Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident in Seattle?

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Were you injured in a car crash in Seattle, WA, while living with a pre-existing condition? You may still be eligible for compensation. Insurance companies may use pre-existing conditions as an excuse to minimize or deny valid injury claims, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have rights.

At Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent decades successfully holding insurers accountable and fighting for fair compensation. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims across Washington and are prepared to help you stand up for what you’re owed.

Call (206) 727 4000 now to schedule a free consultation with an auto accident lawyer who understands how to navigate cases involving pre-existing conditions.

How Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Seattle, WA

Insurance companies work hard to protect their profits, and using pre-existing conditions against you is one of their most-used tactics in Seattle, Washington. Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers knows how to fight back.

With decades of combined legal experience, our Seattle car accident attorneys understand how to build compelling cases that clearly distinguish accident-related injuries from prior conditions. We know the tricks insurance adjusters rely on and how to dismantle them with facts, expert insight, and tenacious advocacy.

When you hire our Seattle personal injury lawyers, we will:

• Review your medical history to determine how the accident affected your pre-existing condition
• Coordinate with medical professionals to clearly document injury aggravation or new trauma
• Investigate the crash scene and gather critical evidence
• Interview witnesses and consult accident reconstruction specialists
• Prepare your case for trial if the insurance company refuses to settle fairly
• Negotiate to pursue the maximum compensation available under Washington law

You shouldn’t have to battle insurance companies alone, especially when they try to blame your pain on your past. We’ll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing. Call our Seattle personal injury attorneys to set up a free consultation.

Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident

A pre-existing condition is any physical or psychological health issue you had before the crash. It doesn’t automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation when you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence.

What matters is whether the accident worsened your condition or caused new injuries. You’re not seeking damages for the original condition—you’re seeking compensation for how the crash aggravated or compounded it.

Insurance companies may argue:

• You weren’t really injured in the accident—your pain comes from your pre-existing condition.
• The crash only caused minor harm because you were already vulnerable.
• You wouldn’t have suffered injury at all if you didn’t have the prior condition.

These arguments are designed to reduce their financial responsibility. But legally, they don’t excuse a negligent driver’s liability.

Common pre-existing conditions relevant in car accident cases include:

• Degenerative joint or disc disease
• Old fractures or bone injuries
• Prior concussions or TBIs
• Osteoporosis or arthritis
• Spinal stenosis or herniated discs
• Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia)
• Psychological conditions (e.g., PTSD or anxiety)
• Nerve damage or neurological disorders
• Vision or hearing impairments

Our Seattle personal injury attorneys will work to show that your condition was stable prior to the crash and that the collision caused measurable and lasting harm.

The Eggshell Plaintiff Rule in Washington

Washington follows the legal doctrine known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule (also called the “eggshell skull doctrine”). It means the at-fault party must take the victim as they find them, including any prior vulnerabilities. If a person has a fragile spine and a collision makes it worse, the negligent party is still fully responsible for the damages.

In other words, pre-existing conditions do not excuse negligent behavior. The person responsible for a crash can still be held liable if an accident worsens a condition, causes new symptoms, or leads to costly treatment that wouldn’t have otherwise been necessary.

This rule strengthens your right to compensation, even if you were already managing a health issue before the accident.

What Damages Can You Recover if a Pre-Existing Condition Was Aggravated?

You cannot recover compensation for the pre-existing condition alone, but you can seek damages for any worsening or new injury resulting from the accident.

We will pursue full compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Medical treatment related to the aggravation of the condition
• Hospital stays, physical therapy, or specialist care
• Prescription medication or assistive devices
• Lost income from missed work
• Reduced earning capacity
• Ongoing care or support services
• Pain and suffering caused by the worsened condition
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish and emotional distress

You can count on us to consider every loss you’ve experienced in calculating the full impact of the aggravated injury on your daily life.

Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Insurance companies are notorious for exploiting pre-existing conditions to avoid paying fair compensation. Don’t let them get away with it.

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers knows how to fight back—and win. We’ve spent decades helping Seattle injury victims recover what they deserve, regardless of their prior medical history.

If your condition worsened after a collision or you suffered new harm because of someone else’s negligence, reach out today. Our Seattle car accident lawyers will review your case in a free consultation and explain your legal options with compassion and clarity.