Personal Injury Claims with a Preexisting Injury

Honesty is the best policy regarding preexisting injuries

Obviously, it is not uncommon to have a preexisting injury. Whether you were hurt at work in a prior car accident, injuries happen. A mistake many car accident victims make is not disclosing prior injuries to their attorney. Often, they feel they are not relevant. Even if your old injury is completely healed, it is critical you make your attorney aware. The at-fault insurance agency may have access to your medical records, and they will use anything they can against you. Your attorney needs to understand how past injuries could impact your new claim.

Pre-Existing Conditions We Often See

Car accident victims who have been injured in the past should not be expected to be responsible for their medical due to their medical history. Here are a few common preexisting injuries we run into:

• Work-related accidents involving repetitive motion or a fall
• Fractured bones
• Prior surgeries
• Neck pain, back pain, disc herniation, or vertebral fracture
• Nerve damage

Insurance Agencies Are Not Your Ally

Insurance carriers won’t hesitate to use your medical history against you. Insurers can possibly say that your prior injuries lower the total value of your claim. They are likely to make a low-ball settlement offer, which will not fully cover your losses.

Insurance carriers are not in the business of paying out money. They won't think twice about using your medical history against you. If they feel they can lower the payout or not pay at all due to your prior injuries, they absolutely will.

Our experienced team auto accident attorney’s has dealt with this many times and is adept at getting you the most compensation possible. Do not go it alone, you need an ally in your corner or you’re likely to get a low-ball settlement which may not fully cover your losses.

Get Medical Attention

After a car accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical treatment. Your injuries might seem serious at the time but without medical treatment, you’ll have little evidence your injuries are new. It’s important if you refuse an ambulance or do not visit the ER, that you see your doctor ASAP. For your losses to be covered and your medical record must show a direct correlation between your current injuries and your accident.

Our Team is Here to Help

Knowing that you need legal advice early for your case is a big step. Injured victims should search for a personal injury law firm with extensive experience handling Birmingham auto accident claims.To receive maximum potential compensation for these injuries and for aggravation of prior medical conditions, contact an experienced Birmingham personal injury attorney at Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann. For a Free Case Evaluation, please contact us today.