What an MRI Can Reveal After a St. Louis Auto Accident

The best way to know if you need an MRI after an auto accident is to talk to your doctor and to see if they believe it is necessary to perform this type of scan.

If you’re injured in a car accident, you can expect to need several types of medical tests to assess the severity of your injuries. One test that victims often wonder if they should get is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image).

One of the biggest reasons why some people are hesitant to get an MRI is simply because it can be very expensive, even thousands of dollars. However, the question begs – is it worth it?

MRIs Vs. X-rays

Think of an MRI as a giant magnet that creates a 3D of your body – bones, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments. An X-ray, on the other hand, only creates a flat, 2D image of the area scanned. While it can clearly show broken bones, it generally cannot prove any soft tissue damages occurred.

From this perspective, MRIs are often a far the better option for the sake of your car injury claim. Unless the damage is solely to your bones, it can effectively show the entire extent of your injuries sustained from the collision.

MRIs are also preferable for pregnant patients or those suffering from other conditions, as they do not release radiation.

Is It Worth the Cost?

In some cases, yes. It’s important to note that your examining doctor will recommend an MRI based on their assessment of your injuries. If they think your condition should be further investigated through the use of an MRI, then it might be best to follow their recommendation.

As far as the price goes, you can include the cost of the MRI in your personal injury claim. The responsible party has to cover the cost of all medical treatment you need as a direct result of the accident, and the tests needed to understand your condition are included. In some cases, it is also possible to cover the cost of the MRI through your health insurance.

What Should You Do?

It’s normal to feel confused at this time and not know how to proceed. The best way to know if you need an MRI or not is to talk to your doctor and to see if they believe it is necessary to perform this type of scan.

You can also discuss this possibility with your St. Louis car accident lawyer. If there is sufficient evidence in your case, it may not be necessary to add this costly scan to the list, but that’s something they can decide only once they review your case and start building a file.

As such, it is in your best interest to reach out to a St. Louis car injury attorney as soon as possible and discuss your case with them. Only then you will know exactly if an MRI scan is worth the cost in your case.