Whether you’re a full-time employee, part-time worker, or self-employed, losing your income can quickly put pressure on your household finances. Fortunately, Washington law allows injured victims to file a lost wages claim after a car crash in Seattle as part of their overall personal injury compensation.

Our Seattle car accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates  understands how devastating it can be when you’re suddenly unable to work due to someone else’s negligence. That’s why we’ll help you understand what qualifies as lost wages, how to prove your losses, and how to recover compensation after a crash.

Can I File Lost Wages Claim After a Car Crash?

Yes, you can absolutely claim lost wages after a car crash in Seattle, even if you’ve used your paid time off or sick leave. 

Washington is a pure comparative fault state, which means your right to recover lost wages doesn’t disappear even if you were partially at fault. Instead, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if your damages total $10,000 but you were 20% at fault, your final award would be $8,000. This system ensures that even injured victims who share some blame can still file a car accident lost wages claim.

In addition to lost wages, your car accident claim may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Out-of-pocket costs like transportation to doctor appointments

To learn more about the full scope of compensation available, read our content on compensation claims after a car accident.

What Is Considered Lost Wages in Seattle?

Lost wages isn’t just your regular paycheck; it encompasses a broader range of financial losses tied to your inability to work due to accident-related injuries. 

In Washington State, the following are typically considered recoverable under a lost wages claim:

  • Hourly wages or salary you would have earned during your time off
  • Overtime pay you regularly receive or were scheduled to earn
  • Bonuses and commissions you missed out on
  • Tips or gratuities, if they are a regular part of your income
  • Sick days or vacation days used while recovering 
  • Self-employment income, such as client fees, contracts, or project revenue lost due to your injuries.
  • Future earning capacity, if your injuries will affect your ability to work long-term.

Each may require different forms of documentation and evidence, especially if your work involves commissions, contract work, or fluctuating schedules.

How Much Is My Lost Wages Claim?

The value of your lost wages claim depends on multiple factors, including the length of time you were unable to work, your income before the crash, and whether you have a long-term or permanent disability.

Here’s what’s generally considered when calculating lost wages:

  • Your wage or salary at the time of the accident 
  • The number of missed workdays due to injuries, as confirmed by your treating physician
  • Any projected future income loss, supported by medical and vocational expert evaluations.
  • Evidence of potential raises, promotions, or bonuses you were in line for but couldn’t receive.

For self-employed individuals or gig workers, proving income loss may involve showing profit and loss statements, tax returns, client invoices, and bank statements. The goal is to clearly demonstrate what you would have earned if the accident hadn’t occurred.

How Do I Claim Lost Wages After a Crash in Seattle?

Filing a lost wages claim after a car accident in Seattle involves a few important steps. The more organized and proactive you are, the smoother the process can be. 

Here’s how to protect your right to compensation:

1. Get Medical Documentation

You’ll need a written diagnosis or disability note from a doctor that explains your injuries and why you couldn’t work. Without this, it’s difficult to prove that your time off was medically necessary.

2. Notify Your Employer

Ask your employer for a formal letter verifying your employment, rate of pay, average hours worked, and the specific dates you missed due to the accident. If you missed out on commissions, overtime, or tips, this should be included.

3. Open a PIP Claim (if applicable)

In Washington, insurance companies must offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP). If you accept PIP coverage, it may pay a portion of your lost wages –  $200 per week, (a total of $10,000) – depending on your policy. Note that PIP often requires you to miss at least 14 consecutive days of work before wage reimbursement begins.

4. File an Insurance Claim

Your next step is filing a claim with either:

  • The at-fault driver’s insurance provider, or
  • Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In both scenarios, you’ll need to submit your wage documentation, medical records, and accident report.

5. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Seattle

Insurance companies are known for undervaluing wage loss, especially when dealing with non-traditional jobs, freelancers, or small business owners. Competent accident lawyers can build a strong case, gather expert testimony if needed, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Recovering lost income after a car crash in Seattle can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can make a significant difference. With strong evidence and help from an experienced accident attorney, you can pursue the compensation you’re entitled to, not only lost wages.

Ensure You Recover Adequate Lost Wages After a Crash in Seattle

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash and are struggling with lost income, don’t wait to explore your legal options. Your ability to claim lost wages depends on how quickly you act, how well you document your losses, and whether you have experienced legal representation in your corner.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, we’ve helped countless victims throughout Seattle recover full compensation, including lost wages, after serious car accidents. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

To get started, connect with our trusted accident lawyers in Seattle by calling us at 206-222-8242 or sending us a message about your case by answering our online form here. The initial consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you win your case.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp