What Is the Impact of Pre-Existing Conditions on Car Accident Claims?

Pre-existing medical conditions can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation after a car accident, as insurance companies commonly use your conditions to lower your potential claim amounts. However, there are legal safeguards in place to help protect your rights if your health was impacted by someone else’s negligence.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A “pre-existing condition” is any injury, illness, or health issue that existed before your car accident, which can include things like old back or neck injuries, arthritis, diabetes, or chronic pain. Even conditions like anxiety and depression may fall into this category.
Why does this matter? Insurance companies are always looking to pay you less, so if they can disqualify your claim by arguing that you suffered from a specific injury before your accident, they will.
This is why it is so important to have strong medical proof showing exactly how the accident made things worse for you. You typically need medical records and reports that clearly document the difference between your health before and after the accident. X-rays, MRIs, or doctors’ notes can go a long way in showing that the accident was responsible for any new symptoms or worsened health.
Can You Still Pursue Compensation With a Pre-Existing Condition?
Absolutely. Just because you had a prior health issue, that does not mean you are not entitled to compensation when a car accident makes it worse. What matters is whether the crash aggravated your condition or caused new problems.
For example, you may have had manageable back pain before the accident, but if that crash makes it so much worse that you need surgery, you may have a valid claim for damages caused by that aggravation.
Should You Be Open About Your Medical History?
Yes, without question. Trying to hide a past injury or illness can hurt your credibility and may even compromise your entire case. Insurance companies almost always find out about any hidden information in their investigations. When you are honest with your lawyer from the start, they can better prepare to handle arguments from the insurance company and protect your interests.
How Can You Put Yourself in the Best Position for a Fair Recovery?
It is critical to work with a lawyer who understands these complicated cases. The right lawyer will gather detailed medical evidence, consult with doctors, and build a case that shows how your accident caused new harm—or made previous injuries more serious.
It also helps your claim if you consistently follow through with your medical treatments. Regular doctor visits create a timeline that can help prove what the accident changed.
Discuss Your Case With a Washington, D.C. Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King to Fully Understand Your Rights
Trust a Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King to provide you with personalized support and clear communication every step of the way. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. With office locations in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we proudly serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.