Kentucky car accident victims often have the question as to whether or not they’re going to be paid for the time they are unable to work as a result of the injuries they sustain in an automobile accident. That is whether or not they can collect their lost wages.  If the accident wasn’t their fault, the answer is yes, but that is a qualified yes. This would be the same answer even if the accident was their fault.

The first item I look at is what you can qualify for automatically. I will assume that you don’t have any disability benefits that you qualify for.  Under the Kentucky PIP law, you can collect 80 percent of your lost wages up to a maximum of $200.00 per week. This is what is called Basic Reparation Benefits.  I know $200.00 a week isn’t a lot of money.  It’s not going to pay for your mortgage.  It’s not going to pay for your car payment.  It’s not going to put groceries and food in your family’s mouths, but unfortunately that is what the law is in Kentucky if you have Basic Reparations Benefits. 

The remainder of your lost wages will be paid for at the end of the case by the at-fault insurance company. This is when your Kentucky car accident case is settled. Anything that is not paid by PIP will be paid or reimbursed at the end of the case. Unfortunately, this doesn’t do you a lot of good while you’re trying to pay your bills. 

The best advice that I can give you is if you have not been in an accident. This is preventative. There is nothing that can be done to change your insurance coverage after you have been in the accident to increase your benefits. Talk to your insurance agent and purchase what is called Added Reparations Benefits.  You may be able to raise that weekly lost-wage payment up to $1,000.00 a week with very little additional premium. 

You should also talk to your employer or an independent insurance agent about getting a disability policy that will pay for lost wages no matter how you’re injured; whether you’re in an automobile accident or injured falling at home. 

The Kentucky No-Fault Statute was not enacted as a disability policy for Kentucky automobile accident victims. It was only put in place to supplement your wage loss. The At-Fault party is responsible when the case is settled, but this can be years after the accident. Take matters into your own hands now so you are not wondering how you are going to pay your bills should you be injured in a car accident.