West Virginia car accident victims know that a collision can change many areas of their lives. Some victims find they are able to recover quickly and move on, but some accident injuries can be severe enough to have a permanent impact on a person’s life. In fact, you may find you are unable to return to work or hold gainful employment after the accident.
If your car accident left you disabled, you could have a right to seek disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Even with a valid disabling condition or illness, it can still be quite difficult to secure rightful financial support. If your accident injuries are permanent and disabling, you have no time to lose in learning more about your potential claim.
Losing your ability to work
When you cannot work, you are not able to support your family or take care of your own basic needs. Securing disability benefits could be vital for the well-being of your family. One of the most important things to do when dealing with a long-term injury after a car accident is to learn more about eligibility requirements. Car accident victims could qualify with any of the following types of medical issues:
- Mental disorders that started or significantly worsened after an accident
- Musculoskeletal conditions that resulted from accident injuries
- Pain disorders or neurological disorders connected to what you suffered in your accident
In order to meet the qualifications for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, which are the two types of disability programs, you must have a qualifying medical condition expected to last for a period of at least 12 months. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must also have a qualifying work history. If you are not eligible for SSDI, you could be able to seek benefits through SSI.
Fighting for recovery after a car accident
A car accident can take a significant toll on your life physically, financially and emotionally. You may have to fight for the financial support you need if you have a permanent disability after a car accident, but you do not have to fight alone.
The disability claims process is challenging and frustrating, and many first-time claims come back denied. You do not have to give up on your efforts to claim either SSDI or SSI benefits, but you can continue to pursue what you need through appeals and reconsideration requests. If a car accident left you unable to work, you have options.