Car Accidents and Disability Benefits
Being involved in a car accident can be a scary experience. It can also cause many different types of injuries that can have lasting effects. If any of these injuries as so severe that they prevent you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The information below provides valuable insight into car accidents and disability benefits.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits
The SSA is not concerned with how you became injured or disabled. Any serious illness or injury that prevents you from working may make you eligible for disability benefits, regardless of how it came to be. So, even if a car accident was your fault, if your injuries are severe enough, you may qualify for disability benefits if you meet the SSA’s definition of “disabled”.
What is the SSA’s Definition of “Disabled”?
There are specific qualifications you must meet for the SSA to consider you to be disabled due to your injuries:
- Your severe mental or physical condition is expected to last at least 12 months and
- You do not have substantial, gainful employment that pays more than $735 per month for an individual or $1,103 per month if you are married
- You can no longer do the work you did in the past
- You cannot be trained to do another type of work.
Musculoskeletal injuries
Car accidents can cause musculoskeletal injuries that can lead to needing disability benefits. This type of injury involves damage to muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Some of the most common types of these injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Fractures
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Spine or back injuries
- Joint injuries
If you are unable to move your body parts or perform motor skills after a car accident, you may have an injury that qualifies for disability benefits.
Other Types of Qualifying Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries are not the only types of car accident injuries that can qualify you for disability benefits. You may qualify for benefits with any of the following injuries if they are sustained in a car accident:
- Neurological disorders
- Sensory impairment
- Speech impairment
Disability Listings
The SSA has a list of qualifying conditions that they use in determining eligibility for benefits. If your injury is not included in the List of Impairments, you may establish that your injury is “medically equivalent” to one of the listed conditions.
Proving your Disability
Regardless of if your injury is included in the List of Impairments or not, you will be required to prove your disability with supporting medical records before you are awarded benefits.
If you have questions about applying for disability benefits, Contact Clauson Law today.
