Pre-Existing Condition
Definition
A medical condition you had before the car accident. Insurance companies often try to blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions to reduce your payout.
Real-World MVA Example
The insurer argues your back pain is from your old disc bulge, not the crash. Your doctor's records show the bulge was asymptomatic before the accident and now requires surgery.
Related Terms in Medical & Injuries
Aggravation of Pre-Existing Condition
When a car accident makes an existing injury or medical condition worse. You can still recover damages for the worsening, even though you had the condition before the crash.
Independent Medical Examination (IME)
A medical exam requested (and paid for) by the insurance company to get a second opinion on your injuries. Despite the name, the doctor is chosen by the insurer.
Letter of Protection
A document from your attorney to a medical provider guaranteeing that the provider will be paid from your settlement. This lets you get treatment even if you can't afford it now.
Lien
A legal claim against your settlement by a healthcare provider, health insurer, or government program that paid for your accident-related medical treatment.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The point at which your doctor determines your condition has stabilized and further treatment won't significantly improve it. This is often when your case value is calculated.
Soft Tissue Injury
Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons rather than bones. These injuries (like sprains, strains, and whiplash) don't show up on X-rays and insurers often undervalue them.
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