Expert: Bennie719 - 5/22/2008

Question
Was recently hit, STATE FARM paid for everything to fix on my car (the other guy's fault).  Had to take 1.5 days off work to do all the claim work, pick up/drop off rental, get quotes, and finally pick up the finished product.  Cost me a day and a half of personal leave.  Shouldn't they also be liable for my time?

Answer
Hi Brad,
Yes, you should be reimbursed for your lost wages, but the odds of that happening are slim.

If you were injured and are treating with a Medical Doctor and prescribed physical therapy, then once you recover and are preparing a settlement demand, you can include your lost wages as part of your economic losses.

It is the unstated intention of State Farm to settle this claim for the least possible amount.  If you suffered no injury and simply present a bill for lost wages due to the inconvenience caused by the accident, the odds are that they will deny reimbursement with a verbal statement saying that everyone suffers inconveniences when an accident happens.  They know it will cost you more time and money to hire an attorney to pursue such a small amount, that the odds are more likely that you will drop the issue.

You should go ahead and make a demand for reimbursement, just don't get your hopes to high.

I hope that you find this information to be helpful.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area