Who Pays for Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania and can’t work because of your injuries, you may be wondering: Who pays for my lost income? Medical bills aren’t the only financial strain after a crash — many people also deal with missed paychecks, job insecurity, and long-term career disruptions.
At Gay Chacker & Ginsburg, we help injured clients recover the income they’ve lost — and protect their future earnings when their ability to work has been permanently affected. Here’s what you need to know.
Lost Wages vs. Diminished Earning Capacity
These are two separate — but related — financial losses that may be part of your personal injury claim:
- Lost Wages: The actual income you missed because your injuries kept you from working.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: A longer-term loss in your ability to earn income in the future because of lasting injuries, career change, or reduced physical or mental ability.
We pursue both as part of a full compensation claim when appropriate.
Who Pays for My Lost Wages After an Accident?
In Pennsylvania, here’s how wage loss may be covered:
1. Your Own Auto Insurance (If You Have Wage Loss Coverage)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or “income loss” benefits can be included in your own policy. If you elected this coverage, your policy may pay a portion of your wages — typically up to a set limit and for a set time.
2. The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If someone else caused the accident, their insurance company can be held responsible for:
- Lost income from time missed at work
- Lost bonuses, tips, or commissions
- Diminished future earning potential due to disability or physical limitations
However, you’ll need to prove these losses — and insurers may challenge them. That’s where our legal team comes in.
3. Your Employer’s Records and a Doctor’s Note Matter
To support a claim for lost income, we typically gather:
- Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records
- A doctor’s documentation of work restrictions
- Employer statements confirming missed time
We also work with vocational and economic experts in more serious cases involving career-ending injuries or permanent disabilities.
What If I’m Self-Employed or Own a Business?
Lost income isn’t limited to W-2 jobs. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or a business owner, we can use business records, invoices, and historical earnings to calculate your losses. This often includes:
- Missed business opportunities
- Lost client income
- Reduced productivity from injury limitations
What Is Diminished Earning Capacity?
Some injuries have long-term consequences. You may:
- No longer be able to return to your previous job
- Be forced to take a lower-paying role
- Have fewer hours or limited physical abilities
We’ll work to quantify how your injury affects your lifetime earnings and fight to ensure that’s part of your settlement or trial award.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim for lost wages?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
What if my job provides disability or sick pay?
That may cover part of your losses short-term — but it doesn’t prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim to recover full lost income and future earning potential.
Can I still make a claim if I went back to work?
Yes. Even if you returned to work, you may still be entitled to compensation for the time you missed and any ongoing limitations on your earning capacity.
How much will I get for lost wages?
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on your job, your income, how long you’re out of work, and how serious your injuries are.
Talk to a Lawyer to Understand What Your Case Is Worth
Whether you missed two weeks or have a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your career, it’s important to know your rights. At Gay Chacker & Ginsburg, we’ve helped countless people recover what they’ve lost after an accident — including income, medical bills, and compensation for their pain.
Talk to our team today. Call 215-567-7955 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand what it’s worth — and how to protect your future.
