Auto Insurance Claims: wage loss for self employed, lost wages

Question
MVA May 16th, currently working limited amount of time (0-2 hours a day) due to injuries sustained as a passenger in vehicle.  Broken ribs, neck strain, shoulder strain, back strain blah blah blah.  Drug impaired driver (at least he was arrested for drug impairment at the time of the accident) and running a stop light hitting us twice at about 50MPH.  Insurance wants Tax records to determine my lost wages.  I do not take a pay check from my business and last years taxable income for myself was 16K. How can I determine and negotiate a fair settlement of wages.  Did not hire anyone but my husband has tried to run things on his own as his injuries were not as severe as myself.

Answer
Your only proof of income would be your tax returns.  It is hard to prove income as a self employed individual.  Lost wages claims require a strict standard of evidence.

1.  There must be a doctor's (MD's, not Chiro) recommendation to stay off work.
2.  There must be clear evidence of the extent of income.


Considering that you have to pay overhead and other business expenses out of your "income", I would suggest gathering up sales receipts or invoices for a certain period of time that can show that your income is more than you have to claim on taxes.  

On a side note, if you have detailed information you wish to provide that would allow me to better assess your situation, you can always continue this Allexperts thread, or you can look us up on the web at www.pettydetailsllc.com and contact us directly for free guidance.

I hope this helps!