Attorneys
Last Updated: 4/20/2023
Under Iowa law, if you or a loved one are involved in a car accident causing injuries that require you to be off work, then you will need to use your sick pay, short-term disability, accident and sickness, vacation time, AFLAC or some other form of disability pay. The insurance company for the other driver will not pay your lost wages as you incur them. They will only pay your lost wages as part of a total settlement of your case including medical bills, lost wages, loss of quality of life, pain, and suffering, etc. If you are still off work because of a car accident, it is way too early to be talking settlement with the insurance company. You need to wait and see how your medical treatment goes and if you make a full recovery or not before even considering a settlement offer.
It is important that you if you do not know if your employer has any such coverage that you contact the HR (human resources) department. If you do have short-term disability or another coverage that will provide you with benefits while you are not able to work, then you will be required to complete paperwork and your doctor will also have to fill out paperwork showing your disability. It is important that you complete this paperwork in a timely fashion because the longer you wait, the longer it will take before you start receiving checks for your time off work.
Also, you may have disability coverage on your mortgage, car or other loans. This can make your payments while you are disabled and not able to work. You should check with your bank or lender to find out if you purchased this type of coverage.
What if the above doesn't work?
If you, unfortunately, do not have any of the above available to you, then you may have to look for help from your family, friends, church, etc. If you were injured in a state that has PIP (personal injury protection) such as Minnesota then you may be able to recover your lost wages immediately under your own car insurance policy for no-fault insurance. For more information about Iowa car accidents, you should request of book that reveals 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Claim.
