How Can a Car Accident Aggravate a Pre-Existing Injury?

Impacts to pre-existing conditions are more common in car crashes than many people realize. Arthritis, herniated discs, prior fractures, and old soft tissue injuries are just a few examples of conditions that can be dramatically worsened by the force of a vehicle collision. If you’re dealing with increased pain from a prior injury after a crash, know that you still have rights to compensation. Here’s why:

• An accident can easily aggravate pre-existing conditions
• Medical evidence showing the worsening of your condition after the incident can strengthen your claim
• Insurance may push back on your claim based on the pre-existing condition, but an injury attorney can help you demonstrate your need for compensation

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., our Chicago injury attorneys have spent over 40 years helping clients navigate these and other complicated personal injury claims. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance if you find yourself in this situation.

How Can a Car Accident Aggravate a Pre-Existing Injury?

A crash can worsen an existing condition in several ways, potentially causing:

• Increased pain and inflammation in previously injured areas
• Accelerated degeneration of joints or spinal structures
• Reinjury or rupture of partially healed tissue
• Reduced range of motion beyond prior limitations
• Longer recovery time than someone without a prior condition

The impact doesn’t have to be severe to cause real harm. Even a low-speed rear-end collision can trigger significant flare-ups in someone managing a chronic back condition or recovering from a prior surgery. This is when the timeline of your pain related to the accident becomes crucial to prove causation.

What Medical Evidence Can Support Your Claim?

Strong documentation is the foundation of any injury claim, including those that involve aggravated injuries. The most useful types of evidence include:

• Pre-accident medical records showing the prior condition and its baseline status
• Post-accident diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) demonstrating new or worsened damage
• Physician statements comparing your condition before and after the accident
• Treatment records tracking the progression of symptoms following the crash
• Expert medical testimony explaining how the collision caused the aggravation

Note that gaps in medical care can hurt your case. Seeking prompt treatment after the accident and being honest with your doctors about your history helps create a clear, credible medical record.

How Does a Pre-Existing Injury Affect Your Insurance Claim?

Insurance is usually where things get complicated. Insurance companies frequently try to use prior injuries as a reason to reduce or deny claims. Their argument: your pain and limitations existed before the crash. Your counter: the accident made things significantly worse.

An experienced attorney can counter these tactics and build a case that accounts for the full extent of your aggravation. The key is demonstrating a clear before-and-after picture that shows how the accident changed your condition, your daily function, and your quality of life.

Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

If a car accident has worsened a pre-existing injury, don’t assume you have no case. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to the aggravated condition
• Lost wages during your extended recovery
• Pain and suffering beyond your prior baseline
• Long-term care or rehabilitation needs

The attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. understand how insurance companies approach these kinds of cases and how you can fight back. We handle every case with the dedication it deserves, no matter how complex the medical history. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you and receive a free evaluation of your case.