Life doesn’t give us a warning before a car accident happens. One moment you’re cruising down the road, and the next, you’re in pain, confused, and overwhelmed.
Things get even more complicated if you already have an old injury or medical issue. Suddenly, the question pops up—can a pre-existing condition make your car accident claim harder to win?
That’s where the legal knowledge of Langston & Lott car accident lawyers comes into play. These professionals understand that insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions as a reason to lower your compensation. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Knowing your rights and how these conditions are handled in a claim are key to making sure you don’t walk away empty-handed.
If you’ve been in a car crash in a city or small town, and you’re already dealing with past injuries, this blog is for you.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you had before your car accident happened. This could include old back injuries, arthritis, previous surgeries, or even something like chronic neck pain. These issues don’t have to be serious, but if they were noted in your medical history, they could be brought up during your case.
Many people think that having a pre-existing condition will automatically ruin their chance at compensation. That’s not true. The law doesn’t expect you to be in perfect health before an accident. In fact, there’s a legal concept known as the “eggshell plaintiff rule,” which basically means that the person responsible for the accident must take you as you are. If your condition was made worse because of the accident, they are still responsible for that added harm.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Are Treated in Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies are known for trying to pay out as little as possible. When they find out about your past medical issues, they may claim that your pain or injury has nothing to do with the crash. This is where things can get tricky.
If the accident made your pre-existing condition worse or caused new symptoms, you can still recover damages. The key is being able to show the difference between how you felt before the accident and how you felt after. That’s why your medical records, both past and present, are so important in your case.
Having detailed medical documentation helps your lawyer prove that the crash didn’t just trigger an old problem—it made it worse. The worse your condition became after the accident, the more evidence you have for a fair settlement.
Why Being Honest About Your Medical History Matters
Trying to hide a pre-existing condition from your lawyer or the insurance company is never a good idea. If the insurance company finds out (and they usually do), it can damage your credibility and weaken your entire case. It’s always better to be upfront with your attorney so they can build a strong, honest case on your behalf.
A good lawyer will know how to explain your condition and prove that the accident had a clear impact on your health. They’ll also work with medical experts to show how your injuries were worsened, making it harder for insurance adjusters to brush off your claim.
Final Thoughts
A pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you can’t get compensation after a car accident. It just means your case needs to be handled carefully. The goal is to show how the accident made your condition worse, and that takes honest communication, strong medical evidence, and the right legal help.
With the right approach, you can still get the support and compensation you need to move forward.
