If you have a pre-existing medical condition and then get hurt in a car accident, you may be wondering if you can make an injury claim. The answer is yes – even if you had prior injuries or health problems before the crash, you can still recover damages if the accident aggravated or worsened your condition. Read on to learn more about getting compensation when a car accident aggravates a pre-existing condition.
When a car accident aggravates a pre-existing condition like a back injury, it can greatly affect the victim’s quality of life and lead to substantial medical expenses and lost income. An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims recover compensation for all damages related to the aggravated condition.
How a Car Accident Can Aggravate a Pre-Existing Medical Condition
There are several ways a car crash can aggravate a pre-existing medical condition:
- If you had a prior back injury that was stable, a car accident can re-injure the back and cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- A previous brain injury may have healed, but a car accident can cause a new concussion and worsen cognitive symptoms.
- If you had prior neck injuries or degenerative disc disease, whiplash in a crash can exacerbate the condition.
- A pre-existing knee injury can be re-torn or made unstable after an auto accident.
- Car accidents are traumatic events that can worsen symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Even if you fully recovered from a previous condition, a new injury in a car crash can undo that recovery and leave you worse off. Aggravation of a pre-existing condition often leads to more treatment, higher medical bills, lost wages, and increased pain and suffering.
You Can Make a Claim for Compensation if a Car Accident Has Aggravated Your Pre-Existing Medical Condition
Many car accident victims wrongly assume they can’t make a claim if they had pre-existing health problems. But this is not true – you are still entitled to compensation if the crash aggravated or exacerbated your prior condition.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover damages by proving:
- You had a pre-existing condition or prior injury before the accident
- The condition was stable or asymptomatic before the crash
- After the accident, symptoms of your condition worsened
- The crash is responsible for aggravating your pre-existing condition
- You now have increased medical expenses, pain and suffering, or disability as a result
As long as your attorney can prove the accident aggravated your prior condition, the at-fault driver will be liable for all damages – even if you had medical issues before the crash.
Documenting Your Pre-Existing Medical History Following a Car Accident is Crucial
Strong documentation is key to recovering damages for an aggravated pre-existing condition after a car accident. Here are some steps to take:
- Gather medical records that show your condition before the crash – this proves the pre-existing condition.
- Get records that show when your symptoms worsened, and treatment increased.
- Document how the aggravated condition affects your life – such as mobility issues, lost income, or depression.
- Have your doctor write a letter confirming the crash aggravated your prior condition.
- Keep records of all medical expenses, costs, and lost wages.
Presenting this documentation to the insurance company will help prove your claim that the accident did indeed worsen your pre-existing health problems.
Fighting Insurance Companies to Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Car Accident Has Aggravated a Pre-Existing Condition
Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims by blaming pre-existing conditions – don’t let them! Adjusters may claim the accident did not really worsen your prior injuries or health problems. A personal injury attorney can deal with the insurance company and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
An experienced lawyer knows how to present evidence of aggravation of a pre-existing condition to demand fair compensation under the law. They will fight tactics like:
- Claiming the accident only caused a temporary aggravation
- Trying to get you to settle for less than your full damages
- Arguing prior conditions were bound to worsen anyway
- Blaming your pre-crash health problems and not the accident
- Making you out to be accident-prone or claiming you had prior injuries
Don’t let insurance companies deny you compensation – retain an attorney to protect your rights.
The Damages and Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident Has Aggravated a Pre-Existing Injury
If a car accident aggravated a pre-existing condition, you may be entitled to various damages, such as:
- Increased medical expenses due to more treatments
- Future costs of medical care and procedures
- Lost income from missing work due to the aggravated condition
- Loss of future earnings if your condition forced you to change jobs
- Costs for mobility aids, household help, rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of consortium damages for impact on family relationships
An experienced attorney will fight to recover full and fair compensation for all your damages. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Find a Car Accident Lawyer Today to Help You Get Compensation for an Aggravated Pre-Existing Condition After a Car Crash
If you suffered an aggravated pre-existing condition because of a negligent driver, take action and consult an attorney today. An experienced personal injury lawyer can handle your claim and advise you of your legal rights and options after a serious car accident. Call our office today or fill out our online form for a free case review. Our dedicated legal team is here to help you recover maximum compensation for your aggravated injuries. Don’t wait – contact us now and get the damages you deserve following your accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a pre-existing condition?
A: A pre-existing condition refers to any medical condition or injury that existed before a car accident or any other incident.
Q: Can a car accident aggravate a pre-existing condition?
A: Yes, a car accident can aggravate a pre-existing condition, making it worse than it was before the accident.
Q: What does it mean for a pre-existing condition to be aggravated?
A: When a pre-existing condition is aggravated, it means that the condition has been worsened or made more severe as a result of the car accident.
Q: How can a car accident aggravate a pre-existing condition?
A: The impact of a car accident can cause additional trauma to the body, which can worsen an existing condition or injury.
Q: What should I do if my pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident?
A: If your pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury lawyer.
Q: Can I make a personal injury claim if my pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident?
A: Yes, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim if your pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident. It is advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case.
Q: How can a personal injury lawyer help if my pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident?
A: A personal injury lawyer can provide legal representation and help you navigate the complex process of making a personal injury claim when a pre-existing condition is involved userteamnames
Q: Can I receive compensation if my pre-existing condition was aggravated by a car accident?
A: If it can be proven that the car accident caused your pre-existing condition to worsen, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Q: What should I do if I have a pre-existing condition or injury and I am involved in a car accident?
A: If you have a pre-existing condition or injury and you are involved in a car accident, it is important to notify the relevant parties, seek immediate medical attention, and consult with a personal injury lawyer.
Q: How can I find a personal injury lawyer for assistance with a car accident that aggravated my pre-existing condition?
A: You can search online for personal injury law firms that specialize in car accidents and pre-existing conditions. Many offer free consultations to evaluate your case and provide you with legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Car accidents can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions like back injuries, PTSD, concussions, and knee problems.
- You can make an injury claim if a crash aggravated a prior health condition.
- Proving the pre-existing condition, crash-caused aggravation, and documenting damages are key.
- Insurance companies often try to deny claims – retain a personal injury attorney to fight for your rights.
- Recoverable damages include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today for help recovering compensation you deserve.
