Can I File For Disability After a St. Louis Car Accident?

Get help from an experienced St. Louis Car accident lawyer if you need to understand the benefits you’re eligible to get from your insurer.

If you’ve recently been injured seriously in a car accident and are looking for a car accident attorney in St. Louis to help with your case, you may also be wondering if you can file for disability – either with your insurance provider or federally – to cover your expenses.

Private Disability Insurance Usually Covers Car Accidents In St. Louis

If you have private short-term or long-term disability insurance through your employer, or you have purchased coverage on your own, these benefits will usually cover any serious disability that stops you from working – even disabilities incurred while you’re not working. 

According to the BLS, about 50% of all workers have short-term or long-term disability benefits through their employer. The coverage you get depends on your insurer. A percentage of your normal income – 60%, for example – will be paid out to you directly by your insurer, depending on your policy.

Short-term disability may last between 6-12 months, while long-term disability insurance may last longer, depending on your case. Consult with your insurer and get help from a St. Louis Car accident lawyer if you need to understand the benefits you’re eligible to get from your insurer.

You Generally Only Get Federal Disability If You Have A Long-Term Disability Due To An Accident 

In general, federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are only used to help people with long-term disabilities. To get these benefits, your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months.

A concussion, for example, may not qualify you for these benefits. On the other hand, suffering a severe injury car accident that results in a long-term loss of a limb or partial paralysis may allow you to file for these benefits. 

Why Pursue a Personal Injury Claim After a Serious Car Accident?

Even if you have private disability insurance or your injury qualifies you to file for federal disability, it’s still very important to speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer to represent you after a serious car accident.

If your accident may cause you a life-long disability, result in an inability to work or return to your previous job, and contribute to costly medical bills and related expenses, you need to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve from the responsible party and their insurance company. 

With the help of a car accident attorney in St. Louis, you can build your case, determine the right amount for your settlement, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, changes in your lifestyle, and long-term disability. 

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident that’s serious enough for you to consider filing disability, make sure to contact a lawyer right away to get the help you need.