Recovering Lost Wages After a Car Wreck in Kentucky
When you’re hurt in a crash, the bills don’t stop — and neither do your daily responsibilities. Missing work because of your injuries can quickly turn a stressful situation into a financial crisis.
At Queener Law, we help Kentucky crash victims recover every dollar they’ve lost — including the paychecks they missed while healing.
Here’s what you need to know about recovering lost wages after an auto accident in Kentucky.
What Counts as Lost Wages?
“Lost wages” refers to any income you miss out on because of your injuries. This can include:
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The pay you would’ve earned if you hadn’t been hurt
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Overtime, bonuses, or commissions you typically receive
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Self-employment income or contract work that you couldn’t complete
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Sick or vacation days you had to use during your recovery
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Future lost earning capacity if your injuries keep you from returning to your previous job or hours
These losses add up quickly — and insurance companies rarely offer to cover them fairly without a fight.
How Kentucky’s No-Fault System Works
Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state, which means your own auto insurance provides the first layer of protection through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Basic PIP coverage pays up to $10,000 per person for medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses — regardless of who caused the crash.
Under standard PIP, you may receive 80% of your lost income, up to $200 per week, while you’re unable to work.
However, that often doesn’t come close to covering your real losses. If your injuries meet Kentucky’s “tort threshold” (for example, a broken bone, permanent injury, or over $1,000 in medical expenses), you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for your full damages — including all lost wages and future lost earning potential.
That’s where Queener Law steps in.
Proving Your Lost Wages Claim
Insurance companies often challenge wage loss claims, so documentation is key. Here’s what strengthens your case:
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Medical Records – Show that your injuries directly caused your missed work time.
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Doctor’s Note or Work Restrictions – A clear statement from your treating physician helps connect your time off to your injuries.
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Employer Verification – A letter confirming your position, pay rate, and the time you missed because of the crash.
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Pay Stubs or W-2s – Proof of your normal earnings, including overtime and bonuses.
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Tax Returns or Business Records (for self-employed) – Invoices, contracts, or profit-and-loss statements showing your income before and after the accident.
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Future Loss Documentation – If your injuries impact your long-term career or ability to earn, we work with experts to project your future lost earning capacity.
Queener Law knows how to gather and present this evidence effectively so insurance companies take your claim seriously.
Don’t Wait Too Long to File
Kentucky law gives most crash victims two years from the date of the accident (or from the last PIP payment) to file a lawsuit for lost wages and other damages.
Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim — even if you have clear proof of your losses. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Common Roadblocks — and How We Overcome Them
Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny lost wage claims. You might hear:
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“You could have gone back to work sooner.”
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“Your injuries weren’t that serious.”
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“You didn’t make that much before the wreck.”
At Queener Law, we don’t let them shift the blame or undervalue your recovery. Our team builds a detailed case showing exactly how the crash affected your ability to work — both now and in the future.
We also make sure your PIP benefits are properly applied and that you receive every dollar available under your policy before pursuing the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Why Choose Queener Law
Recovering lost wages after a crash can feel overwhelming — especially while you’re trying to heal. The insurance adjuster has a playbook designed to save them money. We have a different one: the truth.
At Queener Law, we handle all communication, documentation, and negotiation so you can focus on getting better. You’ll never owe us a fee unless we win your case.
We proudly help clients throughout Kentucky and Tennessee understand their rights and recover what they’re truly owed after someone else’s negligence turns their life upside down.
If you’ve missed work because of a Kentucky car wreck, don’t leave money on the table.
Call Queener Law today for a free consultation — and let us fight to recover your lost wages and get your life back on track.
