How Car Accidents Can Lead to Long-Term Disability Claims

A serious car accident can change your life in an instant. While some people recover within weeks or months, others are left with permanent injuries that prevent them from working.

If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a crash on I-76 near the Philadelphia Museum of Art or on Roosevelt Boulevard, you may be eligible to file a car accident long-term disability claim. Understanding how long-term disability coverage works, and how it applies after a crash, is critical for protecting your future.

When a Car Accident Results in a Long-Term Disability

Not all car accidents result in lasting injuries, but many do. High-impact collisions, rollovers, or crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists often cause trauma that affects a person’s ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Common conditions that may lead to an LTD claim after a crash include:

• Spinal cord injuries: These may cause partial or complete paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs can affect cognition, memory, focus, and emotional regulation.
• Orthopedic injuries: Severe fractures, dislocations, and joint damage may limit physical movement.
• Chronic pain or nerve damage: Even injuries that appear minor initially can develop into long-term medical conditions.

In these cases, if your injuries prevent you from doing your job or any comparable work, you may be eligible for LTD after a crash.

Filing a Long-Term Disability Claim After a Crash

Many people have long-term disability insurance through their employer, governed by the federal law known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. If your crash has left you unable to work for an extended period, filing an ERISA injury claim may be your next step.

To begin an LTD claim, you typically need to:

• Provide medical documentation: This includes diagnoses, treatment plans, and evidence showing how your condition prevents you from working.
• Submit timely notice: Most LTD policies have strict deadlines, often requiring you to apply within a set number of days after becoming disabled.
• Demonstrate work limitations: You may need to prove that you cannot perform your “own occupation” or “any occupation,” depending on the policy terms.

ERISA rules also impose tight deadlines and often favor the insurance company, making it essential to understand your rights and respond properly to claim denials.

The Link Between Car Accidents and LTD Claims

It’s not uncommon for crash victims in Philadelphia, especially those hurt on dangerous roads like Kelly Drive, Broad Street, or the Schuylkill Expressway, to face challenges proving their long-term disability was caused by the accident. Insurance companies may argue that your condition was pre-existing or not severe enough to justify benefits.

To strengthen your claim, it helps to:

• Keep detailed records: Include police reports, hospital discharge summaries, and doctor’s notes.
• Stay consistent: Ensure that your statements to doctors, insurers, and employers align regarding your symptoms and limitations.
• Avoid gaps in treatment: Ongoing care demonstrates the seriousness and persistence of your injuries.

Even when you’ve done everything right, insurance providers often deny valid claims, especially under ERISA plans.

Why You Should Seek Legal Guidance

Navigating an LTD claim after a car accident isn’t easy. You may be facing mounting medical bills, reduced income, and pressure from insurance companies, all while trying to heal. A Philadelphia disability insurance lawyer can help you gather evidence, file your claim, and challenge any wrongful denials. If your claim falls under ERISA, strict legal procedures apply, and missing a single step could cost you your benefits.

Talk to a Philadelphia Disability Insurance Lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson

If you were seriously injured in a car crash and can no longer work, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits under your insurance policy. Whether you’re just starting your claim or facing a denial, our skilled Philadelphia disability insurance lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for the support you need.

Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free consultation and get started on your claim today.