Do Pre-existing Injuries Impact Car Accident Claims in Philly?

Pre-existing injuries can impact a car accident claim in Philadelphia, but they do not bar you from recovering compensation. Pennsylvania law recognizes that an accident can aggravate an existing condition, and insurers cannot deny a claim simply because a person had a prior injury.

How Pennsylvania Law Treats Pre-Existing Conditions

Pennsylvania follows the “eggshell plaintiff” rule. This legal principle requires the at-fault party to take the injured person as the party finds them. If a victim has a medical condition that makes them more vulnerable, the negligent driver remains responsible for the full extent of the harm caused.

Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule in 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102, compensation depends on each party’s percentage of fault. Pre-existing conditions do not affect who is to blame for the collision. They only influence the type and amount of damages proven through medical evidence.

How Pre-Existing Injuries Commonly Affect Claims

A pre-existing condition can shape a car accident case in several ways:

• Increased vulnerability: Conditions like arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or prior fractures can worsen easily after a collision.
• Greater treatment needs: Individuals with pre-existing injuries often need more specialized care after a crash.
• Disputes over causation: Insurers may claim that pain stems from the old injury rather than the accident.
• Extended recovery time: An aggravated condition can prolong disability and limit daily activities.

The law allows compensation for the difference between your condition before the crash and your condition after the crash.

Common Pre-Existing Conditions Affected by Car Accidents

Pre-existing injuries vary widely, but several conditions frequently become aggravated in motor vehicle accidents.

• Back and neck injuries
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Degenerative joint disease
• Old fractures
• Chronic pain disorders
• Previous concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Shoulder, knee, or hip injuries from prior accidents or surgeries

A collision can trigger new symptoms, cause flare-ups, or significantly worsen conditions that were stable before impact.

Why Medical Documentation is Critical

Clear and detailed medical records form the foundation of a strong claim involving pre-existing injuries. Documentation helps prove how the crash changed your physical condition and how symptoms differed from those experienced before the accident. Important records include:

• Diagnostic imaging before and after the crash
• Treatment summaries
• Physician notes describing the aggravation
• Pain logs or symptom journals
• Physical therapy progress reports

This documentation helps establish a timeline that connects the collision to the worsening of your condition.

How Insurers Handle Claims Involving Pre-Existing Injuries

Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts when a person has a documented medical history. They may argue that your pain existed long before the crash or claim that the accident played no role in aggravating the injury. These tactics are common and designed to reduce settlement value. Insurers frequently:

• Request extensive medical histories
• Point to old imaging studies to suggest no change
• Claim that symptoms match prior complaints
• Blame chronic conditions instead of accepting responsibility

A strong legal strategy counters these arguments with expert opinions, comparative imaging, and testimony from treating physicians.

How to Strengthen Your Claim

Claims that involve pre-existing conditions often face aggressive challenges from insurers. A lawyer plays a critical role in countering insurer tactics and builds a clear, evidence-based narrative that shows how the crash worsened your condition. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Collect and compare medical records to show how the crash worsened your injury.
• Work with medical experts who can explain the connection between the collision and your new symptoms.
• Counter insurer arguments that attempt to minimize your claim.
• Document changes in daily activities, pain levels, and physical limitations.
• Negotiate from a position of strength and prepare for litigation if needed.

A Pennsylvania car accident attorney ensures that the aggravation of your condition receives proper evaluation and that you pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Pennsylvania law. To discuss your case in a free consultation today, call (215) 569-0200 or contact Rosenbaum & Associates online.