Will a Truck Accident Settlement Cover Future Lost Income?

 Posted on February 14, 2026 in Truck accidents

A truck accident settlement can include compensation for future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work. When a crash causes serious harm, the financial impact often goes far beyond your current medical bills. Understanding whether future earnings can be recovered in a personal injury claim is an important step in protecting your financial future.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks were involved in more than 168,000 injury crashes in a recent year across the United States. The claims are common, and Quinn Law Group, LLC has experience helping people get the compensation they need. If you are dealing with the effects of a serious collision in 2026, our Elgin, IL personal injury lawyer helps injured individuals pursue compensation that reflects both current losses and future needs.

What Counts as Future Lost Income After a Truck Accident?

Future lost income refers to the wages you are expected to miss because of your injuries. This may apply if you cannot return to work right away, must cut back your hours, or are unable to continue in the same type of job.

These losses often go beyond missed paychecks. Courts may also consider lost promotions, reduced earning ability, and benefits such as retirement contributions. The goal is to estimate what you likely would have earned if the crash had not happened.

How Do You Prove Future Lost Income in an Illinois Truck Accident Case?

Proving future income loss requires strong evidence. Medical providers must explain how your injuries limit your ability to work. Financial records help show what you earned before the crash.

Helpful evidence may include:

Medical opinions describing long-term limitations

Employment records and past pay statements

Tax returns showing income history

Testimony from vocational experts

Economic projections estimating future losses

Clear documentation helps show that the financial impact is real and not based on guesswork.

What Is the Difference Between Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity?

The term "lost wages" usually refers to the income you missed while recovering. Lost earning capacity focuses on your future ability to earn money.

For example, if you return to work but can only take a lower-paying position because of physical limits, the difference in income may be recoverable. If your injuries prevent you from advancing in your field, those lost opportunities may also be considered.

Courts often review your age, skills, work history, and the seriousness of your injuries when calculating these damages.

Can Permanent Injuries Increase a Truck Accident Settlement?

Permanent injuries often lead to higher settlements because their effects can last for years or even a lifetime. When someone cannot return to their previous level of employment, the financial losses may continue to grow.

In these cases, compensation may include ongoing medical care, assistive equipment, and the income you are expected to lose throughout your career. Careful planning helps ensure these long-term costs are not overlooked during settlement talks.

Does Illinois Law Limit Your Time To Seek Compensation for a Truck Accident?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury cases in Illinois must be filed within two years after the accident. Missing this deadline can put your case at risk and may limit access to important documents or professional analysis.

Acting promptly allows your attorney to closely examine your injuries, collect key information, and prepare a case that fully accounts for how the incident has affected your life.

What Factors Can Affect the Value of a Future Income Claim?

Several factors influence how future losses are calculated. While every case is different, courts often consider:

The severity and long-term impact of your injuries

Whether you can return to the same type of work

Your earning history and career path

Expected medical limitations

Expert opinions about your future employability

Looking closely at these issues helps create a clearer picture of your financial future.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Elgin, IL Truck Accident Attorney

A serious truck accident can create uncertainty about your health, your job, and your long-term stability. At Quinn Law Group, LLC, we help injured individuals understand their rights and pursue compensation that supports their future.

Attorney Quinn offers a valuable perspective. Earlier in his career, he defended insurance companies in personal injury cases. This gave him insight into how insurers evaluate and challenge claims. Today, he uses that knowledge to advocate for injured clients and anticipate the strategies insurers may use.

If your injuries may affect your ability to earn a living, contact our Elgin, IL personal injury lawyer by calling 847-232-7180 to schedule a free consultation.