When someone is injured in an accident, particularly in cases involving soft tissue injuries, understanding the full extent of their injuries can be crucial to achieving a fair settlement. Among the various diagnostic tools available, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is often considered one of the most comprehensive methods for identifying hidden injuries. 

MRIs are among the most common investigations following physical accidents, particularly motor vehicle accidents. In 2022, roughly 2.4 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in America alone [1]. Many of these injuries are not immediately visible, which is where an MRI scan can play a pivotal role.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive diagnostic tool that combines magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Unlike X-rays, which primarily show bones, MRIs effectively reveal injuries to soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the brain.

For individuals involved in a car accident, an MRI can be crucial in diagnosing injuries that may not be immediately visible but could have long-term health implications. By providing a clear and accurate picture of internal damage, MRIs are valuable in determining the severity of an injury and the necessary course of treatment.

MRI impact in personal injury settlements

Why are MRIs Important in Personal Injury Cases?

In many personal injury cases, an MRI can be critical evidence. It allows doctors to identify internal injuries that might not be visible on traditional X-rays. 

X-rays are primarily used to assess broken bones, but they cannot reveal soft tissue injuries or subtle damage, which can lead to long-term issues if left untreated. On the other hand, an MRI provides a more complete picture, helping to identify injuries such as herniated discs, muscle tears, or brain injuries, which could significantly affect your health and quality of life.

In addition to aiding in diagnosis and treatment, MRI results are essential when negotiating with insurance adjusters, as they offer objective medical evidence of your injuries. This result can strengthen your personal injury claim, making it harder for the insurance company to dismiss or minimize the damages you seek.

How an MRI Can Impact Settlement Value

One of the most pressing questions after an auto accident is how much a personal injury case will be worth. While many factors influence the final settlement amount, the documentation and medical evidence provided by an MRI can play a significant role in determining the value of your claim. 

Beyond simply identifying injuries, an MRI can reveal their severity, potential long-term effects, and required treatments, which can significantly impact compensation. This detailed insight can help ensure that all medical costs, rehabilitation, and future healthcare needs are properly factored into the final settlement, leading to a more comprehensive and fair outcome.

Documenting the Extent of Injuries

An MRI provides objective evidence of the severity of your injuries, which can be invaluable in settlement negotiations. If an MRI report shows a herniated disc, for instance, or damage to the brain, this could significantly increase the value of your claim. 

The more severe and long-lasting the injury, the higher the settlement amount typically is. This principle is because the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering will all factor into the total compensation you are entitled to.

Moreover, soft tissue injuries, which are often difficult to prove without imaging like an MRI, are commonly undervalued by insurance companies. Having clear medical documentation from an MRI scan can lead to more accurate and often higher settlement offers.

Uncovering Hidden Injuries

Many injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), might not show symptoms immediately after a car accident. Sometimes, days or even weeks can pass after an auto accident before an individual begins to feel the full effects of their injuries. This delay can make it challenging to connect the injury directly to the accident without medical imaging.

An MRI can reveal injuries that may not have been apparent at first, such as certain types of traumatic brain injury, that do not cause immediate physical symptoms. Hidden injuries, like small muscle tears or subtle changes in the brain’s structure, can have long-lasting consequences on a person’s health. 

Identifying these injuries early on allows for proper medical treatment, which can prevent the injury from worsening over time. Additionally, by uncovering hidden injuries, an MRI can increase the potential settlement amount since the full scope of the injury is documented.

Strengthening Your Case

Clear and detailed evidence of injuries from an MRI scan can make it more difficult for an insurance company to dispute your claim. If the insurance company attempts to argue that your injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident, MRI results recorded in your medical records provide concrete proof of the injuries sustained. 

Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair compensation when faced with irrefutable medical proof of the injuries sustained. The sooner you present this evidence, the better your chances of securing a faster and more favorable settlement.

A personal injury attorney can also use MRI results to advocate on your behalf, ensuring that your injuries are properly accounted for in settlement discussions.

Factors to Consider for Personal Injury Claims

While an MRI can significantly impact the value of your personal injury lawsuit, several other factors must be considered to understand the full picture. Each case is unique, and understanding the following variables can help you and your attorney build the strongest possible case.

Severity and Type of Injury

Not all injuries will have the same effect on a settlement. For example, TBIs or severe spinal injuries, which are readily visible on an MRI, can result in larger settlement amounts due to the seriousness of the condition. On the other hand, less severe injuries may still warrant a settlement but will not command the same compensation as more life-altering conditions.

It is also worth noting that the type of injury plays a critical role. Some injuries, like broken bones, may be apparent without an MRI, but injuries to soft tissues or the brain require detailed imaging to reveal the full extent of the damage. This reality makes the results of an MRI even more valuable in certain types of personal injury cases.

Cost of the MRI

The cost of an MRI can also influence the overall settlement amount. Because an MRI is considered a medical expense, the price of the scan and any other medical treatment you receive are factored into the total compensation you may be entitled to. 

MRIs can be expensive, often ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the scan and the facility where it is performed. These costs and any follow-up care will be included when calculating the value of your personal injury settlement.

Insurance Company’s Position

Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to minimize the significance of MRI findings following car accidents. They may argue that the injuries revealed by the MRI were pre-existing or unrelated to the car accident. This scenario is where having a skilled personal injury lawyer becomes so valuable. 

An experienced attorney can challenge the insurance company’s attempts to downplay your injuries and provide evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident. 

Working with a lawyer who understands how to interpret MRI results and other medical evidence can significantly affect how the insurance company values your personal injury claim.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating a personal injury case on your own can be overwhelming, especially when medical evidence like MRI results plays a crucial role in determining the value of your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that your case is handled properly and that your injuries are fully recognized in settlement negotiations.

Maximizing Your Settlement with an Attorney

A personal injury lawyer is crucial in helping you get the maximum settlement possible. With MRI results, your lawyer can use this objective evidence to negotiate a higher settlement or, if necessary, present a strong case in court. 

Attorneys specialized in personal injury law know how to counter insurance companies’ tactics to downplay the severity of injuries and minimize compensation.

Car accidents can cause long-term consequences not just in terms of physical injuries but also financially. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term costs associated with your injuries, ensuring that all aspects of your recovery are included in your car accident settlement.

When to Get an MRI

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney early in the process. An attorney can advise you on whether an MRI is necessary based on the nature of your injuries and the potential impact on your case. 

Delaying an MRI or failing to document your injuries fully can hurt your chances of securing a fair settlement, as it can make it harder to prove that your injuries were the result of the car accident. 

Secure Expert Legal Counsel for Your Personal Injury Case!

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help. Our experienced legal team understands the value of medical evidence, such as MRI scans, in maximizing your car accident settlement. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you are adequately compensated for your injuries.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to book a free consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney.

References: [1] NHTSA