Should I Get an MRI After a Car Accident?

person with neck injury talking to a doctor

If you hurt your head, neck, or back in a car accident, you may be thinking only about the immediate pain. While some injuries are obvious right away, others may not show until hours or even days later. Unfortunately, some of the most serious injuries sustained in a crash are the ones you cannot see. That is why getting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan soon after a collision is so important.

Since 1968, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has helped thousands of injury victims in South Carolina secure over half a billion dollars in recoveries. We know how important it is to have clear medical evidence when dealing with insurance companies after a crash. An MRI can give you that evidence while also protecting your health and recovery.

We refuse to let insurance companies minimize injuries or stand in the way of full diagnostic testing. We are dedicated to ensuring our clients get the treatment they need to recover and the evidence we need to fight for maximum compensation. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. With our No Fee Guarantee, you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

How Joye Law Firm Uses MRI Scans to Build Strong Personal Injury Cases

At Joye Law Firm, we understand that clear medical evidence is essential for injury victims to receive fair compensation. Our award-winning attorneys have helped thousands of clients across South Carolina get the MRI scans they need. These scans play a significant role in ensuring our clients get proper medical care and proving the extent of their injuries caused by the collision.

Here’s how an MRI scan builds a strong personal injury case:

Documenting the Extent of Injuries: MRI scans provide detailed images that show soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and other conditions that may not be visible on X-rays.
Connecting Injuries to the Accident: The timing of an MRI soon after a crash helps link the injuries sustained directly to the car accident, strengthening a personal injury claim.
Supporting Medical Professional Testimony: MRI results can be reviewed by medical professionals who can explain the findings in plain language, making them easier for insurance companies and juries to understand.
Countering Insurance Company Arguments: When insurers try to minimize injury claims, MRI images serve as clear, objective proof of the damage caused by the accident.

By combining strong medical documentation with aggressive legal strategy, Joye Law Firm helps injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they need for recovery.

Real Results Backed by MRI Evidence

Time and again, MRI scans have made the difference in proving our clients’ cases. These examples show how powerful imaging can overcome insurance defenses, clarify complex medical issues, and secure justice for accident victims.

MRI Proves Injuries Came From the Initial Crash

Attorney Ran Stoney of our North Charleston office represented a 50-year-old woman injured in a Mount Pleasant chain-reaction crash that caused serious neck injuries that required a cervical fusion surgery. Her case was complicated by the fact she was later involved in another accident. Defense attorneys argued that her ongoing problems stemmed from the later crash. However, MRI comparisons revealed no new pathology, proving that her injuries were solely tied to the original wreck. This objective evidence overcame the defense’s arguments and led to a $1.02 million settlement.

MRI Reveals Hidden Injuries Amid Severe Trauma

In Lancaster County, a 35-year-old motorcyclist was struck when a negligent driver failed to yield, causing catastrophic injuries. Initially, his severe traumatic brain injury and fractures overshadowed other problems he couldn’t recognize due to cognitive damage. MRIs later uncovered spinal canal stenosis and other damage that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With this evidence, Attorney Sydney Lynn of our Columbia office secured a $1.35 million settlement, ensuring coverage for extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term needs.

MRI Refutes Claims of a Pre-Existing Condition

A 60-year-old Myrtle Beach resident already battling chronic back pain was rear-ended by a reckless driver traveling more than 60 mph. The insurer tried to argue his injuries were due to pre-existing conditions. Attorney Tommy Terrell ordered updated MRIs, which clearly showed the accident had worsened his spinal damage, leading to a major surgery. Armed with this evidence, Terrell negotiated with multiple insurers, ultimately achieving a $450,000 settlement. The MRI results were critical in disproving the defense’s argument and securing full policy limits.

These results highlight the role an MRI plays when we go to bat for clients with serious neck and back injuries resulting from vehicle collisions.

Why Getting an MRI After a Car Accident Matters for Neck and Back Injuries

When you suffer injuries in a car accident, pain is not always the best indicator of the damage. Soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even subtle brain injuries can hide beneath the surface. Magnetic resonance imaging works by using radio waves and a strong magnet to produce detailed images of the body’s internal structures. This process can reveal hidden injuries from car accidents that might otherwise go untreated.

Unlike X-rays, which are better for detecting bone fractures, MRI machines can show soft tissues, spinal discs, ligaments, and nerves. If your cervical spine, lumbar spine, or spinal cord has been affected, an MRI scan can detect problems like herniated discs, ligament tears, or nerve compression.

Without these detailed images, doctors might miss subtle injuries that could lead to chronic pain or long-term disability.

Common Car Accident Injuries That Require an MRI

Some common injuries after a car crash can be seen without advanced imaging. Others require an MRI process to identify the full extent of the damage. Here are examples:

Soft tissue damage and swelling: These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can cause severe pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Cervical spine injuries: Damage to the neck can include herniated discs, ligament tears, and other soft tissue injuries.
Lumbar spine injuries: Lower back trauma can involve spinal cord compression or spinal cord damage.
Spinal disc injuries: Herniated discs and bulging discs can cause nerve compression.
Traumatic brain injuries: Subtle brain injuries, such as diffuse axonal injury, can result in cognitive or emotional difficulties.
Bone fractures: MRIs can help in revealing bone fractures missed by X-rays, especially around complex joints.
Other injuries: Shoulder injuries, knee injuries, chest injuries, and head injuries may all benefit from MRI imaging.

How an MRI Can Detect Hidden or Delayed Symptoms

One of the biggest dangers after a car crash is missing injuries that do not hurt right away. The body’s stress response can mask pain, and some injuries take time to cause noticeable problems. For example, spinal cord injuries may not show symptoms until swelling compresses the nerves hours later.

Similarly, brain injuries can cause headaches, dizziness, or mood changes days after the accident. An MRI scan can detect subtle injuries before they lead to chronic health problems. Detecting these conditions early can prevent serious injuries from becoming permanent.

Injury victims who skip an MRI may find that insurance companies try to minimize injury claims, arguing that the injuries are not related to the accident. Having an MRI right after a crash provides clear evidence of the injuries sustained. This helps protect both your health and your personal injury claim.

The MRI Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish

If your doctor recommends an MRI after a car accident, understanding the process can make it less stressful. When you arrive for the scan, you will be asked to remove any metal items and may change into a hospital gown. The MRI machines use a strong magnet and radio waves to capture images, so certain medical devices must be disclosed to the technician.

You will lie on a table that slides into the scanner. The process is painless, but the machine makes loud tapping sounds, so ear protection is often provided. Most scans take between 30 minutes and an hour. You will need to stay still so the images are clear.

Sometimes, a contrast dye is used to highlight specific areas of the body. After the scan, a radiologist reviews the detailed images to look for soft tissue injuries, spinal cord damage, or other severe conditions. Your doctor will then go over the MRI results with you and recommend the next steps for medical treatment.

MRI as Comprehensive Medical Evidence in a Personal Injury Claim

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, having comprehensive medical evidence is essential. An MRI scan provides this by showing the full extent of your injuries in clear, detailed images. This documentation can make a significant difference when dealing with insurance companies, which may try to argue that your injuries are minor.

For car accident injuries like cervical spine injuries, lumbar spine damage, or herniated discs, MRI results can prove the connection between the crash and your symptoms. They can also support claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and future treatment needs.

Insurance companies often look for reasons to minimize injury claims. Without MRI evidence, it can be harder to prove that your injuries are as serious as you say. Working with a law firm like Joye Law Firm ensures your MRI results are used effectively to support your case and protect your rights.

How MRI Results Influence Your Medical Treatment

MRI results are more than medical images. They give doctors the insight needed to create precise treatment plans, prevent long-term complications, and guide your recovery after a car accident. Here are the advantages of getting an immediate MRI scan:

Clear Link Between MRI Findings and Treatment Choices: MRI scans provide detailed images that help doctors connect what they see to the symptoms you describe. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and a plan based on evidence, not guesswork.
Targeted Treatment Plans for Specific Injuries: If an MRI shows herniated discs causing nerve compression, your care may include surgery or specific physical therapy exercises designed to relieve pressure and restore movement.
Tailored Rehabilitation for Soft Tissue Damage: When ligament tears or other soft tissue injuries are found, doctors can recommend rehabilitation programs and strengthening exercises that address those exact injuries.
Prevention of Long-Term Health Problems: Accurate detection helps prevent chronic pain, chronic health problems, and mobility loss by starting treatment before conditions worsen.
Avoiding Unnecessary Procedures: MRI results reduce the chance of unnecessary treatments by showing the exact location and severity of injuries.
Better Outcomes for Serious Injuries: For spinal cord injuries or brain injury, early MRI detection can significantly improve recovery results by guiding urgent, targeted medical care.
Cost and Recovery Benefits: Effective treatment based on precise MRI results can shorten recovery time, reduce medical expenses, and improve the quality of life for injury victims.

Why You Should Not Ignore Delayed or Subtle Symptoms After a Car Crash

Some people think that if they can walk away from a car crash, they are fine. This is not always true. Delayed symptoms can be signs of significant injuries. Ignoring delayed symptoms can lead to chronic pain, disability, and difficulties with your personal injury claim. If you’ve already accepted a settlement offer from the insurance company, your claim can’t be re-opened once a more serious injury is discovered, leaving you to pay for treatment out of your own pocket. That’s why it is so important to get it right the first time.

Additionally, insurance companies may use gaps in treatment as a reason to minimize injury claims. Getting an MRI scan soon after the crash can document injuries before symptoms worsen. If you notice any changes in how you feel, even days after the accident, see a doctor right away.

FAQs MRI Scans After a Car Accident

Car Accident MRI Scan

How soon after a car accident should I get an MRI?

Ideally, you should get an MRI within the first 72 hours after the accident, even if you feel “okay.” This window helps detect injuries before swelling or scar tissue changes the imaging results, and it ensures your medical records link the injury directly to the crash.

If I don’t get an MRI right away but later tests show injuries, do I still have a claim?

Yes. Even MRIs taken later can still link your injuries to the accident. Your lawyer can use medical records, timelines, and expert testimony to connect the delayed findings to the crash.

Can an MRI detect emotional or cognitive issues after a crash?

While an MRI cannot diagnose emotions directly, it can reveal brain injuries, such as bleeding, swelling, or microscopic damage. These hidden injuries often cause mood swings, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating after an accident.

Will insurance pay for an MRI after a car accident?

In many cases, yes. If the MRI is medically necessary and recommended by your doctor. Your lawyer can also help ensure the cost is included in your injury claim, especially if the insurance company tries to deny or delay payment.

Are there risks to getting an MRI?

MRIs are generally very safe because they don’t use radiation. The main risks involve people with metal implants, pacemakers, or certain medical devices, which must be evaluated before scanning to avoid complications.

What if an MRI or CT Scan Shows Nothing After an Accident?

A normal scan does not always mean you’re injury-free. Some soft-tissue injuries, nerve damage, and certain types of concussions may not appear on MRI. Additional testing or follow-up imaging may still be necessary.

Can an MRI help even if I already had back or neck problems before the crash?

Yes. In many cases, the doctor reviewing your MRI results can distinguish between pre-existing conditions and new injuries caused by the accident. This distinction is critical for proving the crash worsened your condition, which can significantly affect your compensation.

Get an MRI to Support Your Personal Injury Claims

The bottom line is, if you hurt your neck or back in a car accident, it’s crucial that you receive thorough diagnostic testing to keep you from being victimized a second time. The importance of an MRI scan comes down to two main reasons: protecting your health and protecting your legal rights. MRI technology can detect injuries that are not visible on other scans, from herniated discs to subtle brain injuries. These scans provide comprehensive medical evidence that can strengthen your personal injury claim.

At Joye Law Firm, we have helped South Carolina residents since 1968 recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering after serious injuries. We work to ensure that injury victims get the medical attention they need and that insurance companies are held accountable.

Do not wait for severe pain or chronic health problems to develop. Talk to your doctor about an MRI after a car accident and call (888) 324-3100 to learn how we can help you protect your rights and your recovery.