How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Car Accident Claim in California? 2025

Thousands of drivers in California have medical conditions that make them more susceptible to injuries when accidents happen. It’s important for every driver to know how pre-existing conditions affect your car accident claim in California and what to expect when you pursue compensation for damages from another driver. An experienced car accident lawyer at the Corrales Law Group can help you navigate this situation and maximize your recovery.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents in California

According to the National Safety Council, there were more than five million medically consulted injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States in 2022. That year, the total medical expenses, lost wages, lost productivity, property damage, and employer costs resulting from car accidents in the United States were about $513 billion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 4,428 traffic deaths in California in 2022.

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in the United States each year. Some of the most commonly reported injuries from car accidents in California include:

• Broken bones. Some of these injuries will require surgical care, such as the placement of steel plates or pins, and many broken bones will result in chronic pain, nerve damage, and reduced mobility.
• Traumatic brain injuries. These injuries are capable of inflicting long-term or permanent medical complications. Even seemingly mild brain injuries like concussions leave victims more vulnerable to future brain injuries, and it is possible for symptoms of a brain injury to evolve in unpredictable ways over time.
• Spinal cord injuries. Any injury to the spinal cord is permanent, and it is possible for this type of injury to result in lifelong paralysis.
• Internal organ damage. Injuries to the internal organs can be life-threatening and usually require immediate medical attention. It is important to seek medical care immediately after an accident, even if you think you only suffered mild injuries, as some internal injuries do not cause immediately noticeable symptoms.

These accidents can not only cause new injuries but also exacerbate old ones. For example, if you recently had back surgery and just finished recuperating, a car accident could cause serious damage to the recently healed surgical site. Situations like this can lead to disputes in legal proceedings as to whether at-fault drivers are responsible for an injured victim’s pre-existing conditions. In California, the answer to this is usually yes, they are.

How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Car Accident Claim in California

California uses a fault-based system to resolve all vehicle accidents in the state. This means that when an accident happens because of one driver’s negligence or misconduct behind the wheel, that driver is responsible for the resulting damages. If you were hurt by another driver’s actions, you need to know how to hold them accountable and what damages you are eligible to claim.

A defendant may argue that they should not be held responsible for a victim’s damages due to the fact that the victim was especially vulnerable to injury due to their pre-existing condition, but this is not considered a valid defense in California. State law upholds that an at-fault driver is responsible for any and all injuries caused to a plaintiff, including injuries worsened by the defendant’s actions.

Ultimately, these cases can be contentious, and it is possible for an injured driver to encounter all types of complications with their recovery efforts. The at-fault driver’s insurance carrier may attempt to deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, or the at-fault driver may contest their liability for the worsened pre-existing condition in a personal injury case. Having an experienced attorney on your side means you will be ready to face any such complications in your case.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Aggravation of a Pre-existing Condition?

To prove aggravation of a pre-existing condition, the victim usually must produce medical records from before the accident showing the scope and severity of the condition, along with medical records from after the accident showing how the accident affected the injury. It’s common for car accidents to aggravate pre-existing conditions, and medical documentation is some of the most important evidence to secure in these cases.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident in California?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in California will largely depend on the severity of the injuries you suffered. If you can prove another driver is liable for the accident, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Your attorney can help accurately calculate the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in California?

You need a lawyer to file an auto insurance claim in California if you want to ensure a fair settlement offer. Most insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying out settlements, and you should expect an insurer to attempt to use your own words against you in whatever way they can, looking for ways to justify denying or devaluing your claim. The right attorney can ensure you are treated fairly.

Can I Claim Pain and Suffering Compensation for a Pre-Existing Condition?

Yes, it is possible to claim pain and suffering compensation for a pre-existing condition if your accident made the condition worse. You will need to produce medical records showing the scope and severity of your symptoms prior to the accident and prove they have worsened since the accident. Your car accident attorney can help maximize this aspect of your recovery.

What Is the Eggshell Plaintiff Rule in California?

The Eggshell Plaintiff rule in California stipulates that a defendant is responsible for all harm done to a plaintiff in an accident, even if the plaintiff’s pre-existing condition made them more vulnerable to harm in the accident or resulted in greater harm than would be usually expected. Essentially, a defendant is liable for all harm done to a plaintiff, even if the plaintiff is especially susceptible to harm due to their unique medical status.

It’s important to know how pre-existing conditions affect your car accident claim in California and how an experienced attorney can help you recover from your recent accident. The Corrales Law Group has years of experience helping injured car accident victims recover, including those who have had pre-existing conditions worsened due to the negligence of other drivers. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help with your case.