Can I Receive Full Compensation for Loss of Work After My Tampa Car Accident?

In the blink of an eye, your life can be turned upside down if you are involved in a car accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your loss of work may last for a while, and that can have a major impact on the well-being of you and your family, especially if you are the sole or major breadwinner. Knowing to what extent you can expect to recover lost wages is important because of the impact it will have financially.

Coverage for Loss of Work

Because Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, drivers here must carry $10,000 in personal injury protection or PIP. In the event of a car accident, you will first contact your own insurance company to cover 80% of your medical expenses up to $10,000.00. PIP also will pay for your lost wages, but there are limits. PIP will cover 60% of lost wages and there is a $10,000 limit.

If your injuries are over the “injury threshold,” or they are severe enough that your medical expenses are more than the PIP limit of $10,000, you can sue the driver who caused the accident. Working with an experienced lawyer may help you get more than 60% compensation for lost wages, along with damages for all your other losses and payment for medical expenses. However, if you had any fault in causing the accident, your compensation could be less.

The Comparative Negligence Principle

In addition to being a no-fault state, Florida also has a comparative negligence law. This means that even though the other person may have caused the accident, if you are in any way partially to blame, your compensation will be affected. For example, if you are deemed 10% at fault for an accident, instead of receiving 100% of your compensation, you would receive 90%.

In the case of significant injuries, a lawyer experienced in working with personal injury law may be able to get you sufficient compensation to cover all or most of your lost wages. This depends on whether or not you are found to be partially at fault for the accident.

Driving defensively, obeying all traffic laws, and refraining from distracted driving pays off. You are less likely to be in an accident if you are a cautious and alert driver. If you are unfortunate enough to be in an accident despite your great driving habits, you will probably not be impacted by comparative negligence.

Car accidents or serious accidents of any kind can create chaos and trauma. It is at times like these you need competent, caring legal services to help you navigate through the process. Tison Law Group located in Tampa, FL, has the knowledge and experience in personal injury law to help you get the best results in litigation. We can be reached by phone or email to schedule a free initial consultation. We also offer a variety of other legal services. Check out our website for more information.