The Importance of an MRI After an Accident

Many injuries after a car accident are objective in nature, such as a broken arm, bruising, swelling, and cuts. Other injuries can only be detected by medical professionals using sophisticated diagnostic tools. X-rays detect broken bones or joint dislocation but do not go beyond the view of a person’s skeleton. Computed tomography (“CT”) scans use a series of X-Rays to show a more detailed 360-degree view of the body, which may help doctors identify spot fractures too small to be picked up by an X-Ray. Some injuries to internal organs may also be seen on a CT scan. 

While the aforementioned tools are helpful, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (“MRI”) has stood out as the gold standard for diagnostic testing. MRIs use powerful magnets and radio waves to capture images of the internal organs, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. MRIs will produce results with much greater detail than what can be identified on an X-Ray or CT-Scan. In what follows, the personal injury attorneys at Bowman Law discuss the importance of an MRI after an accident. 

Symptoms Necessitating an MRI After an Accident

All too often, personal injury victims do not immediately experience symptoms after an accident. In fact, some injuries can go unseen and, therefore, undetected for weeks, or even months. As soon as an injured party starts to appreciate the fact there are underlying injuries, it may be possible they will start to recognize something as possibly wrong. Subjective complaints are helpful in a personal injury case but the objective evidence tied to an MRI is vital to document the extent of serious injuries. The following represents a non-exhaustive list of symptoms you want to pay attention to after an accident: 

• Reduced range of motion. You may have difficulty moving or a noticeable reduction in your range of motion due to soft tissue damage.
• Headaches. Symptoms like frequent or severe headaches may indicate a potential brain injury.
• Numbness or tingling. Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in any body part could signal nerve damage.
• Dizziness or vertigo. Ongoing dizziness or a spinning sensation can occur if the accident affects the inner ear or brain.
• Memory loss or cognitive issues. You should see a doctor if you notice post-accident memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or other cognitive issues.
• Internal discomfort. Vague internal discomfort or pain is a common sign of internal organ damage.
• Fatigue. Chronic fatigue following a car accident might be due to hidden injuries, and an MRI can help uncover any underlying issues causing this condition.
• Abnormal bruising or swelling. Some internal injuries cause unexplained or persistent bruising and swelling. 

Remember, your doctor does not know what you are experiencing. The only way your doctor will be able to properly diagnose and treat your injuries is if he/she has a thorough understanding of your symptoms. The personal injury attorneys at Bowman Law cannot stress enough the importance of detailing your symptoms to your medical professionals. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor about your symptoms. 

Importance of an MRI After an Accident

When a personal injury victim presents to the emergency room following an accident, the physician will focus on the person’s immediate condition to ensure they are out of danger and stabilized. When a patient has suffered serious injuries, they will likely be admitted to the hospital. Otherwise, emergency room physicians typically discharge the patient with instructions to present to their primary care physician for further diagnosis and treatment of non-emergent issues. 

Unfortunately, MRIs are not always offered at the emergency room following an accident. Something that may not be a big deal could be a very serious issue. This is why it is so important to insist on an MRI at the emergency room or with your primary care physician. Below, the personal injury attorneys at Bowman Law discuss in greater detail the benefits of an MRI.  

1. Unmatched Soft Tissue Detail: MRIs provide unparalleled imaging of soft tissues, making them the gold standard for diagnosing back injuries. They excel at visualizing muscles, ligaments, nerves, and intervertebral discs, which are critical in understanding the nature of back pain. 
2. Identifying Disc Bulging and Herniations: One of the key advantages of an MRI is its ability to clearly show disc bulging. MRIs can accurately depict the extent of bulging and its impact on surrounding structures, helping healthcare providers determine the best course of action.
3. Accurate Diagnosis: Pain can stem from various sources, and distinguishing between them is key to effective treatment. MRIs enable healthcare providers to identify specific injuries or conditions, leading to tailored treatment plans. Their ability to produce clear images of soft tissue structures ensures a more accurate diagnosis compared to other imaging methods.
4. Assessment of Nerve Damage: Injuries can affect surrounding nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness or weakness. MRIs are particularly effective at assessing nerve compression or damage, providing critical information that is essential for determining the urgency and type of treatment required.
5. Guiding Treatment Decisions: The findings from an MRI can significantly influence treatment options. Whether it’s physical therapy, medication, or surgery, understanding the nature and severity of the injury allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions. MRIs offer detailed insights that guide these crucial choices.
6. Monitoring Progress: For individuals undergoing treatment for back injuries, MRIs are invaluable for monitoring progress. MRIs can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and inform necessary adjustments. This ongoing evaluation ensures patients remain on the right track in their recovery journey.
7. Preventing Chronic Pain: Failing to obtain an MRI for a back injury can lead to chronic pain if underlying issues are not addressed promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications and enhance quality of life. By identifying and treating injuries early on, patients can often return to normal activities more quickly.
8. Legal Considerations: An MRI can provide objective evidence of an injury’s severity and nature, supporting claims and ensuring proper compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. The detailed findings from an MRI often carry more weight in legal contexts.
9. Peace of Mind: Finally, undergoing an MRI can offer peace of mind. Knowing the exact cause of your pain can alleviate anxiety and provide a clearer path forward in your recovery process. It empowers patients with knowledge about their health and the steps needed for improvement.

Timing of an MRI

Getting the proper medical attention after suffering injuries in a vehicle accident is a victim’s primary concern to begin recovering and feeling better. The cost of treatment may be high, but the at-fault driver’s insurance company frequently offers reimbursement. A delayed MRI can result in delayed compensation.

Many times, victims of personal injury contact our firm and ask how much their case is worth. While some lawyers promote themselves as being able to identify value at any stage of your case, the reality is that it is impossible to even estimate value without knowing how severe your injuries are. For this reason, it is crucial to acquire a complete diagnosis of all injuries. Only after your injuries are objectively diagnosed will it be possible to estimate value. 

It is in your best interest to get an MRI as soon after an accident as possible. There is never a good reason to wait for an MRI if you were injured in a car accident in Colorado. You should not wait for your insurance company to approve the imaging. If you have an MRI months after a car accident in Colorado, it is not necessarily too late to document your injuries. 

Unfortunately, many insurance companies attempt to undervalue personal injury claims, especially when adjusters encounter victims with injuries that are difficult to prove. Soft-tissue injuries are prime examples. Oftentimes, personal injury victims who experience muscular damage do not have radiological imaging to help support their claims. When they have an MRI, however, they will have high-resolution images that show the extent of serious injuries. 

Contact our Personal Injury Attorneys

If you are experiencing pain after an accident, obtaining an MRI is a crucial step in the diagnostic process. This powerful imaging tool not only helps identify the root cause of your discomfort but also guides effective treatment and ensures a smoother recovery. MRIs are by far the best imaging option for diagnosing back issues, providing detailed insights, including the presence of disc bulging, that other methods cannot offer. Do not hesitate to discuss the need for an MRI with your healthcare provider—it could be the key to getting back on your feet and enjoying life again.

If you have questions regarding your personal injury claim or want to discuss MRIs in more detail with one of our personal injury attorneys, contract Bowman Law. Contact us, call, or email us for a free consultation. Our law firm is located in Denver and serves individuals throughout the Front Range, including Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora.