How Car Accidents Can Affect Spousal Support: Legal and Financial Considerations

Car accidents can have far-reaching effects, not just physically, but also legally and financially, particularly when it comes to spousal support in divorce cases. Spousal support, or alimony, is designed to assist the lower-earning spouse following a divorce. However, when one spouse is involved in a car accident, the calculations for spousal support can shift significantly.

Reduced Earning Capacity Due to Injuries

When a spouse suffers severe injuries from a car accident and is no longer able to work or experiences a significant reduction in their earning capacity, a family law attorney may advocate for an increase in spousal support. Courts will often consider the injured spouse’s diminished ability to earn a living when determining or modifying spousal support. If the injuries are long-term or permanent, the injured spouse may require additional financial assistance to maintain their lifestyle.

Impact on the Supporting Spouse

If the spouse responsible for paying spousal support is the one injured in the car accident, this can lead to changes as well. A personal injury attorney in Media, PA might help the injured spouse file a claim for damages, but even with compensation, their reduced ability to earn a steady income could justify a modification of spousal support. In such cases, a family law attorney can petition the court to lower the support payments to reflect the supporting spouse’s new financial reality.

Personal Injury Settlements and Spousal Support

Personal injury attorneys often help clients secure settlements for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages after a car accident. These settlements can affect spousal support decisions. If the injured spouse receives a substantial settlement, courts may take that into account when determining ongoing spousal support needs. However, compensation meant for medical bills or pain and suffering is typically protected and not counted as income. A skilled car accident lawyer, working with a family law attorney, can ensure that these funds are appropriately categorized so they do not unfairly impact spousal support arrangements.

Long-Term Disability and Support Adjustments

Car accidents resulting in long-term or permanent disability can lead to lasting changes in spousal support. For the injured spouse, this could mean an increase in support to cover ongoing medical care and loss of earning potential. For the paying spouse, if their own injuries result in a disability, a family law attorney can help them request a reduction in support based on their new financial circumstances.

Temporary Adjustments During Recovery

If the effects of the car accident are temporary, a family law attorney can help negotiate a temporary increase in spousal support for the injured spouse while they recover. Conversely, if the paying spouse is temporarily unable to meet their obligations due to injury, they can request a temporary reduction or suspension of spousal support payments until their financial situation stabilizes.

Working with both a family law attorney and a personal injury attorney is critical when navigating spousal support issues arising from car accidents. Whether you are dealing with a loss of income, settlements, or long-term disability, these professionals can ensure that spousal support reflects the changing financial realities post-accident. A car accident lawyer can also help secure appropriate compensation, which may play a role in determining fair spousal support moving forward.