Few drivers are in perfect health with no previous history of injuries or medical conditions. Therefore, it stands to reason that a car accident victim may be suffering from a pre-existing condition.
You might then wonder, “Can I be compensated for pre-existing conditions after a car accident in Dundalk, Maryland?” or whether your claim might be denied by an insurance company because of your pre-existing condition. The short answer is that you may still be entitled to compensation nonetheless, depending on the facts of your case.
An experienced Dundalk car accident lawyer at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can explain the intricacies of these types of cases and when you can recover compensation for your accident-related losses. Contact our personal injury law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can call us at (410) 970-3080.
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How WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Dundalk Car Accident Case Involving Pre-Existing Conditions
Car accident claims involving pre-existing conditions can often be more complicated than when the source of the injury is clear. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we have three generations of lawyers and over 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law that we can leverage to determine the full extent of your damages.
When you hire our experienced car accident lawyers in Dundalk, MD, you can count on us to:
- Meticulously review your medical records to determine your pre-existing injuries and how they were impacted by the accident
- Gathering strong evidence in your case by obtaining additional medical reports, consulting with experts, and interviewing witnesses
- Devising a strong strategy for your claim, based on the particular circumstances surrounding it and your prior medical history
- Countering insurance company arguments that you should not be compensated simply because you had previous injuries
- Consulting with your doctors to determine how the accident worsened your condition
- Referring you to specialists for comprehensive medical treatment
- Answering your questions and addressing your concerns at every phase of your case
- Negotiating effectively for the full compensation to which you are entitled
We encourage you to contact us today so we can review your legal rights and options. Your initial consultation is free of charge.
When Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident in Dundalk?
Accident victims can seek compensation when an accident aggravates or worsens a pre-existing condition. You are not responsible for the harm caused by another person’s negligence, so you should not have to pay for it. You can seek compensation for the additional harm you suffered because of the accident, such as medical expenses and time missed from work.
Examples of Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is any health issue that a person had before an event, such as a car accident. Some pre-existing conditions like cancer, diabetes, or other illnesses may not be worsened because of a crash. However, other conditions and injuries might be, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs or degenerative disc disease
- Hernias
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Muscle strains
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Insurance companies frequently try to use pre-existing conditions to limit their liability, arguing that they should not be responsible for injuries that predated the accident. However, this is often a deceptive tactic because having a pre-existing condition does not eliminate a person’s right to seek compensation for their injuries.
What Will My Medical Evidence Need To Prove?
Medical evidence is key in cases involving pre-existing conditions. Your medical records may help establish the following:
Your Initial Injury
Your medical records should indicate that you had a previous injury or condition. The insurance company will likely be able to review your medical records, so there is no use in trying to hide your previous injuries. Plus, you may be able to receive compensation for any aggravation of these injuries.
Aggravation of the Condition
Your medical records may indicate that your pre-existing injury was aggravated because of the accident. Your doctors can list your symptoms in your medical records. They can also run diagnostic tests to determine whether you have any new or worsened conditions because of the accident.
New Symptoms
Some injuries may cause new symptoms to arise. For example, you may be experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain that you were not experiencing before the accident.
Timing
Your medical records may indicate that you sought medical attention immediately after the accident, which can help establish the link between the accident and your injuries. It can also show dates regarding the aggravation or worsening of symptoms.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Dundalk, Maryland?
If you are involved in a car accident, it is important that you know what steps you can take to protect your legal rights and health. Here are a few guidelines to follow after a car crash in Dundalk:
- Stop your vehicle as near to the crash scene as is safe.
- Report the accident to local authorities.
- Ask the other driver for their name, driver’s license number, phone number, address, and insurance information.
- Take photos and videos of the accident, including any skid marks, damage to the vehicles, and road and weather conditions.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Keep all of your accident-related documentation and records.
Finally, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through the next steps of filing a claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Dundalk Car Accident Lawyers
Were you injured in a car accident in Dundalk, Maryland? Do you also suffer from a pre-existing condition and are confused about your options for pursuing compensation? If so, reach out to WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for help. Your initial case assessment is free.
