Income Loss Recovery Limits

Financial strain caused by lost wages after a vehicular accident can lead to a lot of worry. After all, household expenses do not stop when income is paused. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, having a full understanding of what accident losses are eligible for recovery can give you much needed information on how to move forward.

To learn more about how to obtain wage recovery, discuss your situation with an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney. Legal professionals have the skills you need to secure financial compensation and the background to explain the possibility of potential limits that you may encounter.

Obtaining Wage Recovery in PA and NJ

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, if you’re injured in a vehicular accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. There are key steps you can take to pursue wage recovery.

• Filing a claim with your own insurance. Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is the first resource for wage recovery. PIP can cover a portion of your lost wages up to the policy limits, regardless of who was at fault. Similarly, New Jersey’s no-fault system requires you to seek wage recovery through your PIP coverage. The standard PIP policy in New Jersey typically covers up to $5,200 in lost wages, though higher coverage options may be available.
• Pursuing a third-party claim. If your lost wages exceed the limits of your PIP coverage or if you suffer severe injuries that meet certain thresholds, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This third-party claim can cover additional lost wages and other damages not addressed by your PIP insurance.

When it comes to PIP recovery, there are maximum payouts in place. In Pennsylvania, typical PIP typically covers up to 80% of lost wages, with a maximum payout of $2,500 per month. In New Jersey, standard PIP covers up to $100 per week for lost wages, with an option to increase coverage to $200 per week.

Both PA and NJ follow comparative negligence rules, which can affect your wage recovery as well. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionately. This means that if you are deemed 20% at fault, your wage recovery could be reduced by 20%.

Expert Evaluation and Negotiation Skills

As soon as you connect with a seasoned legal profession, they can accurately evaluate the full extent of your lost wages, including future earnings. They will also help you gather the necessary documentation, such as medical records and employment information, to support your claim.

With essential documentation in place, a skilled Bucks County personal injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation and challenge any attempts to undervalue your claim.

How are you paying your bills as you recover from an accident-related injury? If you need guidance on how to obtain financial relief, talk to the lawyers at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-968-6602 to schedule a confidential consultation.