Showing Lost Wages After St. Louis Car Accident

Proving lost wages in a Missouri car accident case requires documentation to show what you normally earn and the income you missed due to the accident. Here's what you can gather:

• Pay Stubs: These are the most common proof of income. Collect pay stubs for the period before and after the accident, especially those covering the time you missed work.
• Tax Returns: Your tax returns from the previous few years can establish your regular income.
• Employer Statement: A written statement from your employer detailing your:
  • Base wage (salary, hourly rate, commissions)
  • Usual work schedule (hours/days per week)
  • Dates you missed work due to the accident
  • Typical overtime pay (if applicable)

For self-employed individuals, documentation becomes slightly different:

• Tax Returns: Similar to regular employment, tax returns from prior years are crucial.
• Business Records: This could include profit and loss statements, business invoices, and contracts.
• Bank Statements: Business bank statements can demonstrate income flow impacted by the accident.

Additional Tips

• Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your lost wages, such as unused vacation or sick leave pay.
• If your injuries limited your ability to work even after returning, document any reduced hours or change in duties.

Important Note

An experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation, calculating lost wages accurately, and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your claim. They can also navigate Missouri's "pure comparative fault" system, where your compensation might be reduced based on your share of fault in the accident.