Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, leaving you with physical, emotional, and financial burdens that can take a toll on your life. If you have pre-existing conditions, the effects of a car accident can be even more challenging. In the United States, car accident claims involving pre-existing conditions can be complex, and it is crucial to understand how they can impact your claim.
What are Pre-existing Conditions?
Pre-existing conditions refer to any medical condition an individual has before a car accident occurs. These conditions can range from minor ailments like allergies to more serious medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease. In the context of car accident claims, pre-existing conditions can significantly affect the claims process, especially when determining compensation.
How do Pre-existing Conditions Affect Car Accident Claims?
Pre-existing conditions can affect car accident claims in multiple ways. Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may blame your pre-existing condition for any injuries sustained in the accident. The insurance company may argue that the accident did not cause the alleged injuries but resulted from your pre-existing condition.
When this happens, the insurance company may try to deny or limit your compensation by asserting that the injuries sustained in the accident were not caused by the accident but rather by your pre-existing condition. It is important to note that under California law, insurance companies are required to compensate you for any injuries that were aggravated or enhanced by the accident, even if you had pre-existing conditions.
Proving that Pre-existing Conditions were Aggravated by the Accident
To prove that your pre-existing condition was aggravated or enhanced by the car accident, you need to provide evidence supporting your claim. This includes medical records, expert testimony, and other relevant documents that show the link between the accident and the aggravation of your pre-existing condition.
Proving that your pre-existing conditions were aggravated by the accident can be challenging, especially when the insurance company tries to deny your claim. This is where an experienced car accident attorney like those at Sunset West Legal Group comes in. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, navigate the claims process, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected.
Should You Disclose Pre-existing Conditions to the Insurance Company?
It is vital to disclose any pre-existing conditions to the insurance company following a car accident. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions can lead to the insurance company using it against you to deny your claim. By disclosing your pre-existing condition, you can help prevent the insurance company from unfairly denying your claim by providing them with the necessary information.
When disclosing your pre-existing conditions, it is crucial to stick to the facts. Avoid exaggerating or downplaying the severity of your pre-existing conditions. Doing so can negatively impact your credibility and reduce the chances of getting a favorable outcome.
How Sunset West Legal Group Can Help
Dealing with a car accident claim involving pre-existing conditions can be challenging, time-consuming, and stressful. An experienced car accident attorney from Sunset West Legal Group can help you navigate the complex claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Our attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence, including medical reports and expert testimony, to prove that the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition. We will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Conclusion
In the United States, pre-existing conditions can significantly impact car accident claims. Insurance companies may attempt to deny or limit your compensation by blaming your pre-existing condition for any injuries sustained in the accident. However, under California law, insurance companies are required to compensate you for any injuries that were aggravated or enhanced by the accident, even if you had pre-existing conditions.
You need an experienced car accident attorney like those at Sunset West Legal Group to effectively navigate the claims process. Our attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence, navigate the claims process, and advocate to protect your rights.