What Happens if a Car Accident Aggravates an Existing Injury?

If you have been involved in a car accident that has aggravated an injury you already had, then you might be thinking that you do not have a case. However, this isn't always true since you can be compensated for aggravation, just not the full treatment of the pre-exisiting condition. Don't be discouraged either when an insurance company tells you that you will not be compensated because it was a pre-exisiting condition. Of course, they will want you to believe this because it ensures that they do not lose any money. This is why hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential, as well as getting a police report filed and seeking out medical attention right away.  

Aggravation and Exacerbation Are Covered

What you must know is that aggravation and exacerbation of the pre-exisiting injury will be covered. Of course, you need to be sure that your doctor determines that either one of these things has occurred. Basically, it means there has been an increase in pain or has made it so bad that further treatments that weren't necessary before now are. Collect this medical documentation and submit it to your personal injury lawyer who can use it to support your case and need for compensation. 

Evidence Is Vital

Keep in mind that gathering proper evidence in this situation is vital. The opposite party will do everything in their power to disprove aggravation to a pre-exisiting condition and chalk it up to you attempting to receive compensation for a pre-existing condition that has nothing to do with the accident. For this reason, you need to have documentation of your medical history and current medical state. This also means not missing any doctor appointments, as well as ensuring that you have constant and proper communication with your personal injury lawyer. Otherwise, your lawyer can lose the case simply because they don't have enough evidence to support that you have experienced aggravation or exacerbation. 

Determining Cause Is Vital

Finally, it's important that the cause of the aggravation of a pre-exisiting condition is determined. This is going to show the exact relationship the aggravation of the injury has to do with the accident that was caused. This means taking plenty of photos of the scene and working with your doctor to determine this, as well. Your doctor can use the photographic evidence to determine the source and this should all be taken down in writing. 

Don't be discouraged if you have a pre-exisiting condition that has been worsened by an accident someone else caused. You still probably have a case, so be sure that you talk with a personal injury lawyer right away. Continue reading more to learn more tips.


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