Can I Get Disability After A Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some may leave you temporarily or permanently unable to work.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might qualify for disability benefits. These benefits can help cover your living expenses while you recover. Let’s dive into how short-term disability benefits work and how you can achieve them.

Common Injuries And Short Term Disability After A Car Accident

Car accident injuries can vary from minor to severe. Here are some common injuries that may result in short-term disability:

• Whiplash
  • A neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head. Whiplash can cause severe pain and stiffness, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
• Fractures
  • Broken bones are a common result of car accidents and can range from minor fractures to severe breaks. Fractures often require not moving for long periods and time off work for healing.
• Sprains
  • Ligament injuries, such as sprains, can occur in various parts of the body, including the wrists, ankles, and knees. These injuries can limit mobility and require rest and physical therapy.
• Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause significant pain and swelling. These injuries often need extended periods of recovery and can temporarily prevent you from working.

More severe injuries that may qualify for short-term disability include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • TBIs can result from a violent blow to the head and can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments. The recovery process can be lengthy, often causing you to need a temporary leave from work.
• Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, leading to an extended period of disability.
• Significant Orthopedic Injuries
  • Multiple fractures or joint dislocations can significantly impact your ability to work and require extensive medical care.

These personal injuries not only affect your ability to work but also lead to mounting medical bills. Filing a personal injury claim can help initially cover these expenses. You might still need extended help through disability leave.

What Does Short-Term Disability After A Car Accident Look Like?

Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide financial support for a limited period. This period typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the policy. These benefits can cover a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work due to your injuries. To qualify, you usually need to provide medical documentation from your healthcare provider.

How Do I Apply For Temporary Disability After A Car Accident?

Applying for temporary disability benefits involves several steps:

1. Notify Your Employer
   1. Inform your employer about your injury and your intention to apply for short-term disability benefits. Many employers provide STD coverage as part of their employee benefits package.
2. Complete Application Forms
   1. Obtain and complete the necessary application forms from your employer or the insurance provider. This often includes providing personal information, details about the accident, and medical documentation.
3. Submit Medical Documentation
   1. Ensure that your healthcare provider submits detailed medical records supporting your claim. This documentation should outline your injuries, treatment plan, and estimated recovery time.
4. Follow Up
   1. Stay in touch with your employer and the insurance provider to monitor the status of your claim. You might need to provide additional information.

What If I Need Permanent Disability After A Car Accident?

If your injuries are severe and cause life-long impairments, you may need to apply for permanent disability benefits. These can provide ongoing financial support when you can’t return to work.

If you were already on short-term disability due to a car accident:

You might need to transition to long-term or permanent disability. It’s crucial to keep your healthcare provider and insurance company informed.

You may need to undergo additional medical evaluations to determine the extent of your disability. This can help determine your chances of receiving long-term benefits.

If you are considering permanent disability after a car accident:

To apply for permanent disability, follow these steps:

1. Gather Medical Evidence
   1. Collect comprehensive medical records from your healthcare providers. These records should detail the nature and severity of your injuries, treatments received, and your current condition.
2. Complete Necessary Forms
   1. Obtain and complete the required forms for permanent disability benefits. This may include documentation from your employer, insurance company, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) if applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
3. Submit Your Application
   1. Submit your completed application along with all supporting medical documentation to the Social Security Administration. Be prepared for the process to take some time. Permanent disability claims can be complex and may require additional reviews and evaluations.

To better support your short or long-term disability claim due to an auto accident, you should seek legal support. An experienced attorney can help you reach a successful outcome that leads to you receiving benefits.

Seek Assistance From Shea Law Group

Navigating the process of applying for disability benefits after a car accident can be overwhelming. Shea Law Group can provide the guidance and support you need. As both a car accident lawyer and a personal injury lawyer, our firm can assist with gathering necessary documentation, completing forms, and communicating with insurance companies.

Contact Shea Law Group today to discuss your case and get your free consultation.