Many people in Phoenix live with prior injuries. Old back pain. A repaired knee. A shoulder that never fully healed. Life moves forward until a car accident brings everything back.
Suddenly, the pain is worse. Daily tasks become difficult again. Insurance companies often respond with doubt instead of help. They argue the injury was already there. That moment changes everything.
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we see this issue often. A car accident can legally worsen a pre-existing injury. Arizona law recognizes this. You still have rights. The key is knowing how to protect them.
If you are searching for a car accident lawyer in Phoenix because an old injury has worsened, this guide explains what happens next.
Pre-existing Injuries Are More Common Than People Think
A pre existing injury is any condition that existed before the crash. It can be diagnosed or undiagnosed. It can be active or dormant.
Common examples include back injuries, neck pain, joint damage, arthritis, herniated discs, and prior fractures. Many people manage these conditions well until trauma makes them worse.
A crash does not need to cause a new injury to create a valid claim. Making an existing injury worse is enough.
Arizona Law Protects Accident Victims With Prior Conditions
Arizona follows a legal principle often called the eggshell plaintiff rule. This means the at-fault driver is responsible for the harm they cause, even if the injured person was more vulnerable.
If a crash aggravates a pre existing injury, the responsible party can be held liable for the added harm. They are not allowed to avoid responsibility because the injury existed before.
A Phoenix, AZ auto accident attorney uses this rule to protect injured clients from unfair blame.
How Insurance Companies Handle Pre Existing Injuries
Insurance companies look for reasons to reduce payouts. A prior injury gives them a clear target.
They may claim your pain is unrelated. They may argue nothing changed after the accident. They may delay the claim or offer a low settlement.
This approach is common. It is also misleading. Medical evidence often shows clear changes after trauma. Increased pain, reduced mobility, and new treatment needs matter.
An accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona knows how to challenge these tactics.
Medical Documentation Is Critical After The Accident
Medical records are the foundation of your claim. You should seek treatment as soon as possible after the crash.
Tell your doctor about your prior condition. Be honest. Doctors need full information to document changes correctly.
Updated imaging, physical exams, and treatment notes help show how the accident made the condition worse. Delays in care can weaken this connection.
We work closely with medical records to highlight these changes clearly.
The Difference Between A Flare Up And An Aggravation
Insurance companies often label worsening pain as a temporary flare up. This suggests the condition will return to normal quickly.
An aggravation is different. It means the accident caused lasting or increased damage. It can require new treatment or longer recovery.
Medical professionals help define this difference. Their opinions carry weight in negotiations and court.
A car accident lawyer in Phoenix ensures this distinction is clearly presented.
Common Injuries That Are Often Aggravated In Phoenix Crashes
Rear-end collisions often worsen neck and back injuries. Side-impact crashes can exacerbate shoulder and hip problems. High-speed freeway accidents may worsen spinal and joint conditions.
Phoenix traffic increases these risks. Heavy congestion and high-speed roads create violent impacts.
We see aggravated injuries frequently on I-10, Loop 101, and Loop 202. Local knowledge matters when building these cases.
Proving The Accident Made Your Injury Worse
The burden is on the injured person to show aggravation. This does not mean proving the injury did not exist before.
It means showing a measurable change after the crash. Increased pain levels. New limitations. Additional treatment.
We gather medical records, prior imaging, and expert opinions. We compare before and after conditions.
This process turns doubt into evidence.
Why You Should Not Downplay Prior Injuries
Some people hide prior injuries out of fear. This can backfire.
Insurance companies often find old records. When they do, they may claim dishonesty.
Transparency builds credibility. It allows us to control the narrative instead of reacting to it.
An accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona helps frame your history accurately and strategically.
Compensation Available In Aggravation Claims
You may recover compensation for added medical care, increased pain, lost wages, and reduced quality of life.
The value depends on how much worse the condition became. It also depends on future care needs.
Settlements must reflect long-term impact, not just short-term discomfort.
A Phoenix, AZ auto accident attorney carefully calculates these losses.
Long-Term Impact Of Aggravated Injuries
Aggravated injuries often heal more slowly. Some never return to the prior baseline.
Chronic pain affects sleep, work, and mental health. It changes daily routines and family dynamics.
These effects matter. They are part of your claim.
We document how the injury affects real life, not just medical charts.
What To Do After A Crash If You Have A Prior Injury
Seek medical care right away. Follow treatment recommendations. Avoid gaps in care.
Document symptoms daily. Note changes in pain and function. Keep records of missed work.
Do not discuss prior injuries with insurance adjusters without legal guidance.
Contact a car accident lawyer in Phoenix early to protect your claim.
Why Early Legal Help Matters More In These Cases
Aggravation cases are more complex. They require careful evidence and a strong presentation.
Early involvement allows us to shape the case properly. It prevents insurance missteps and protects key evidence.
Waiting often gives insurers an advantage.
An accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona, levels the field.
How We Approach Pre-Existing Injury Claims
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we take these cases seriously. We do not accept insurance excuses.
We focus on facts, medicine, and real impact. We work with doctors and experts when needed.
Our approach is thorough and direct. That is how we get results.
Get the Money You Deserve
GLG Personal Injury Lawyers
Call For A Consultation
We Fight For Fair Treatment And Full Compensation
You are not less deserving because you were injured before. The law is clear on this point.
If a car accident made your condition worse, you have the right to compensation.
We stand up to insurance companies that try to deny that reality.
If you need a trusted car accident lawyer in Phoenix, we are ready to help.
Talk To Our Team Today
A worsened injury can disrupt your life again. You do not have to face this alone.
Contact GLG Personal Injury Lawyers to speak with an experienced Phoenix, AZ auto accident attorney.
We will review your situation and explain your options clearly.
When a car accident aggravates a pre existing injury, the damage is real. We help make sure it is recognized and addressed.
