Detailed Answer
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Nevada to address your specific situation.
After a car accident, proving lost wages for your part-time job involves gathering clear documentation of your earnings before and after the incident. Under Nevada law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit (see NRS 41.141). Timely evidence helps establish the amount you would have earned if you had been able to work.
1. Collect Payroll Records
Start by obtaining pay stubs, direct deposit records or payroll statements for the months leading up to the accident. These documents show your hourly rate, total hours worked and any overtime or bonuses. If you lack formal pay stubs, ask your employer for a signed wage verification letter on company letterhead detailing your hours and wages.
2. Use Tax Documents
Supplement payroll records with prior-year W-2 forms or IRS Form 1040 schedules. These tax documents provide an annual summary of your income and reinforce your regular earnings pattern.
3. Create a Work Log
If your employer cannot supply complete records, maintain a contemporaneous log of shifts you missed due to injury. Note the date, scheduled hours and expected pay. Include signed affidavits from supervisors or co-workers who can confirm your usual schedule.
4. Gather Banking Statements
Provide bank statements showing deposits that correspond to your pay cycle. This offers an alternative record of payment if payroll or tax documents are incomplete.
5. Document Medical Restrictions
Obtain medical records and physician notes detailing your injury and work restrictions. These records connect your inability to work directly to the accident rather than to unrelated factors.
6. Consider an Economic Expert
For complex cases or where lost future earnings are at stake, hire an economic or vocational expert. They can calculate projected income based on your part-time hours, raises or seasonal fluctuations.
7. Maintain a Claim File
Organize all documents—pay stubs, tax forms, bank statements, medical notes and correspondence with insurers—in a dedicated file. A clear, chronological file speeds up negotiations or litigation.
Helpful Hints
- Request employer records promptly—companies may delete old payroll data.
- Keep digital and physical copies of all documents.
- Track mileage and parking expenses if you miss work to attend medical appointments.
- Log calls and emails with insurance adjusters, noting dates, times and names.
- Review Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations at NRS 41.141 to avoid waiver of your claim rights.
- Consult a qualified Nevada attorney early to protect your evidence and meet procedural requirements.