A serious car accident can flip your life upside down in seconds. Beyond the physical pain, many people suddenly lose their ability to work, face growing medical bills, and struggle to support their families. In these situations, disability benefits may be available, depending on the severity of your injuries and how long they affect your ability to work.
Can You Qualify for Disability After a Car Crash?
Yes, you can qualify for disability benefits after a car accident, but the process is strict. The Social Security Administration and California programs each have specific requirements. For federal disability benefits, you must show that:
- Your injury is severe
- Your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial work
- Your disability is expected to last at least twelve months
What Injuries Commonly Qualify?
Many car accident injuries can qualify for disability benefits if they seriously limit your ability to work. These include:
- Fractures or broken bones that affect movement or daily activity
- Amputations
- Severe burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or significant back damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Joint damage, nerve injuries, or neurological impairments
Even if your condition does not match a listed disability perfectly, you may still qualify if your combined limitations make work impossible.
Short Term vs Long Term Disability Benefits
Short Term Disability
California’s state disability insurance provides temporary wage replacement if you cannot work due to a non work related injury or illness. Car accident injuries often fall into this category if the disability is expected to be temporary.
Long Term Disability
Long term disability benefits under the Social Security Administration cover situations where an injury is expected to last a year or more and prevents you from performing any type of substantial work. This is typically used for severe or permanent car accident injuries.
Steps to Protect Your Disability Claim
- Get immediate medical treatment and keep consistent follow up appointments.
- Keep detailed medical records such as imaging, tests, work restrictions and physicians notes.
- Track how the injury prevents you from doing your job or any job.
- Gather documents showing loss of income or inability to return to work.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney who understands disability claims and how they interact with accident cases.
- Explore whether you qualify for both disability benefits and a personal injury claim.
How Hillstone Law Helps
Hillstone Law can guide you through both the disability claim process and your personal injury case. Our team can:
- Evaluate your medical records to identify long term impairments
- Work with expert doctors to document how your injuries limit your ability to work
- Handle all communication with insurance companies and agencies
- Maximize the value of your case by coordinating benefits, medical care, and financial recovery
Final Thoughts
A car accident can change your life instantly, leaving you unable to work or support your family. Disability benefits may provide crucial financial relief while you recover, or long term assistance if your injuries are permanent. If you believe your injuries qualify, Hillstone Law is ready to help you understand your options and fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
