Can You Recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Orlando, Florida? | Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A.

Video Summary

In Florida, individuals who are unable to work because of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision may be able to recover compensation for lost wages through multiple sources. Initial wage-loss benefits may be available through the injured person’s own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance under Florida’s no-fault system. In addition, an injured person may have a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for damages that are not covered by PIP, including qualifying past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity. The availability and amount of compensation depend on the circumstances of the accident, applicable insurance coverage, and Florida law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I recover lost wages after a car accident in Florida?

Yes. Lost wages resulting from injuries sustained in a Florida car accident may be partially covered through PIP benefits, with additional losses potentially recoverable through a personal injury claim against the responsible driver when permitted by law.

2. What are no-fault benefits?

No-fault benefits, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), provide coverage for certain medical expenses and lost wages after a qualifying motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash.

3. Which insurance company pays for lost wages first?

Generally, an injured person’s own auto insurer provides initial wage-loss benefits through PIP coverage under Florida’s no-fault system, subject to the applicable policy terms and legal requirements.

4. What percentage of lost wages do no-fault benefits cover in Florida?

Florida PIP benefits generally cover 60% of eligible lost wages resulting from a covered motor vehicle accident, subject to applicable requirements and the policy’s coverage limits.

5. Can I seek compensation from the driver who caused the accident?

Yes. When the legal requirements for a personal injury claim are satisfied, an injured person may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver for qualifying damages, including losses not covered by PIP.

6. What happens to the 40% of lost wages not covered by my insurance?

The portion of qualifying lost wages not covered by PIP may potentially be pursued as part of a personal injury claim against the responsible driver, depending on the circumstances and applicable Florida law.

7. Is future lost income recoverable in Florida car accident cases?

Future lost income or loss of earning capacity may be recoverable as part of a personal injury claim when the evidence establishes that the accident-related injuries affect the person’s ability to earn income in the future.

8. What work-related losses are included in a personal injury claim?

Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury claim may include qualifying past lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and future income losses resulting from accident-related injuries.

9. Are lost wages a standard part of a personal injury claim?

Lost wages can be an important component of a personal injury claim. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may address past lost income, future earning losses, and other financial damages caused by the accident.

10. Does Florida law require insurance companies to pay for missed work?

Florida’s PIP system generally provides benefits for 60% of eligible lost wages after a qualifying motor vehicle accident, subject to the applicable coverage limits and legal requirements.

Transcription of the Video

If you’ve lost work after being injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be eligible for compensation for your lost wages, one from your own insurance company under what they call no-fault benefits, which is required to pay 60% of your lost wages, and also in your personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, where unpaid lost wages as well as future lost income are part of your claim.