Yes, if you were injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident and unable to work, you may be able to claim compensation for lost earnings. UK law allows injured passengers to recover financial losses from the responsible party’s insurance. National Claims can help connect you with experienced solicitors to guide you through the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Introduction
Injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault? If you were a passenger in a road traffic accident (RTA) and your injuries stopped you from working, you might be entitled to claim compensation for lost earnings.
Unlike drivers, passengers are very rarely at fault, making it easier to prove liability. But many people don’t realise that financial losses like wages and sick pay can also be claimed back.
In this article, we’ll explain your legal rights, how much you could claim, and how National Claims can help you start your passenger injury claim today.
Can You Claim for Lost Earnings as a Passenger?
Absolutely. Under UK law, if you’re injured in an RTA and someone else is at fault — whether it’s the driver of your vehicle or another motorist — you can claim for both your injuries and financial losses, including:
- Lost income (salary or wages)
- Loss of bonuses, overtime or commission
- Missed self-employment income
- Sick pay deductions
- Future loss of earnings if you’re unable to return to work
These losses are part of your special damages, which are calculated in addition to general damages for pain and suffering.
✅ Even if the driver of the car you were in caused the crash, you still have a valid claim against their insurer.
Common Passenger Injuries That Affect Employment
Passengers often suffer injuries that prevent them from working for days, weeks or even months. These can include:
- Whiplash or soft tissue injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Fractures or broken bones
- Head injuries or concussion
- Psychological trauma such as PTSD or anxiety
If your job involves physical work — like lifting, driving or standing for long periods — even a minor injury could result in extended time off and significant loss of income.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Lost Earnings Claim?
To successfully claim for lost income, you’ll need to provide:
- Proof of employment: such as payslips, a letter from your employer, or tax returns (for self-employed claimants)
- Medical evidence: showing your injuries and how they impact your ability to work
- Evidence of missed earnings: such as wage statements or business invoices
- Accident report: including a police report or insurance details of the at-fault party
You don’t have to gather all this yourself — that’s where National Claims and our partner solicitors step in to help.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Lost Earnings?
The value of your compensation depends on:
- The amount of time you were unable to work
- Your average income before the accident
- Whether your injury affects your future ability to work
- Any bonuses, overtime, or commission missed
Here’s an example breakdown:
| Scenario | Estimated Loss |
|---|---|
| 2 months off work at £2,000/month | £4,000 lost earnings |
| Missed annual bonus | £1,500 |
| Future earnings loss (part-time return) | £10,000+ |
In addition to lost earnings, you may also claim for medical treatment, travel costs, and compensation for your physical and emotional pain.
📌 Note: There is no cap on the amount you can claim for lost earnings — it must simply be reasonable and supported by evidence.
People Also Ask
Q1. Can I claim lost wages if I was a passenger in a car accident?
Yes. If you were injured and unable to work, you can include your lost wages in your compensation claim, regardless of who caused the accident.
Q2. Do I need to go to court to claim for lost earnings?
Most claims settle out of court. However, if the other side denies liability or disputes the value of your claim, court may be necessary. National Claims works with solicitors who will guide and support you throughout.
Q3. What if I’m self-employed and lost work?
You can still claim. You’ll need to show bank statements, past invoices, or tax returns to demonstrate your usual income. Our solicitors will help build a strong case on your behalf.
How Long Do You Have to Claim?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim in the UK. If you’re claiming on behalf of a child or someone with limited mental capacity, different rules apply.
Start your claim as early as possible to increase your chances of success and ensure evidence is still fresh.
📌 More on time limits: gov.uk/personal-injury-claims
What If the Driver Was a Friend or Family Member?
You can still claim. The compensation is paid out by their insurer — not the individual personally. Many people worry it will create tension, but insurers are legally responsible for paying compensation.
Our team at National Claims can handle your case sensitively and discreetly.
Why Choose National Claims?
At National Claims, we understand how stressful it can be to suffer financial losses on top of physical injuries. That’s why we make the process straightforward and stress-free.
We’ll:
- Connect you with experienced RTA solicitors
- Support your lost earnings and injury claim
- Ensure your compensation reflects all your losses
- Handle your case on a no win, no fee basis
You focus on recovery — we’ll focus on winning your case.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident and missed work as a result, don’t ignore your right to claim. Lost earnings can add up fast — especially if you’re self-employed or your injury lasts longer than expected.
Let National Claims help you get back on your feet with the compensation you deserve.
👉 Contact us today to speak with a claims specialist and take the first step towards recovering your lost earnings and securing your future.
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We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
