Car accidents occur at an alarming rate nationwide, with thousands of injuries and deaths occurring yearly. Many of these injuries have long-term consequences for the victims, which is why seeking a medical evaluation after a car accident is essential to prioritize your health.
Even if you do not feel pain immediately, you should seek the opinions of medical professionals to determine if you have suffered internal injuries.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a primary test for detecting internal damage. An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to create accurate images of internal structures in the human body. If you have been involved in a car accident, scheduling an MRI scan as soon as possible could save your life and improve your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Car Accident Injuries Requiring MRIs
An auto wreck is a devastating experience for injured victims. In many cases, those who were hurt the most in the accident were not at fault for causing it. Because of the strong forces involved in the collision, they may suffer numerous injuries, including soft-tissue damage. Here are some common injuries caused by car accidents.
Head Injuries
Car accident head injuries are hazardous because of the brain. Even a light head injury, such as a concussion, can have long-lasting consequences. Traumatic brain injuries could immediately impact your lifestyle, causing mobility issues or brain disorders.
MRIs can be used to detect head and brain injuries and determine if a treatment plan is necessary.
Neck and Back Injuries
Another crucial element of the human body is the spinal cord and its surrounding nerves and structures. Neck and back injuries are common in motor vehicle accident victims, especially if their bodies are violently thrown in different directions.
You may experience whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries like spinal compression. A non-invasive test like an MRI can reveal the extent of the damage from your neck or back injury.
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Internal Injuries
Internal damage from a car accident is very dangerous. Often, victims do not realize they are severely hurt because there are no apparent side effects, at least not in the beginning. You should get an MRI shortly after the incident to ensure there is no internal organ damage or internal bleeding.
If your internal organs have been damaged, you could face a challenging recovery if you wait too long to get checked.
The Benefits of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Medical devices used for MRIs are incredibly useful in the healthcare community. They allow physicians and other professionals to create accurate treatment plans based on the test results. Here are a few reasons why an MRI machine is essential for effectively treating injuries suffered in a car accident.
Accuracy
Accuracy is essential when detecting injuries to a person’s skeleton, soft tissues, organs, and surrounding structures. Without a clear picture of the extent of the damage, your doctor cannot create an effective medical treatment plan.
MRI stands above other tests because it is highly accurate. It creates an image of a person’s body, highlighting damaged areas. Whether you have suffered soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, broken bones, ligament tears, or joint dislocation, an MRI will lead to a more accurate diagnosis.
Non-Invasive Nature
MRI scans are not invasive procedures. While some tests may require invasive methods that are highly uncomfortable or can exacerbate injuries, MRIs can detect injuries without creating the risk of additional harm.
Detailed Images
Radiologists and doctors require detailed images of soft tissues and bones to determine the level of damage.
MRIs are highly detailed and make it easy to see how far the injury has gone, whether it is a broken arm, ruptured blood vessels, herniated spinal discs, or nerve compression. The more accurate the image, the easier it will be for your primary care physician to treat your injuries.
An MRI after a car accident is the most effective way to prioritize your long-term health. Other diagnostic tests may not be as detailed and are, therefore, less helpful than MRIs.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
One of the first steps you should take after a car accident is to seek medical treatment. Many car accident injuries, such as headaches or back pain, may have delayed symptoms. Since these issues may not develop until later, seeking medical evaluation immediately is the best way to diagnose your injuries early.
An untreated injury could cause complications and a negative impact on your lifestyle. There are also legal implications if you do not seek medical care immediately after the car accident.
Legal Implications of Unreported Injuries
A car accident can destabilize your life. You may be facing medical expenses, property damage costs, lost wages, and reduced quality of life because of your chronic pain or damage to internal organs. You can file an insurance or personal injury claim to recover compensation for these losses.
However, failing to report your injury or seek help from medical professionals could undermine your claim.
Impact on Insurance Claims
An insurance claim is used to recover losses for bodily injury and property damage from a car accident. It can also include compensation for medical bills.
If you do not report your injury or pursue professional treatment, the insurance adjuster could use this information to offer less money for the settlement, making it harder to recover financially after the accident.
Statute of Limitations
Most states have a statute of limitations governing how long victims can file claims after car accidents. Often, this time limit begins on the day of the accident or when you discover the injury.
You must report your injury as part of your claim process or pursue appropriate treatment to avoid missing the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, your case could be dismissed entirely, resulting in no compensation for your legal damages.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you get hurt in a car accident that is not your fault, filing a personal injury lawsuit is a complex process. You must prove that the defendant is at fault for your severe pain and that you experienced legal damages from the injuries. Personal injury attorneys play a critical role in supporting your claim.
Understanding Your Rights
You have certain rights under state and federal law after a car accident. Most accident victims do not understand the full scope of their rights in a civil case. If you hire an injury attorney, this legal professional can discuss and safeguard your rights throughout the claims process.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you will likely be battling the defendant and their insurance company for a fair settlement. These insurance companies know how to undermine your case and minimize your suffering to avoid a larger payout.
You need an experienced auto accident lawyer who understands your injuries, stands up for your rights, and negotiates for total compensation. Without this attorney to level the playing field, you could be bullied into accepting less than you deserve for your injuries sustained in the accident.
Building a Strong Case
If you have suffered serious injuries in a car wreck, a lawyer can help you build a strong case. Gathering evidence, such as MRI scans, can increase your chances of winning compensation, and an attorney will know what type of information will support your claim.
They will help you collect data from medical providers, MRI test results, medical bills, accident reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene to build a strong evidence profile.
Personal injury lawyers also have connections with expert witnesses who can testify and strengthen your case, such as medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
If you have gotten an MRI scan after a car accident and been diagnosed with hidden injuries, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the collision to diagnose your injuries and begin treatment. The sooner you receive medical care, the easier it will be to support your insurance or personal injury claims.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is prepared to guide you through your case, whether an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. We know what it takes to build a strong case with compelling evidence.
Our team will also help you understand your rights, assess all damages, and negotiate for fair compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs for our services. We only receive payment from the settlement if we win.
Call 888-424-5757 or complete our contact form to book a free consultation with a Chicago auto accident attorney.