Car collisions are scary, and we hope you’re never involved in one. However, in the event that you are in a motor accident and are injured as a result, it’s important to consult an experienced car accident lawyer. They will help you become aware of your rights in these situations and help to it’s important that you are aware of your rights in these kinds of situations. You’re entitled to pursue compensation for any serious damages. There are a number of injuries one should be wary of when involved in a motor vehicle accident. One such ailment could be arthritis.
Arthritis is the inflammation (swelling) of one or more joints in the hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or toes that typically worsen with age. Arthritis is typically more associated with old age and identified by the noticeable cysts or build-up in the fingers, toes, or knees. However, it is still possible for a younger person to suffer from arthritis if they experience severe physical trauma, like in a bad car collision.
Arthritis from car accidents isn’t unheard of, and doctors warn that joint damage left untreated can have real likelihood of developing into post-traumatic arthritis later on.
Arthritis From a Car Accident
Normally, personal injury claims are borne from immediate injuries like a broken bone, concussion, or other noticeable impairments.
Insurance companies purposely make a delineation between external and internal injuries. External injuries, ones like cuts and gashes and broken limbs, are labeled “hard” injuries. However, “soft” injuries that happen more gradually and under the radar could happen as a result of an accident. A hip or leg injury, for instance, would affect the joints in such a way that could create inflammation.
If your accident resulted in any noticeable or physically painful ligament or joint damage, you should contact a specialist and see if there’s a risk that it could develop into arthritis.
Arthritis aggravated by blunt trauma, such as from a car or truck accident, is called post-traumatic arthritis.
Why Would a Car Accident Cause Arthritis?
According to most or many medical professionals, certain car accident scenarios could, indeed, cause symptoms of arthritis. How can this be? Well, depending on the accident, whether you were behind the wheel or a passenger, experiencing a rapid movement in a sitting position could have an adverse impact on your ankle joints or knee joints.
When your cartilage is broken down, it can lead to very severe pain. Bones rubbing against each other would be considered to have the same damaging effect as arthritis in the traditional sense, or could lead to a real diagnosis of arthritis over time.
You might have arthritis from a car accident if a doctor diagnoses you or if you experience any of the following:
- Traumatic Injuries: Car accidents can cause traumatic injuries to joints, such as fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears.
- Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is the accelerated wear and tear of the cartilage as a result of traumatic injuries. This form of arthritis can develop in the injured joint, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can further damage the joints and increase the risk of developing various types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
- Prolonged Immobility: After a car accident, individuals might experience prolonged immobility or reduced physical activity due to injuries. Lack of movement can lead to joint stiffness and weaken the surrounding muscles, increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Joint Instability: Injuries from car accidents can result in joint instability, where the joint doesn’t function as it should. This instability can cause abnormal stress on the joint, leading to arthritis in the affected area.
- Development of Scar Tissue: Injuries can cause the formation of scar tissue in and around the joints. Over time, this scar tissue can interfere with joint movement and contribute to the onset of arthritis.
Eligibility of an Accident Claim with Arthritis
You could be entitled to compensation for arthritis caused by a car accident. To be eligible for this type of accident claim, you’ll need to determine that the car accident caused your arthritis and how it has affected your life.
How to Prove That Your Car Accident Caused Arthritis
There’s a chance an insurance carrier may try and disprove your arthritis came from your accident. They’ll want to minimize whatever damages they have to cover for if they can, but your attorney can block this from happening.
So, you’ll need a few statements. First, a doctor’s statement or a second opinion which can confirm the time of your visit and the analysis of your injuries. The key will be to prove your symptoms started after the accident, and not before. History of pre-existing conditions can also prove the accident had affected the onset of arthritis.
Any statements from a loved one, neighbor, someone who lives with you, a co-worker, or any individual who is with you almost daily can attest that your symptoms and timeline fit with the claims you are making. Compensation for a car accident will depend on whether or not they can attest that your arthritis after the accident significantly affected your daily routine and life.
Keep in mind that in the event of a case trial, these individuals may be called to the stand or be questioned in a pre-trial deposition.
Your attorney will help in gathering eye-witness testimonies from the accident and working with experts or on-scene emergency responders to see if it falls in-line with your own claims and testimony. This is how they will build the case.
Hurt In A Car Accident? Contact The Law offices Of Samuel Fishman Today
Having the services of a car accident lawyer is paramount no matter your injury. At the law offices of Samuel Fishman, you’ll have access to case-experts who can help negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. They’ll gather evidence, take into account all of the angles of your personal injury claim and daily life, and offer counsel for any questions you may have in the process.
You can schedule a free consultation with one of our injury attorneys who will answer your must-ask questions and find out how much your arthritis car accident claim could be worth.