March 4, 2024
Car accidents can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and many other types of serious injuries. Many people seek compensation to help with medical bills and other expenses.
However, preexisting conditions can affect the strategy and outcome of such cases.
Preexisting conditions
Preexisting conditions are health issues or injuries that a person had before the car accident. They can include chronic illnesses and previous injuries. It can be tricky to figure out how much the car collision aggravated existing health issues.
Impact on a case
Preexisting conditions can impact a personal injury case in several ways. For example, insurance companies may argue that the crash by itself did not cause the new injuries. Rather, the preexisting condition is the main cause or greatly amplified the harm of the new injuries.
Proving causation can be tricky. However, medical documentation and expert testimony can establish a clear link between the accident and the injuries. This can be the case even if the individual’s preexisting condition is in the same area of the body the crash affected.
Proper documentation
To strengthen their case, individuals should get proper documentation of their injuries and medical history. This documentation may include medical records, diagnostic tests and statements from health care providers detailing the preexisting condition and how the accident affected it.
Individuals should follow their provider’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation. Failure to do so could weaken their case. Keep detailed records of all medical expenses related to the accident. This helps demonstrate the financial impact of the injuries.
By understanding how preexisting conditions may affect their accident, individuals can strengthen their case. They can also improve their chances of receiving fair compensation.
