When An Accident Negatively Affects Your Career
Accident victims may suffer from a variety of harm, even their careers. When a victim's career opportunities are affected, compensation for these damages can be pursued through a personal injury claim. Below is an overview of the process.
Dealing With Career Issues After an Accident
If your career has been affected by a vehicle accident that was not your fault, the below tips can guide you toward being financially compensated for that form of damage:
- Document the Impact: Gather evidence and documentation that demonstrates how the accident has affected your career opportunities. This may include medical records, employment records, performance evaluations, salary history, and any other relevant documentation.
- Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer: It's crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accident cases. The lawyer will assess the situation and determine the viability of a claim for compensation related to career opportunities.
- Establish Liability: The lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and potentially consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish how the accident occurred and who was at fault. It's vital to show that the other driver caused the accident.
- Calculate Damages: The lawyer will work with you to assess the impact of the accident on your career opportunities. This can include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, diminished job prospects, impact on promotions or advancements, and the cost of retraining or education if necessary. Several other factors include local settlement amounts, your age, and your degree of disability.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: The lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company representing the at-fault party to seek fair compensation for your career-related damages. They will present the evidence and arguments supporting the claim and engage in settlement discussions to achieve an acceptable outcome.
- Pursue Litigation, if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the lawyer will file a lawsuit and present the case in court. Court cases take more time than settling a case, however.
- Expert Testimonies: In some cases, expert testimonies may be necessary to support the claim for career-related damages. For example, vocational experts may be called upon to assess the impact on the victim's future earning capacity and career prospects. For example, a truck driver who is unable to drive a truck because of the accident should be paid according to their missed earnings up to their retirement age.
The loss of your career can be devastating. Speak to a car accident lawyer and find out more today.