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Three Tests You May Need After a Car Accident

The aftermath of a car accident tend to be chaotic and confusing. This is especially true for those who require medical attention and a variety of diagnostic tests to discover the nature of their injuries. While the exact tests that a person needs after an accident will depend on a number of factors, including his or her age and health and the nature of the injury in question, there are a few kinds of tests that are particularly common amongst car accident victims, including x-rays, MRIs, and CT Scans.

 

These tests, while necessary for a diagnosis, often prove to be extremely expensive. Fortunately, in Virginia, those who are injured in car accidents through no fault of their own are entitled to compensation for their losses, including past and future medical expenses, so if you were hurt in a car crash and have questions about who is responsible for your medical bills, including your diagnostic tests, you should speak with an experienced Blackstone car accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise you accordingly.

 

The Importance of Early Evaluation

 

Car accidents can cause obvious injuries, such as lacerations, that clearly require immediate attention. High-stress situations like car crashes, however, can also cause a spike in adrenaline, which in turn, can dull the pain of less-obvious injuries. For instance, many car accident victims walk away from their crashes believing that they have only minor aches and bruising, but hours later will start suffering from nausea, dizziness, and intense pain as a result of a severe concussion.

 

Many of these “invisible” injuries, including internal injuries, nerve damage, and muscle and ligament tears, can have devastating repercussions if left untreated, which is why it is so important for car accident victims to get a check-up as soon as possible after their crash.

 

X-Rays

 

X-rays, which are one of the most well-known types of medical test, are uniquely designed to identify problems like broken bones, which they achieve by using electromagnetic waves that take images of the body’s internal systems. While primarily used to identify fractures and breaks and determine how best to treat them, doctors can also request this kind of test to determine whether a person is suffering from a dislocated joint. Most soft tissue injuries, however, are not visible on x-rays and will require a different kind of test, known as an MRI scan.

 

MRI Scans

 

MRIs, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging tests, offer a closer look at the body’s internal systems. For instance, unlike x-rays, MRIs can reveal damage not only to a person’s bones, but also to injuries to the soft tissues, organs, or nerves. MRI tests can even detect abnormal brain activity. It’s important to note that MRIs use magnetic fields to diagnose trauma, so those who are planning on undergoing this kind of test, should be sure to notify their doctor if they are pregnant, have any metal pins, artificial joints, or a pacemaker.

 

CT Scans

 

Computed Tomography tests, otherwise known as CT Scans, use a combination of the technology required for MRIs and X-rays to obtain a complete picture of a patient’s internal body structures. These tests are used most often in cases of suspected organ damage, internal bleeding in the brain, injured nerves, or damage to the ligaments or tendons. While CT scans are often more affordable and provide results more quickly, MRI scans tend to give a more detailed picture of the trauma. Ultimately, which of these tests is appropriate in a particular case will depend on the type and severity of a person’s injury.

 

Speak with an Experienced Lynchburg Car Accident Attorney

 

If you were injured in a crash and were required to undergo a number of expensive medical tests, please call experienced Lynchburg car accident lawyer Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. at 434-969-4873 to learn more about seeking reimbursement for those expenses.

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