Auto accidents can result in life-altering injuries, leaving victims unable to work and facing a long recovery. Accident victims who can no longer work, or whose ability to work has diminished, often depend on disability benefits. If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident in Arizona, you may be asking: Can I get disability after an auto accident in Arizona?
Qualifying for Disability After an Auto Accident in Arizona
The first step in qualifying for disability is to determine the severity of your injury. Disability benefits are available only for those who suffer from severe impairments that last for at least 12 months or expect to result in death. This means that minor injuries, such as temporary sprains or bruises, typically will not qualify.
Your medical condition must be in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book,” which outlines impairments that they consider severe enough to prevent you from working. However, you may be able to receive benefits for a condition that’s not listed if you provide evidence that your injury is as severe as one of the listed conditions.
The SSA also evaluates your ability to work based on your age, education, work history and the type of work you can still perform. For example, if you can no longer perform the job you had before the accident but are still able to perform other types of work, you may not qualify for disability benefits.
Who Is Eligible for Short-Term Disability in Arizona?
Arizona does not have a state-mandated short-term disability insurance program, so these benefits are usually offered through private insurers or employer-provided insurance plans.
To be eligible for short-term disability, you generally must be employed at the time of your accident and have short-term disability coverage as part of your employment benefits. If you have a private disability insurance policy, you may also be eligible to receive benefits. Short-term disability benefits typically provide a percentage of your regular income for a limited time, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the terms of your policy.
It’s important to note that you may be eligible for workers comp if your injury occurred while you were on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits may cover lost wages and medical expenses related to your injury.
What Is the Average Disability Payment in Arizona?
For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the average monthly payment is between $1,300 and $1,600. The amount you receive depends on your lifetime earnings. If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the average monthly payment is $697. If you receive short-term disability through an employer or private insurance, the amount is generally a percentage of your regular income.
The Disability Application Process
The process of applying for disability benefits usually requires you to submit extensive medical documentation.
After submitting your application, it can take several months to receive a decision. Many initial applications get denied, often due to incomplete documentation or insufficient evidence of disability. If your application gets denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can take additional time and may require the assistance of an attorney to improve your chances of success.
For those seeking SSDI, there is a five-month waiting period before benefits begin. This means you will not receive any payments for the first five months after your disability is determined. If you get approved for benefits, you may receive back payments for the period during which you were not yet receiving benefits.
Long-Term Disability Options
While short-term disability may provide some financial relief in the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may need long-term disability benefits if you won’t be able to work for an extended period of time. Your private insurance policy or employer-sponsored plan may offer long-term disability insurance. This type of coverage may provide income for several years or even until retirement, depending on the terms of your policy.
In addition to insurance-based long-term disability benefits, government programs such as SSDI and SSI can provide long-term support for those who qualify.
Medical Bills After a Car Accident
It’s common to face a substantial medical bill after a car accident. Accident victims often need emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing medical visits. Even with health insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses can quickly become overwhelming.
If you qualify for disability benefits, these payments can help cover your living expenses, but they are not intended to pay for medical bills directly. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your own auto insurance policy or through a personal injury lawsuit.
When To Contact an Attorney
If you have gotten injured in an auto accident and are considering applying for disability benefits, it’s important to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the process.
Many accident victims’ applications for disability benefits are initially rejected despite the legitimate need for financial assistance, and some victims are unaware of the benefits for which they may be eligible. It’s therefore important to work with an attorney who can help you collect the funds you need.
At Sargon Law Group, we help personal injury victims in Arizona, New Mexico, California and Colorado get the compensation they deserve. Whether you need assistance with a disability claim, workers comp or a personal injury lawsuit, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Sargon Law Group Can Help You Get Disability After an Auto Accident in Arizona
If you’ve been injured, you may be wondering: “Can I get disability after an auto accident in Arizona?” We at Sargon Law Group are here to help you pursue all the legal avenues to receive the compensation you deserve–whether it’s through insurance settlements, a lawsuit or government benefit programs. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and help you reach the best possible outcome for your case.