You clocked in every day, showed up early, and worked hard until a tractor-trailer crash threw your life off course. Now, you're stuck at home, healing from injuries, while the bills keep coming and your paycheck doesn’t.
That’s where the law can help. A trusted Dallas truck accident lawyer can guide you through recovering compensation for not just medical bills, but for lost wages and future earning potential, too.
You’ve already lost enough. Keep reading to find out how to protect your financial future.
What Can You Recover for Lost Income After a Truck Accident?
When an accident forces you off the job, the immediate concern is obvious: your next paycheck. But your claim can, and should, reflect more than that. You may be entitled to:
- Lost wages. This includes missed pay from the time of the accident to your recovery or return to work.
- Lost bonuses or commissions. Sales professionals, gig workers, and contract employees may lose not only hourly wages but also income opportunities.
- Paid time off used. If you burned through vacation or sick days while recovering, the law may allow compensation for that lost benefit.
- Lost benefits. You may no longer qualify for employer-sponsored healthcare benefits or other benefits.
- Lost self-employment income. Before the accident, you may have been self-employed. You may be entitled to compensation if you can’t work or you can’t work as many hours to earn the same income that you did before the truck accident.
Lost wages aren’t just about paychecks—they’re about stability.
What About the Future? Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries reduce your ability to work long-term, whether by changing your career path or lowering your earning potential, you may have a claim for loss of future earning capacity. This accounts for:
- Permanent injuries that limit the type of work you can do
- Reduced hours or inability to work full-time
- Missed advancement or promotion opportunities due to limitations
Loss of earning capacity takes into account your age, likely career trajectory, and anticipated future earnings.
How Is Lost Income Calculated in a Truck Accident Case? Evidence Is Everything
Insurance companies don’t hand out checks without proof. To claim lost income, you’ll need to show precisely how your earning ability changed because of the crash. This might include, but is not limited to:
- Recent pay stubs or tax returns. These establish your regular earnings before the crash.
- Doctor’s notes and medical records. These prove the extent of your injuries and the time needed for recovery.
- Letters from your employer. These can confirm job duties, missed time, and lost advancement opportunities.
- Expert testimony. Economists or vocational experts may be used to project long-term earning losses.
How Loss of Future Earnings Is Estimated
Future losses are more complex. Your attorney may work with economists to calculate:
- Expected career progression before the crash
- Current limitations and projected future income
- Industry trends, age, education, and life expectancy
This part of the claim can add significant value, especially for younger workers, self-employed individuals, or those in physically demanding careers.
Don’t Settle Too Soon
It’s common for insurers to offer quick payouts. However, accepting an early offer without considering the potential long-term wage loss is a risk. You may end up with:
- No compensation for reduced future income
- Out-of-pocket rehab or training costs
- No financial cushion for permanent disability
A tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Dallas can help you avoid these traps by fully calculating your income loss before negotiating a settlement. At The Bonneau Law Firm, we can:
- Investigate your crash and prove fault
- Gather evidence of lost income and future earning potential
- Work with medical and financial experts
- Negotiate aggressively to ensure your full income loss is covered
- Represent you in court if insurers refuse a fair settlement
Every day you’re unable to work adds to the burden. But with the right legal help, your injury doesn’t have to mean financial ruin. Instead, you may be able to make a fair recovery.
Let The Bonneau Law Firm help you claim what you’ve already earned—your right to stability, opportunity, and a secure future.