Does MRI Increase Settlement?

Yes, getting an MRI after a car accident or personal injury can significantly impact your settlement amount. Medical imaging like MRI scans provides concrete evidence of your injuries that insurance companies and courts cannot easily dismiss.

Why MRI Scans Matter for Your Case

An MRI shows detailed images of soft tissue damage that regular X-rays often miss. Insurance adjusters frequently question injury claims without solid medical proof. When you have MRI results showing herniated discs, torn ligaments, or other internal injuries, it becomes much harder for them to deny your claim.

Many accident victims experience pain but wonder if they really need expensive medical tests. The truth is that without proper documentation, insurance companies will likely offer much lower settlements. They know that cases without strong medical evidence are easier to fight in court.

The Settlement Difference with MRI Evidence

Personal injury settlements with MRI documentation typically range from 30% to 400% higher than cases without imaging proof. This dramatic difference happens because MRI scans reveal the true extent of your injuries.

Consider two similar rear-end collision cases near the intersection of Rancho and Sahara, across from Palace Station Hotel & Casino. The first victim only visited urgent care and received basic treatment. The second victim got an MRI that showed three herniated discs. The second case settled for nearly ten times more money.

Insurance companies understand that juries trust medical imaging. When they see clear evidence of injury on an MRI, they know a jury will likely award significant damages. This knowledge pushes them to offer higher settlements rather than risk going to trial.

When You Should Get an MRI

Not every injury requires an MRI, but certain symptoms strongly suggest you need one. Persistent back pain, neck stiffness, numbness in your arms or legs, and headaches often indicate soft tissue damage that only shows up on detailed scans.

Some people worry about the cost of an MRI without insurance coverage. However, most personal injury attorneys can arrange for medical treatment on a lien basis. This means you get the care you need immediately, and the medical bills get paid from your eventual settlement.

Waiting too long to get an MRI can hurt your case. Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical treatment means your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident.

How MRI Results Strengthen Negotiations

Insurance adjusters work with medical evidence every day. They quickly recognize legitimate injuries when they see detailed MRI reports from qualified radiologists. These reports use specific medical terminology that carries weight in settlement negotiations.

Your attorney can use MRI findings to calculate both current and future medical expenses. Herniated discs often require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. Clear imaging evidence supports claims for these long-term costs.

Pain and suffering damages also increase substantially with MRI proof. Juries understand that real injuries cause real pain. Without medical imaging, insurance companies often claim that pain is temporary or exaggerated.

The Legal Process with MRI Evidence

Once you have MRI results, your attorney can build a much stronger case. Medical records combined with imaging studies create a complete picture of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Settlement negotiations typically move more quickly when both sides know the medical evidence is solid. Insurance companies prefer to settle strong cases rather than face potential jury verdicts that could be much higher than the settlement offer.

Court cases with MRI evidence also tend to result in higher awards. Judges and juries can see exactly what happened to your body because of someone else’s negligence.

Getting the Right Medical Care

Working with experienced medical providers who understand personal injury cases makes a significant difference. These doctors know how to document your injuries properly and explain how they relate to your accident.

Some medical providers rush through examinations or fail to recommend appropriate imaging studies. Others understand that thorough documentation protects both your health and your legal rights.

Your choice of medical provider can impact both your recovery and your settlement amount. Doctors who regularly work with accident victims understand the importance of detailed medical records and appropriate diagnostic testing.

Getting proper medical care after an accident requires immediate attention and follow-through. An MRI can provide the evidence you need to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

If you have been injured in an accident and need legal guidance about your case, contact Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers. Our nearby car accident lawyers understands how medical evidence impacts settlement values and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (702) 867-8900 to discuss your situation.