Can I Be Compensated For Self-Employment Income?

A range of injuries are possible as a result of a Clearwater car accident. This is also true when a car wreck happens in Hudson or Tampa. There are situations where a car accident victim has to take time off to recover. Or, if the injury was severe, they may no longer be able to perform the job that provided them income prior to the collision ever again.

Lost income is often connected to a company employee, but if you are self-employed, compensation could still be possible. You will need to provide documentation of your prior income and the negotiations may be more complex, particularly if your income varies substantially from month to month or year to year. That said, there is still a path to recovery when another is liable. Talk to a personal injury lawyer to learn more.

Proof of Income for Self-Employed Workers

Whether you define yourself as an independent contractor or a freelancer, you are not employed by a company. While you are not on payroll, you likely are compensated for work according to the payment schedule agreed upon by you and the organization. This could be payment upon completion or a schedule. Because of this, you will not have a set annual income that could be verified by paycheck stubs or an employment contract.

Self-employed individuals could use one or more of the following as evidence if they are moving forward with a request for compensation for lost income.

• Bank statements
• 1099 forms and other tax forms
• Invoices, both outstanding and settled
• Client agreements
• Pending proposals that could prove future wage loss

Income documentation is only one form of documentation required. You will also need proof of the injury being connected to the accident itself. To prove this, you will need medical records, including doctor reports, prescriptions, medical referrals, and more. A police report stating where the accident occurred and why it happened will also be part of the evidence assessed by the insurance adjuster and other professionals.

A Florida Lawyer Will Know the Value of Your Claim

Wage compensation can be complicated, but an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer can let you know how similar situations have turned out and what to expect given the details of your situation. Self-employment wages are not as clear cut, but there is a way to calculate income loss when a person is unable to work, whether that work stoppage is only for a set period of time, while the individual heals, or permanent.

Are you scared and confused because you have a lot of bills from a Florida accident but are unable to generate the self-employment income you relied on prior to the wreck? Talk to a skilled legal professional to understand what your options are moving forward. Compensation may be possible if you are juggling medical care expenses, property damages, and lost income. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights. The attorneys at Roman & Roman have over 100 years of combined experience. Schedule your free consultation today.