Can I Receive Disability Benefits After a Car Accident?

Can I Receive Disability Benefits After a Car Accident?
By: Roger Fincher | September 14, 2025 | Car accidents
Can I Receive Disability Benefits After a Car Accident_

At Fincher Law, we understand that a car accident can completely change your life. A serious car accident can cause life-changing injuries, such as severe burns, brain or spinal cord damage. These injuries often make it very difficult, or even impossible, for a person to return to work. You may wonder, “Can I receive disability benefits after a car accident?” Yes, it is possible. However, this depends on your specific medical condition and work history. Your injuries must also meet the qualifying standards for programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Our legal team helps clients understand how to combine personal injury claims and disability benefits for full support. A disability claim can cover treatments, prescription medications, therapy, and monthly payments if you can't return to your previous job. We will explain the types of benefits, what you need to qualify for, and how we can help you get the fair compensation you deserve.

Understanding Disability Benefits After a Car Accident

After a car crash, it is important to know that disability benefits come in different forms. We guide our clients through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Both are federal programs managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

  • SSDI benefits are available if you have a work history and have earned enough work credits.
  • SSI benefits are designed for individuals with limited income and financial need.

We also help clients use their private disability insurance. This coverage can be from an employer or a personal plan. Some policies cover short-term disabilities, like a temporary injury. Others cover long-term or permanent disabilities caused by events like a car accident.

For a disability after a car accident, you must provide medical records, medical evidence, and detailed documentation of injuries sustained. We help clients collect comprehensive documentation, including spinal cord, traumatic brain injury, or prosthetic devices information, to strengthen their disability claim. With our guidance, you can qualify for disability benefits, cover future medical expenses, and receive monthly benefits, all while focusing on your recovery.

Types of Disability Benefits Available

Types of Disability Benefits Available

At Fincher Law, we help clients understand the various disability benefits they may be eligible to claim following car accident injuries or other types of accidents. We know that after a serious auto accident, victims often face physical injuries, psychological trauma, and lost wages.

These challenges can make it hard to do job duties or return to substantial gainful activity. We assist clients in applying for benefits by explaining the requirements and exploring all available legal options for financial recovery. These benefits can cover your medical treatments, necessary expenses, and future costs related to your condition.

Short-term vs. Long-term Disability Insurance

  • Employer-provided policies typically cover a period of several weeks to several months.
  • Privately purchased policies may offer longer coverage, sometimes until full recovery or permanent disability.
  • Benefits typically include a portion of lost wages and assistance in maintaining financial support during recovery.
  • We help clients determine if they can claim benefits while continuing physical therapy or other treatments for car accident injuries.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  • SSDI is a federal program that provides Social Security disability benefits for individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities.
  • To qualify, you must meet strict eligibility requirements, including work history and a qualifying disability that prevents sedentary work or other job duties.
  • We assist clients in proving their physical capacity limitations, residual functional capacity, and how accident injuries prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
  • SSDI can provide monthly benefits, protect financial needs, and help clients maintain stability while recovering from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other serious injuries.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • SSI is a need-based disability program for those with limited income or resources.
  • The program provides monthly payments to help cover medical expenses and basic living costs.
  • We help clients determine if they are eligible for disability benefits under SSI while considering Social Security retirement benefits and other financial recovery options.
  • SSI can be a lifeline for car accident victims who cannot return to work due to physical injuries or psychological trauma.

Qualifying for Disability Benefits

Qualifying for Disability Benefits

At Fincher Law, we help clients understand how to qualify for disability benefits after car accident injuries. We know proving your injury meets both medical eligibility requirements and technical standards is critical. The process can feel confusing, but we guide you every step of the way to protect your financial recovery and ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Medical Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for benefits, your injury must be severe enough to prevent you from performing your job duties or substantial gainful activity. The disability must typically last 12 months or longer. We assist in collecting medical records and documentation from doctors, therapists, or other healthcare providers. This evidence shows your residual functional capacity and may include physical injuries, psychological trauma, or the need for medical vocational allowance.

Technical Eligibility Factors

For SSDI, you need to have earned enough work credits before the auto accident. Private disability insurance policies may have their own conditions or definitions of disability, and we help interpret these requirements to ensure a clear understanding of the coverage. We ensure your claim reflects that the responsible party caused the accident injuries that prevent you from working. Proper documentation is essential to prove you are eligible for both Social Security disability benefits and private coverage.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The Application Process_ Step-by-Step

Applying for disability benefits can be an overwhelming process. At Fincher Law, we guide clients through the initial application process correctly, helping them avoid mistakes and ensuring they receive full and fair compensation.

Immediate Steps After Your Accident

We advise clients to collect all medical documentation from hospitals, doctors, and therapists. It is essential to inform your employer about your condition and any associated limitations. Keeping a record of lost wages and changes to your physical capacity can strengthen your case.

Filing Your Disability Claim

Filing a claim requires careful completion of all forms for SSDI or private disability insurance. You must include medical records, accident reports, and your work history. We guide clients to avoid common errors that often delay approval.

Appealing Denied Claims

Many claims are initially denied; however, we guide clients through the multi-stage appeals process. Acting as your disability lawyer, we present additional evidence and medical opinions. We fight to ensure that you receive the benefits you are eligible for while protecting your right to full and fair compensation.

How a Car Accident Settlement Affects Benefits

How a Car Accident Settlement Affects Benefits

A car accident settlement can impact your disability benefits, so we make sure clients understand the effects. Settlements may affect SSDI benefits or private insurance, and we carefully review offset provisions. Medicaid and Medicare rules can also change after a settlement; we help clients maintain their eligibility.

We advise on structured settlements for long-term support, including future medical expenses and care needs. In some cases, special needs trusts are used to protect ongoing disability benefits. Our goal is to help clients receive full and fair compensation while ensuring they maintain access to essential support from federal or private programs.

Why Choose Fincher Law for Your Disability Claim

At Fincher Law, we have years of experience helping clients with injury and disability claims from car accidents. We understand how a settlement can impact your benefits, and we have a proven track record of successfully winning claims and appeals. Our goal is to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.

We also understand that recovery can be stressful, so we offer compassionate support. We guide you through the entire process, gather your medical records, and act as your lawyer to maximize your financial recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting period before receiving benefits?

We explain waiting periods, which vary depending on the insurance policy or SSDI rules.

Do pre-existing conditions affect eligibility?

We review your history, but a new car accident injury can still make you eligible.

Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

We assess your residual functional capacity and sedentary work options to protect benefits.

How long will my claim last?

Duration depends on your disabling condition and the type of disability program you are enrolled in.

Are benefits taxable?

We guide you on tax rules for SSDI benefits, SSI, and private disability insurance.

What happens if my claim is denied?

We help you through the appeals process to fight denials and secure the benefits you deserve.

Get Help With Your Disability Claim from Our Car Accident Lawyer Today

Get Help With Your Disability Claim from Our Car Accident Lawyer Today

Disability claims after a car accident are often complicated, and mistakes can delay or reduce monthly benefits. At Fincher Law, we provide a free consultation to review your situation and explain your legal options. We handle the application process, assist with any appeals, and protect your rights throughout the entire process.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we help you receive benefits. Contact us today to speak with our car accident lawyer and start your journey toward full and fair compensation and financial recovery.

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