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.

What Is Short-Term Disability After a Car Accident?

Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide temporary income when your injuries keep you from working. After a car accident, many people qualify for STD because even “minor” injuries can make it impossible to safely perform job duties. These benefits typically last a few weeks to a few months and can help cover your lost wages while you recover.

Here’s the part most accident victims don’t realize: Insurers often question or deny disability claims that stem from car accidents. They may argue that your injuries aren’t severe enough, that your limitations aren’t well-documented, or that the accident didn’t directly cause your inability to work.

This is exactly where a car accident lawyer becomes invaluable. Your attorney will help you gather strong medical evidence, document your symptoms correctly, and prove the connection between the crash and your inability to work. With the right legal support, you can pursue disability income while also fighting for full compensation from the at-fault driver.

How Do I Apply for Temporary Disability After a Car Accident?

Applying for temporary disability benefits should be simple. But when your disability is tied to a car accident, insurance companies often scrutinize every detail. Small mistakes on your forms or vague medical notes can lead to delays or denials.

Here’s how the process works (and how Shea Law Group strengthens your claim at every step).

• Notify Your Employer

Tell your employer about your injuries and your intent to apply for short-term disability. Before you do, it’s often helpful to speak with a lawyer. We ensure your explanation is clear, accurate, and consistent with your injury claim, so nothing you say gets used against you later.

• Complete the Application Forms

Disability applications ask how the injury happened, how it limits your ability to work, and whether it relates to an outside accident. These answers matter. An attorney can guide you through each question to prevent misunderstandings, contradictions, or wording that could harm either your disability claim or your personal injury case.

• Submit Medical Documentation

Your medical records are the backbone of your disability claim. Many denials happen simply because a doctor didn’t explain the injury in the way insurers require. We work directly with your healthcare providers to ensure your documentation is clear:

• Links the injuries to the crash
• Outlines your work restrictions
• Provides a realistic recovery timeline.

This level of detail significantly increases your chance of approval.

• Follow Up

Disability insurers may ask for more records, challenge the severity of your injuries, or delay your claim. When Shea Law Group steps in, we handle the communication, push back against unfair tactics, and fight for the benefits you deserve—so you can focus on healing instead of arguing with insurance companies.

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.

Severe Injuries That May Qualify for Short-Term Disability

Thankfully, these severe injuries are less common than the injuries above and may qualify for short-term disability. They 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 If I Need Permanent Disability After a Car Accident?

Some car accident injuries cause lasting impairments that make it impossible to return to work. In these cases, you may need to pursue permanent disability benefits. These benefits provide long-term financial support. However, they are much harder to qualify for than short-term disability. Insurers and the Social Security Administration closely examine accident-related claims and often challenge whether your injuries are truly permanent or work-preventing.

If you’ve been receiving short-term disability and your condition isn’t improving, your doctor may recommend transitioning to long-term or permanent disability. This requires updated medical records and clear proof that the crash caused ongoing limitations.

This is where legal support becomes crucial. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure your medical documentation is strong, consistent, and directly tied to the accident. We also protect your personal injury claim by making sure nothing in your disability application weakens your case. With Shea Law Group on your side, you can pursue permanent disability benefits while we fight for the full compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver.

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. A car accident lawyer will 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.