blog home Car Accidents What medical tests could I need after a car accident?

What medical tests could I need after a car accident?

By John Singleton on October 20, 2023

If you were injured in a collision, the insurance company may do everything it can to reduce or deny your claim. And if your case goes to trial, they may minimize your injuries or even argue they weren’t caused by the accident.

For your Virginia car accident attorney, demonstrating the full extent of your injuries and proving they were caused by the accident is critical to winning your case. Your medical records are legal documents, and they’re evidence that helps prove you were seriously hurt.

Your doctors can use advanced medical devices to diagnose your injuries, and they may refer you to specialists for further testing. These tests can offer invaluable information about your condition and help your medical team administer the best treatment.

Should I see a doctor right away after a car crash?

Yes, it’s important to see a doctor right away after being hurt in an accident. Also, keep records of all your medical care. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, and be sure to attend follow-up appointments. Defense attorneys are constantly looking for excuses to shield their clients from responsibility. These lawyers will often cite a “gap in treatment” to downplay the severity of a victim’s injuries.

You also want to report all symptoms to your doctor, even if they don’t seem significant at the time. Many injuries, such as whiplash, nerve damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), may get worse over time. Symptoms that may be cause for concern include headaches, nausea, hearing and vision problems, pain, stiffness, numbness, swelling, bruising, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and a tingling sensation.

What types of medical tests could be used to document my injuries?

Researchers and scientists have made amazing technological breakthroughs that help doctors get a better understanding of your body and how it’s functioning. Imaging technology gives an amazing view of what’s happening inside your body. X-rays have been around for a long time, but they still offer important insights. X-rays use electromagnetic waves to create impressions of the body, and this can tell a lot about the position of joints and bones after a crash.

More recent advancements in imaging include CT scans and MRIs. A CT scan uses computerized X-ray imaging to create a narrow beam that generates precise images that are stacked together by a computer, creating three-dimensional pictures. These precise images help doctors assess fractures and other injuries to the skeleton.

MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) use magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of structures inside the body. After an auto collision, these images provide clear pictures of soft tissue damage affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. MRIs can also help identify tissue that is pressing against nerves.

An EMG (electromyography) uses a small needle to measure muscle response. This helps doctors detect neuromuscular damage and irregularities. An EMG makes it easier to diagnose nerve damage that’s causing pain and muscle weakness.

A functional capacity examination (FCE) is a comprehensive evaluation of your strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility, and range of motion. This test monitors your pain levels as you perform various types of everyday tasks, such as walking, sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying objects. An FCE helps demonstrate how injuries have affected your life.

Were you injured by a careless driver?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we consider it a  calling to help people in Virginia who have been senselessly harmed in an accident. My partner Ken Gibson and I have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to be an injury victim, and we bring what our clients tell us is an unexpected level of empathy and excellence to every case.

And, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case –We call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

Reach out to us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more today.