One of the most pressing concerns victims face after a serious car crash in Meridian is how to recover the income they’ve lost while recovering from injuries. It generally comes down to insurance coverage and legal liability. 

If another driver is responsible for your injuries, their insurance typically covers your lost income, but there are important exceptions. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, or if insurance delays your claim, you may need to rely on your own coverage or pursue legal action.

In cases like these, working with our Meridian car crash lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates can make a difference for your case.

What Qualifies as Lost Income After a Meridian Crash?

Lost income isn’t limited to hourly wages or salaried pay. Under Idaho law, any earnings you can prove were disrupted or diminished due to someone else’s negligence may qualify as damages. 

These can include:

  • Hourly wages or salary missed during recovery
  • Lost overtime opportunities because of injury-related absence
  • Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, or vacation time used during recovery
  • Self-employment income lost from being unable to work
  • Loss of future earnings capacity, if your injury limits your ability to work long-term or permanently

You’ll typically need to present evidence such as pay stubs, tax returns, employer statements, and medical records to substantiate the claim.

It’s also important to note that when you’re claiming payment for lost income, know that you also have the right to recover other losses you suffered, other economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Who Pays for Lost Earnings After a Crash in Meridian? 

Payment for lost income after a crash in Meridian is initially shouldered by the negligent driver’s insurance company and the claimant’s insurance in some cases. 

1. At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

Idaho follows a fault-based insurance system, which means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Typically, that responsibility is covered through their liability insurance policy.

If your injuries keep you from working, your lost income may be covered under the bodily injury portion of the at-fault driver’s policy,  up to the policy limits. This includes not only immediate lost wages but may also include your diminished earning capacity if you suffer a long-term or permanent injury.

2. Your Own Auto Insurance 

There are times when your own insurance policy may step in:

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all), your UM/UIM coverage can help pay for your lost wages and medical expenses.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Although Idaho does not require PIP, some policies include it voluntarily. PIP may cover lost income up to a certain limit, regardless of fault.

Knowing how each policy interacts and when to file through your own versus the other driver’s insurer is essential, especially when your financial stability is on the line. That’s why many hire injury lawyers in Meridian when insurance claims start to stall.

How Is Lost Income Computed When Claiming in Meridian?

The calculation of lost wages after a car accident depends on the type of employment and the available documentation. 

Courts and insurance companies typically look for:

For Salaried or Hourly Employees

  • Your hourly wage or salary is multiplied by the number of work hours or days missed due to the injury.
  • If you had regular overtime hours, those may also be included.
  • Your employer may be asked to provide verification of your typical work schedule and missed time.

For Self-Employed Individuals

  • You’ll likely need to show prior tax returns, 1099s, or business income statements.
  • Courts may examine your past income trends to estimate your expected losses.
  • Missed business opportunities, canceled contracts, and downtime may also factor into the calculation.

Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries reduce your ability to earn income in the future, a vocational or economic expert may be brought in to estimate:

  • How much less you’ll be able to earn
  • The length of time this loss is expected to continue
  • Any retraining or rehabilitation needed

Documentation is key. Even when you’re clearly unable to work, insurers require evidence to approve wage loss claims. 

Can a Driver Be Sued for Lost Income After a Crash?

If insurance doesn’t cover the full amount of your lost income, or if the insurer wrongfully denies your claim, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver under Idaho tort law.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover:

  • Past lost wages
  • Future loss of earning capacity
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other economic and noneeconomic losses

However, there are legal thresholds and time limits:

Statute of Limitations

In Idaho, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the crash. Waiting beyond this period could result in losing your right to sue altogether.

Comparative Fault Rule

Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation, including lost wages, can be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

For example:

  • If you were found 20% at fault and had $10,000 in lost income, you’d only be eligible to recover $8,000.
  • If you were 50% or more at fault, you would not be eligible for any recovery.

Because of these legal rules, it’s critical to build a strong case that clearly shows the other party’s liability. Experienced injury lawyers can help gather evidence, manage negotiations with insurers, and file a lawsuit if necessary.

A Meridian Lawyer Can Help You Get Paid for Lost Income 

Lost wages after a car accident in Meridian can create lasting financial strain, especially when coupled with costly medical treatments and long-term injuries. The burden of proof falls on you, the injured party, to establish your losses and show that they resulted from another driver’s negligence.  

Whether you’re filing a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurer, your own policy, or preparing to take legal action, it’s important to act quickly and strategically. Our injury lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates represent every victim across Meridian who suffers lost income after a crash, and can help you pursue every dollar you’re entitled to for your time missed at work, future earnings, and more. 

Call us at 208-203-8588 to speak with our lawyer in Meridian, or send us a message about your case using our online form here to schedule your free consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp