Some car accident victims may need to undergo a full medical evaluation. Doing so evaluates the body for injuries and ensures victims receive necessary medical treatment. However, some imaging may not show evidence of injury despite pain, such as severe neck pain and other symptoms.
A clear MRI doesn’t reduce the pain and suffering the car accident victim is experiencing. Legal options may still be available to pursue compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Learn everything you need to know about MRI testing following an accident.
Why Do I Need Medical Evaluation After an Injury?
One of the first things a car accident victim should do is seek medical help. Whether suffering a broken bone, herniated disc, or damage to surrounding nerves, prompt medical attention can speed up recovery.
A medical evaluation helps identify car accident injuries, allowing victims to receive necessary medical treatment and protecting their legal rights.
Even victims who aren’t experiencing any symptoms should consider a medical evaluation following a car accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms for many days, weeks, or months following the collision. Adrenaline from a car accident can mask the symptoms of certain injuries, and putting off a medical evaluation can be dangerous.
Why Should I Consider an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be part of a post-accident medical evaluation. An MRI scan helps physicians identify soft tissue injuries, the source of certain injuries, and any issues that may not yet be evident. It may also be an important tool in determining the source of pain.
An MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed images of a person’s body. It is most commonly used to identify herniated discs and spot fractures. The powerful magnets of an MRI can help guide doctor treatment plans and prevent permanent damage. Information from an MRI can also help physicians track progress toward healing.
Customized treatment plans ensure patients receive the medical care they need. For example, physical therapy may be ordered to treat chronic pain from a neck injury or herniated disc. MRI imaging can also help physicians avoid things that could worsen a patient’s injury, such as moving them or prescribing dangerous medication.
You should consider an MRI anytime your symptoms match those of detectable conditions, such as a torn ligament or herniated disc. Additionally, if a medical professional recommends an MRI or other test following an accident, it’s usually best to follow their guidance.
When MRIs May Not Detect Injuries
While an MRI scan can be an excellent tool for identifying soft tissue injuries, there are various reasons why it may not detect anything. Here are a few common reasons an MRI scan may not detect car accident injuries.
Delayed Onset Symptoms
Delayed-onset accident-related injuries may not yet show up on an MRI scan. It may take some time for the symptoms to worsen enough to show up on imaging tools. The extent of the injuries, including the affected body parts, may also affect how soon they show on an MRI. In cases of chronic pain, physicians may order repeat tests.
Subtle Injuries
Microscopic injuries may also not show up on an MRI. Mild traumatic brain injury, sprains, strains, or contusions can all be missed on an MRI. Yet doctors can still point to these injury types based on pain. Even subtle injuries that cause chronic pain may impact the daily life of the car accident victim. Minor injuries can also lead to a reasonable degree of pain.
Limitations of MRI Technology
MRI imaging techniques can be a valuable tool for medical professionals to learn more about a patient’s soft tissues. However, even MRIs have limited technology that may not cover all injuries sustained.
Open MRI machines are also less sensitive than traditional MRI machines, which could lead to less detailed images. Some car accident victims may need to use open MRIs.
Other Diagnostic Tests if MRI Shows Nothing
MRIs offer useful information when creating a patient’s treatment plan. However, additional imaging tests may be needed to detect certain hidden injuries. The physician will usually review the source and location of pain when determining the best test type.
Here are a few other tests doctors may recommend if MRI scans aren’t sufficient.
CT Scans
A CT scan may determine the source of symptoms related to the spinal cord or spinal column and show severe muscle strain. It can be beneficial in identifying head injuries and assessing the extent of internal injuries. Finally, a CT scan can help physicians identify broken bones within the body.
X-Rays
MRI scans tend to detect certain injuries better than X-rays. X-rays are one of the first tools used when a patient presents with injury symptoms because of their ease and cost-effectiveness. X-rays can show bone injuries or internal damage. An X-ray may also be used instead of an MRI to monitor the healing of broken bones.
Physical Examinations
Most doctors complete a physical evaluation when a patient has been in a car accident. A thorough physical examination allows the doctor to choose the specific imaging tests based on the victim’s symptoms.
An in-person exam allows the doctor to review the patient for the most common injuries related to car accidents. Using this information, the doctor recommends what further tests may be necessary and then often uses this information to guide treatment decisions.
Impact on Insurance Claims
Imaging that fails to detect serious injury can significantly affect the value of an insurance or personal injury claim. The insurance provider will only cover the medical bills and lost wages for injuries related to the car accident.
However, they also require proof of injury. When it comes to an MRI’s effect on your settlement, if imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, doesn’t show injuries, insurance adjusters are unlikely to compensate for them. Of course, failing to receive a medical evaluation and undergo any testing will also likely lead to a denied claim.
Statute of Limitations
Most states have time limits on how long injured car accident victims have to seek compensation from the insurance company or a negligent party.
An MRI that doesn’t appropriately detect injuries could lead to victims losing out on their eligibility rights. Car accident victims may require the legal representation of a lawyer to stay within the time limitations.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you plan to file a car accident claim following an auto accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. This is especially true if you’re experiencing pain symptoms from the accident without evidence.
Here are a few benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer following a car accident.
Understanding Your Rights
Personal injury lawyers help car accident victims understand their legal rights. Too many accident victims are unaware they may have legal rights following a denied insurance claim.
A personal injury lawyer can help explore legal options, even if an MRI fails to show injury. A legal team’s investigative skills can also help determine what happened and gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence.
Building a Strong Case
The right legal team also helps auto accident victims build a strong case, leading to fair compensation. Immediate negative MRI results don’t necessarily mean a lack of injury.
Many car accidents lead to persistent symptoms, such as severe neck pain, chronic pain, and torn ligaments. Serious car accidents can also lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), nerve compression, injured spinal discs, or internal organ damage, some of which may not be immediately apparent on MRIs.
Other types of testing may also be necessary to pinpoint the source of pain. The right legal team helps victims build a strong case based on these important elements.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Car accident lawyers also play an important role in negotiations with insurance companies or other legal teams. Many injuries from car accidents may lead to high medical expenses, severe pain and suffering, and lost wages, all of which deserve compensation.
Our lawyers work closely with the insurance company to ensure fair compensation. We consider each component of your case to calculate a fair settlement. Our team will discuss your trial options if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
If you were injured in a car accident, yet your medical tests are clear, you may still have legal rights available. Sometimes, other tools can be used to prove injuries to the insurance adjuster.
Legal action may also be available through a third-party personal injury claim in cases where someone else’s negligence led to your injury. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents car accident victims, helping them recover the required funds during this difficult time.
Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to book a free consultation with a Chicago car accident lawyer.