You’ve been in a car accident, and now you’re dealing with the pain, medical bills, and pressure to get back to work. Your body is telling you one thing, but your bank account and responsibilities might be saying another.
So, how long should you stay out of work after a car accident? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your injuries, your doctor’s advice, and how going back too soon could affect your ability to recover physically and financially. Let’s look at what you need to know before clocking back in.
To receive more information and schedule a free consultation, give us a call at (419) 455-1410 or contact us online.
Worried About Returning to Work After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the urge to get back to work can be strong. Maybe you’re worried about falling behind on bills or feel guilty about missing work. Whatever the reason, rushing back too soon can cause more harm than good—for both your recovery and your injury claim.
Ohio law lets you recover lost wages if your injuries keep you from working, but there’s a catch: those wages need to be directly tied to your accident. If you go back too early and push through pain or ignore your doctor’s orders, the insurance company could use that against you. They might argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you made them worse by not sticking to your treatment plan.
Your doctor’s recommendations are more than just guidelines—they’re proof. They document:
- The severity of your injuries,Â
- Explain why you couldn’t work, andÂ
- Back up your claim for lost wages.Â
Skipping appointments or ignoring their advice doesn’t just impact your health; it can weaken your case and give the insurance company a reason to pay you less than you’re owed.
Will Going Back to Work Affect My Injury Claim?
If you’re considering returning to work after a car accident, you might ask yourself, Will going back to work affect my injury claim? The short answer is yes, it can, but how much depends on when and how you return.
Insurance companies look for any reason to pay less on claims. Returning to work, even if you’re still in pain, might allow them to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you’ve claimed. For example, if you’re back at your desk job but still attending physical therapy for a neck or back injury, the insurer might use this to downplay your ongoing medical needs.
In Ohio, personal injury claims operate under a comparative negligence rule. If the other side can prove that your actions—like going back to work too soon—made your injuries worse, your compensation could be reduced. Even if you’re trying to power through your recovery, it could hurt your case more than help.
That’s why timing is everything. Before you decide, consider this:
- Does your doctor agree you’re ready?Â
- Will your job accommodate your limitations?Â
- Is there documentation for your return?Â
Remember, protecting your claim isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you present your recovery. A well-documented timeline of your injuries, treatment, and work absences strengthens your case and ensures you receive what you deserve.
What Happens If I Go Back to Work Too Soon After a Car Accident?
Heading back too early can set off a chain of events that could hurt your recovery and injury claim. Here’s what could happen:
- Your health could take a step back. Returning to work too soon may strain your body, delaying your recovery or worsening your injuries. That extra pain and treatment aren’t just physically exhausting—they can also complicate your claim.
- Your employer may notice your limitations. If you’re unable to keep up with your usual responsibilities, it could lead to conversations about reduced productivity or even accommodations you weren’t ready to request.
- The insurance company could question your claim. Insurers often use a return to work as a reason to pay less. They might argue that going back proves you’re not as injured as you claim or that any worsening of your condition is your fault.
You need more than general advice when deciding how long to stay out of work due to a car accident. You need a law firm that understands how your recovery fits into the bigger picture of your claim—and one that will take the time to get it right.
Bensinger Legal Services Is Ready to Help
Choosing when to return to work is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an accident. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Should I go to work after a car accident? If the answer doesn’t feel simple, that’s okay—it’s not a decision you must make alone.
At Bensinger Legal Services, we’ll help you weigh the risks, protect your claim, and focus on what matters: getting better. Call us at (419) 455-1410 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to make sure your recovery—and your rights—are in good hands.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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