Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers help workers in Spokane when they’re not being paid correctly. As a worker, having your pay shorted is among the biggest slaps you can experience–particularly in situations where you’re not paid for your mileage when you use your own car for work. Our team can stand up for your rights and help you through the process of taking your power back. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Unpaid Mileage Claim in Spokane?
When your employer doesn’t reimburse you for work-related mileage, it might not feel like a big deal right away. But those unpaid miles stack up–and fast. Before you know it, you could be out hundreds or even thousands of dollars, all for using your own car to do your job.
If that sounds familiar, it’s time to think about your legal options. And that’s where having a lawyer on your side can make a real difference. Here’s how we help Spokane workers who aren’t being paid for mileage:
- We calculate what you should be paid. You give us your mileage records, and we figure out how much your employer should’ve paid you under Washington law.
- We handle your employer. Instead of you chasing them down, we step in and try to resolve it directly before it turns into a bigger issue.
- We take legal action if needed. If your employer still won’t pay, we can file a claim or lawsuit to help recover what you’re owed.
Unpaid mileage isn’t a minor oversight. It’s a financial loss that hits you directly–and it’s money you’ve earned. If your employer isn’t following through, we’re here to help you hold them accountable.
What’s Involved in an Unpaid Mileage Claim in Spokane?
It seems obvious, but when you use your own personal vehicle for work-related tasks in Spokane, your employer is legally required to reimburse your mileage.
While Washington doesn’t have a specific law on this, federal guidelines apply–and they’re clear: As of 2025, employers have to reimburse you:
- 70 cents per mile for business travel.
Even with federal guidelines in place, your employer might look for ways to avoid paying the full amount–or anything at all. Here are some of the ways they try to get around it:
- Saying driving is “optional” – If driving is part of your job, it’s not optional. You should be reimbursed for your mileage.
- Paying a flat amount – Flat payments often don’t come close to covering gas, wear-and-tear, and other real costs.
- Misclassifying you – If you’re treated like an employee but labeled a contractor, they may try to skip paying mileage altogether.
- Dismissing your routes as “commutes” – Travel to job sites or meetings outside your regular workplace counts as reimbursable mileage.
- Ignoring requests entirely – Some employers just delay or deny mileage claims and hope you give up.
No matter how they do it, refusing to pay for business-related travel is wrong—and it violates basic labor standards. If this is happening to you in Spokane, you don’t have to just put up with it.
How Can I Build a Strong Unpaid Mileage Claim?
It’s one thing to know your rights–it’s another to prove your employer is violating them. Fortunately, unpaid mileage claims are usually straightforward in terms of how you can prove it. Here’s a few things you should do to build a strong claim:
- Log every mile – Keep track of when, where, and why you drove for work. Apps or even a spreadsheet can help you stay organized.
- Track travel expenses – If you paid for gas, tolls, or parking, keep receipts. These costs help show just how much you were out of pocket.
- Save communication – Keep any texts or emails you sent or received about mileage. If you asked for reimbursement and were ignored, that’s useful evidence.
- Check your employment terms – Review your job description, contract, or any company policies about mileage. Even informal promises can matter.
- Talk to coworkers – If others are dealing with the same issue, their statements can help strengthen a possible group claim.
The more details you gather, the more solid your case becomes–and we’re here to help you put those pieces together when you want to take action.
What Are Your Legal Options for Unpaid Mileage in Spokane?
Unpaid mileage may seem like a small issue at first, but it adds up fast. If your employer in Spokane isn’t reimbursing you, here’s what you can do:
- File a complaint with the Department of Labor (WHD) – This agency enforces wage laws, and they can investigate your claim.
- File a lawsuit – If your employer won’t take responsibility, you can file a legal claim to recover what you’re owed. We can guide you through each step.
- Join a class action – If this is happening to you, chances are it’s happening to others at your job. A class action lawsuit, where you and your coworkers band together for a consolidated lawsuit, is one of the most efficient ways to make sure everyone is paid correctly.
While it’s a difficult choice to file a lawsuit against your employer, our team will be with you (and potentially your other coworkers) every step of the way to make sure you get what you’re owed in terms of damages. Usually, this includes things like:
- Reimbursement for any unpaid mileage plus interest
- Liquidated damages (sometimes double what you’re owed)
- Repayment for any out-of-pocket expenses
- Attorneys’ fees
- Financial support for emotional stress or financial hardship
The key is acting quickly. In Washington, you only have three years from the last unpaid reimbursement to file your claim. Waiting too long can cost you more than just mileage–it can cost you your case.
Get What You’re Owed in Spokane With Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers
If your employer in Spokane hasn’t reimbursed you for mileage, don’t write it off. You’ve spent time, money, and gas for your job–and that matters. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we’re here to help you make sense of your options and stand up for what’s right. Reach out for a free consultation. We can help you get what you’re owed.