A car accident can leave you feeling disoriented and unsure of your next steps. If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, two crucial diagnostic tools can shed light on your injuries and potentially strengthen your claim: MRIs and EMGs.
Used in conjunction, these two tests can give doctors a very good image of what is going on with the spinal cord, nerve roots as well as surrounding muscles and structures. The doctors that typically prescribe these types of tests are chiropractors, orthopedists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and physiatrists.
What Will an MRI Show After A Car Accident?
MRIs use magnets and radio waves to capture detailed images of your bones, discs, and even soft tissues. This can reveal:
- Spinal Cord And Nerve Root Injuries: These can be the source of tingling, weakness, and pain, and an MRI can pinpoint if these delicate structures have been compromised.
- Disc Herniations, Protrusions, And Bulges: These displaced discs can press on nerves, leading to significant discomfort. An MRI can identify these issues with precision.
- Ligament And Muscle Tears: An MRI can detect if your muscles or ligaments have been ripped, causing instability and pain.
Does an MRI Show Whiplash And Muscle Damage In The Neck and Back?
While whiplash itself doesn’t leave visible marks, an MRI on your neck after a car accident can reveal the damage it causes to surrounding tissues, like disc bulges or inflamed muscles, to build a strong case for your personal injury claim.
When Should I Do An EMG Test After A Car Accident?
An EMG uses tiny needles to listen to electrical signals. This can help diagnose:
- Nerve damage: Weak or missing signals can indicate nerve damage, explaining weakness and tingling.
- Muscle atrophy: An EMG can detect if your muscles are shrinking due to pain and injury, hindering recovery.
- Myositis: This muscle inflammation can be a source of aches and pains, and an EMG can identify it as a potential culprit.
How MRI and EMG Results Can Effect Your Car Accident Case
These tests provide objective proof of your pain, ammunition for your claim against insurance companies or, if necessary, juries. They can:
- Secure Proper Treatment: Doctors can tailor your therapy to the specific injuries identified by the MRI and EMG, accelerating your recovery.
- Increase Your Damages: Clear evidence can lead to fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Build A Strong Legal Case: In a lawsuit, these results serve as proof, supporting your injury claims and increasing your chances of a favorable settlement or trial.
Compensation For Back and Neck Injuries Following a Car Accident
Even if your MRI after your car accident shows some pre-existing wear and tear, don’t lose hope. At Carpey Law, we help our victims understand “as is” – the defendant takes you as they find you. If the accident exacerbated your pre-existing condition, you deserve compensation for the additional pain and suffering it caused. We have a proven track record of winning cases for clients with pre-existing conditions and receiving compensation for his clients, not just for the specific injury, but also for the increase in pain caused by the defendant’s negligence.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. If you’ve been injured, get checked out by a doctor, obtain your MRI and EMG results, and contact Carpey Law. We’ll navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal landscape, allowing you to focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
Don’t let a car accident leave you feeling stranded. Call Carpey Law today.
Stuart A. Carpey, who has been practicing as an attorney since 1987, focuses his practice on complex civil litigation which includes representing injured individuals in a vast array of personal injury cases.