self-employed workers may have difficulty proving their lost wages, but tax forms and bank statements can be helpful. Keep a careful record of all missed job opportunities while you are unable to work. You may also get statements from clients as well as potential clients.

Diminished Earnings

If your car accident injuries resulted in permanent damage to your body, you may not be able to return to the work you once did. If you cannot earn the wage you used to collect, you have “diminished earnings.” You may be able to obtain compensation for the lifetime loss that you will have due to your diminished earning capacity.

Who Pays for Lost Wages?

When you have lost wages after a car accident, you will make an initial claim with your PIP insurance policy. If you exceed the maximum payout for your PIP policy, you can personally sue the at-fault party.

How an Attorney Can Help if You’re Unable to Work after a Car Accident

After a car accident, having an attorney who knows the system and can guide you through the process of recovering compensation is a great resource. They will compassionately listen to your story and determine the value of your lost wages and other damages. They can also handle all the stressful legal processes while you focus on recovering and getting back to your life.

Call David Fuchs for a Free Consultation

Attorney David Fuchs is available to review your case and help you understand your options. We know you may be unsure how to cover expenses while you’re not working. We have the resources and experience to help with those concerns.

Contact us today to speak with a team member and schedule your initial consultation.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
Google Review
“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
Google Review
“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
Google Review
“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
Google Review
“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
Google Review
“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
Google Review
“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
Google Review
“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
Google Review
“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
Google Review
“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
Google Review
“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
Google Review
“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
Google Review
“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
Google Review
“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
Google Review
“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
Google Review
“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
Google Review
“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
Google Review
“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
Google Review
“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
Google Review