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Last Modified on Dec 06, 2025
Getting in a car accident can change your life instantly, especially if injuries keep you from working. An unexpected crash on Interstate 10, along U.S. 69 or U.S. 96, or along Calder Avenue can suddenly lead to injuries, missed work, and financial pressure. Understanding how to claim lost wages from a car accident in Texas protects your income so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Renick Law Firm, PLLC, has represented injured people across Southeast Texas for decades. Our firm combines extensive courtroom experience with a client-first approach. We understand the financial strain accident victims face and work to get the money they are entitled to.
What Are Lost Wages in a Texas Car Accident Claim?
According to Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash data in 2024, a major vehicle crash was reported every 57 seconds statewide, resulting in 251,977 injuries and 4,150 deaths. Facts like these are hard to ignore and can happen to anyone, even the safest of drivers. Lost wages refer to the income you miss because of injuries from a car accident that prevent you from working.
Texas law allows injured victims to seek compensation for financial losses as part of a personal injury claim. Lost wages aren’t just a regular paycheck, and they can include:
- Hourly or salaried income you could not earn due to injury
- Overtime pay, bonuses, or commissions you expected to receive
- Used sick time or vacation time taken because of an accident
If you are missing work because of an accident, contact the team at Renick Law Firm, PLLC. We can evaluate your claim and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Who Pays for Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Texas?
Even when crashes are not fatal, they can be costly. According to data from Consumer Affairs in 2024, a non-fatal disabling injury was estimated to cost $162,000, and each evident injury averaged $42,000. This shows how costly an injury from a car accident can be, and in certain circumstances, you are entitled to reimbursement for lost wages due to the inability to work.
Under Texas car accident laws, lost wages may be paid through several different processes. Lost wages may be recovered through:
- At-fault driver liability claims when another driver caused the crash
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, if included in your policy
- Uninsured motorist claims when coverage limits are insufficient
If you believe you are owed lost wages reimbursement and are unsure which option applies to your case, contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC. We can review your options and help you move forward in receiving the finances you are owed.
What to Do After a Texas Car Accident to Protect Your Wages
Mistakes such as delaying medical care or failing to document injuries can seriously harm your ability to recover lost wages. It is crucial to understand your rights and take key steps to protect your lost wage claim. Examples of steps to protect yourself include:
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement
- Seeking prompt medical treatment and following care instructions
- Documenting missed work and medical limitations
If you are injured and missing work, hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your personal injury claim.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing how to claim lost wages from a car accident in Texas often requires more than submitting paperwork. Insurance companies may dispute injuries, question missed work, or undervalue your losses. An experienced attorney can gather documentation, negotiate with insurers, and protect your financial future while you recover.
Renick Law Firm, PLLC, brings strong local experience to car accident cases in Beaumont and Southeast Texas. Our firm has served Southeast Texas for many years, handling serious injury claims in Jefferson County courts and throughout the surrounding communities.
Founder Scott Renick is a former Texas prosecutor who has served as Board President of The Garth House and is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. We understand how insurers and opposing counsel approach injury claims and are proud of our long-standing commitment to the local community and client advocacy.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Get Lost Wages from a Car Accident?
How long it takes to recover lost wages after a car accident in Texas depends on the insurance process and how well you documented your income losses. Some wage payments may be issued within weeks through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Other wage payments may be paid out through a settlement. Contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC, if medical records or income verification are keeping you from receiving the money you are owed.
What Qualifies as Lost Wages?
What qualifies as lost wages includes income you couldn’t earn because injuries prevented you from working. Examples of lost pay are hourly pay, salary, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and sick or vacation time. In Texas, documentation such as pay stubs, employer statements, and medical restrictions is commonly required to prove these losses in a claim. If you are unsure if you are entitled to lost wages after a car accident, contact our legal team today.
How Much Do You Usually Get from a Car Accident Settlement in Texas?
How much you usually get from a car accident settlement in Texas is difficult to determine. There is no standard settlement amount, and compensation depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, insurance coverage, and liability factors. If you are unsure about your Texas car accident claim, reach out to Renick Law Firm, PLLC, and we can help answer any questions you might have.
Contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC Today
Renick Law Firm, PLLC has represented injured individuals and families across Beaumont and Southeast Texas for decades, offering focused legal guidance in serious injury cases. If a car accident has caused you to miss work or lose income, contact us today to schedule a consultation and speak with an experienced and dedicated car accident attorney who understands what it takes to be successful with a Texas car accident claim.
