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Sep 11, 2026
A pre-existing medical condition does not always bar you from seeking compensation for injuries. In many personal injury cases in New Mexico, disputes may arise over whether a car crash caused a new injury or aggravated a pre-existing condition. If you have been in an accident, it’s important to understand pre-existing conditions and car accident claims in New Mexico.
Thoroughly documenting the medical condition you had before the crash and after the crash can be a critical part of determining how the accident affected your health and the damages you may recover.
Can You Recover Compensation if You Had a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition does not automatically disqualify you from getting compensation for your car accident injuries. If your accident aggravated or worsened a previous injury or illness, the extent of the harm caused by the accident may be eligible for compensation. The facts of your case, medical evidence, and applicable law will all factor in how a claim is determined.
New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence system under NM Stat. Ann. § 41-3A-1, which allows fault to be apportioned among the parties involved in an accident. Determining how much of your current condition resulted from the collision may require careful review of your medical history and post-accident treatment.
How Medical Records Affect a Pre-Existing Injury Claim
Pre-existing conditions are common in many claims, and medical records are often at the heart of those cases. Records before and after a collision could help a doctor or other provider to determine the difference between an ongoing condition and one that was impacted by an injury during an accident.
Diagnostic images, treatment notes, visits to specialists, and follow-up appointments could all become relevant pieces of evidence in your case. Timely medical treatment also creates a documented record that may assist in evaluating your claim. For emergency treatment after a collision in Albuquerque, your treatment may begin at UNM Hospital for immediate evaluation and treatment.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2.44 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023.
Why Insurance Companies Scrutinize Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurers will scrutinize an accident injury claim if you have a pre-existing condition because the accident may have aggravated an injury you already had or may not have caused an injury at all. Your medical records, your doctor’s notes, and a documented treatment history may help prove how the collision impacted your well-being. Providing accurate details and adhering to recommended care can bolster the evidence backing your case.
According to the National Safety Council, 4.9 million medically consulted injuries resulted from motor vehicle incidents in 2024. The prevalence of crash-related injuries highlights the importance of thorough medical documentation when evaluating personal injury claims.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Not every injury begins on the day of a collision, but an accident can significantly worsen an existing medical condition. At Berenson & Associates, PC, our Albuquerque personal injury attorney have spent more than 25 years helping New Mexico accident victims pursue compensation for injuries caused or aggravated by another person’s negligence.
We take the time to understand each client’s medical history and work to present a clear picture of how the accident affected their health and daily life.
The presence of pre-existing conditions does not necessarily disqualify you from a successful injury claim. We can assess your situation, review your legal rights, and help you seek compensation for injuries sustained in an accident, in accordance with New Mexico law. Schedule a consultation today to hire a car accident lawyer.
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