Can a Car Accident Injury Qualify You for SSDI Benefits?
After a car accident, you may be left dealing with more than just a damaged vehicle and mounting medical bills. Serious injuries may mean you cannot get back to work, temporarily or even permanently. If that’s your situation, you’re probably asking yourself: “Can I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?”
The answer is yes, sometimes. If your injuries are serious enough and meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) standards, you can apply for SSDI, even if your disability originated from a car crash.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is for individuals who worked and paid Social Security taxes, but now, because of a qualifying disability, they can’t work anymore. It’s different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on need rather than work history.
To qualify for SSDI, you need enough work credits and a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
When Does a Car Accident Injury Make You Eligible for SSDI?
The SSA requires that the condition or injury is severe enough that it keeps you from holding a regular job and that it is expected to last at least 12 months, or sadly, end in death.
Some examples of injuries from car accidents that might support an SSDI claim include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Herniated discs or severe back injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Serious fractures that don’t heal properly
- Amputations
- PTSD or major psychological trauma
The question is usually not what caused your injury, but how it affects your ability to perform work-related activities.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Medical records are vital in these cases. The SSA closely reviews every piece of medical proof to determine how much your injury or illness limits you. You’ll want to provide things like:
- ER and hospital records
- Test results (MRI, CT scans, X-rays)
- Surgery notes
- Physical therapy records
- Reports from neurologists, orthopedists, or other specialists
- Notes from mental health care providers
- Doctors’ opinions on what you still can and can’t do at work
They’ll also look at your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which basically measures what you’re still able to do, even with your injury. Limits on walking, lifting, concentrating, sitting, or dealing with stress may all affect eligibility.
Does It Matter Who Caused the Accident?
In most cases, no. SSDI doesn’t care whether someone else caused the wreck or whether you made a mistake behind the wheel. SSA’s main concern is your medical condition and whether it keeps you from working.
Can You Get SSDI if You Receive a Personal Injury Settlement?
Yes, in most cases. SSDI is tied to your disability and your work history, not your current finances. Getting a personal injury settlement shouldn’t affect your SSDI benefits. However, SSI works differently and has strict limits on income and assets, meaning a settlement could affect those benefits. If you’re navigating a settlement and have questions, it’s best to get legal advice first.
The Importance of Having an Attorney
Dealing with a disability claim and a personal injury case at the same time is complicated. There are records to gather, deadlines to meet, and many rules involved. An experienced attorney knows the system and can make sure you’re taking the right steps to pursue all the benefits you deserve.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you can’t work after a car accident, we’re here to help. Contact our London and Southeast Kentucky Social Security disability attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm for a consultation, and let’s talk about your options.
