Some injuries after a car accident are obvious right away, but others may linger. Getting an MRI after an accident is crucial. At Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®, we advise our clients that an MRI can reveal hidden injuries. This early detection ensures you get the compensation you deserve. Read on as our Denver car accident attorneys explain why it’s important to understand hidden injuries after a car accident.
Understanding Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident
Many injuries from car accidents are not immediately apparent. The shock and adrenaline that follow an accident can mask pain and discomfort. Even if you feel fine at first, symptoms may develop later. Common hidden injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These happen when a strong hit to the head occurs. This can cause memory loss, headaches, or difficulty thinking. Some heal over time, while others cause lasting problems.
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage: When the head snaps forward and back quickly, it strains the neck. This can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble moving. Soft tissue damage includes muscle or ligament injuries that take time to heal.
- Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord sends messages between the brain and body. If damaged, it can cause weakness, pain, or paralysis. Some injuries heal, but others may be permanent.
- Herniated or bulging discs: The spine has small discs that cushion the bones. If a disc moves or breaks, it can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, often in the neck or lower back.
- Internal bleeding: A strong blow can damage internal blood vessels. This can cause bruising, dizziness, or weakness. Doctors may need surgery to stop it.
Without proper medical evaluation, these injuries may go undiagnosed. This is where an MRI plays a key role. MRIs offer detailed images of soft tissues, nerves, and the brain. These injuries often go unnoticed with other diagnostic methods.
How an MRI Detects Soft Tissue and Brain Injuries
MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to make detailed images of internal structures. This imaging technology can reveal injuries that are not visible through other scans. Some key benefits of an MRI include:
- Detecting brain injuries: A CT scan may miss concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. An MRI can detect them.
- Identifying spinal injuries: MRI scans help find herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries.
- Revealing ligament and muscle damage: Soft tissue injuries that do not appear on X-rays can be clearly identified with an MRI.
Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage can worsen over time. An MRI can detect them early. This helps ensure proper care and recovery.
The Role of an MRI in Personal Injury Claims
From a legal standpoint, an MRI can be a valuable piece of evidence in a personal injury case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries. An MRI provides clear, fair medical evidence that supports your claim.
- An MRI can show the severity of your injuries. This makes it harder for insurers to downplay them.
- Establish a direct link to the accident. An MRI showing injuries from a car accident strengthens your case by proving causation.
- An MRI can show the need for ongoing medical care, physical therapy, or even surgery.
As Denver car accident attorneys, we’ve seen unfairly low settlements due to a lack of MRI evidence. That’s why we tell accident victims to get medical attention and tests right away.
When to Get an MRI After a Car Accident
Timing matters when getting an MRI after a car accident. Acting too soon or waiting too long can affect both your health and your injury claim.
When You Need an MRI Right Away
In some cases, doctors may order an MRI immediately:
- Severe Pain or Numbness – If you have sharp pain, weakness, or numbness, doctors may need an MRI to check for serious injuries.
- Swelling or Bruising – If your body shows signs of serious swelling, an MRI can help assess the damage.
When to Wait for an MRI
Sometimes, doctors may suggest waiting before getting an MRI:
- Letting Swelling Go Down – Too much swelling can make it hard to see injuries clearly. Waiting a week or two may give better results.
- Monitoring Symptoms – For minor injuries, doctors may recommend rest or therapy first. If pain doesn’t improve, an MRI can help find the cause.
If Your Symptoms Get Worse
Some injuries don’t show up right away. After an accident, you may feel fine but develop pain or stiffness days later. This is common with whiplash and soft tissue injuries. If your symptoms get worse, schedule an MRI as soon as possible.
How MRI Timing Affects Your Case
The timing of your MRI can impact your personal injury claim. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically two years from the accident date. However, waiting too long to get an MRI can weaken your case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident.
Getting an MRI soon after the accident provides clear medical evidence. It helps establish a direct link between the crash and your injuries. If you delay getting an MRI, it may be harder to prove that your injuries are related to the accident, which could result in a lower settlement.
A Denver car accident attorney can help ensure that you take the right steps within the legal deadlines. They can also explain how MRI timing affects your claim and fight back against insurance companies that try to reduce your compensation.
How to Get an MRI After a Car Accident
If your doctor recommends an MRI, your next step is to schedule an appointment with a medical provider. Yet, many accident victims worry about the cost. The good news is that there are ways to get an MRI without paying out of pocket upfront:
- Through your health insurance: Some insurance policies cover MRIs related to accident injuries.
- Through medical liens: Some providers will wait for payment until your case ends.
As Denver car accident attorneys, we can help connect you with medical providers who work on a lien basis. This allows you to receive necessary medical care without immediate financial stress.
FAQs About MRIs After a Car Accident in Denver
Do I Need an MRI If I Feel Fine?
Yes. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. An MRI can detect hidden damage before it worsens.
Will Insurance Cover My MRI?
It depends on your policy. Some health insurance plans and personal injury claims cover MRI costs. A Denver car accident attorney can help explore your options.
How Long After an Accident Should I Get an MRI?
It’s best to get one as soon as possible, especially if you have pain, numbness, or other symptoms.
What If My Doctor Says I Don’t Need an MRI?
If symptoms persist or get worse, seek a second opinion. MRIs can reveal injuries that other tests might miss.
Can an MRI Help My Legal Case?
Yes. An MRI provides clear medical evidence of your injuries, strengthening your personal injury claim.
Why Expert Guidance from a Denver Car Accident Attorney Matters
Handling a personal injury claim after a car accident is tough. It can feel like being lost in a fog. You have to deal with medical bills piling up and insurance companies pushing for a quick, low settlement. The legal process often feels complicated, like a puzzle with missing pieces. In this stressful time, an experienced attorney can make a big difference. They guide you through the legal maze. They fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. A Denver car accident attorney helps by:
- Ensuring you get the right medical care: We connect you with doctors and specialists who know accident injuries.
- Handling all communication with insurance companies: This prevents insurers from using your statements against you.
- Negotiating for maximum compensation: We fight for settlements for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Taking your case to court if necessary: If insurers refuse a fair settlement, we are prepared to go to trial.
With legal guidance, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®, we have decades of experience. We fight for accident victims. Our track record speaks for itself—we have successfully recovered millions for our clients.
We offer free consultations. You can discuss your case with a Denver car accident attorney, with no financial risk. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, contact us today. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
