Why MRI, Not X-Ray
X-ray shows bone. MRI shows everything else — the soft tissue injuries that cause most accident-related pain: disc herniations, ligament tears, rotator cuff damage, cartilage injuries. If only X-rays were taken after your accident, significant injuries may be undiagnosed.
What MRI Detects After Car Accidents
- Cervical and lumbar disc herniations and bulges
- Spinal cord compression and signal changes
- Ligament tears — ACL, rotator cuff, labrum
- Meniscus tears
- Muscle and tendon injuries
- Brain changes from mild TBI
- Joint effusions (fluid indicating internal injury)
What to Expect During the Scan
MRI uses magnetic fields — no radiation. You lie inside a large magnet for 30 to 60 minutes. The machine makes loud knocking sounds; you'll get earplugs or headphones. If you're claustrophobic, let us know — options are available.
On-site MRI at MAIC. Same-day reads by board-certified radiologists. No-fault insurance covers the scan. Call 866-404-MAIC.
MRI Reports and Your Legal Case
At MAIC, radiology reports explicitly correlate imaging findings to the accident mechanism — stating that findings are "consistent with the traumatic forces described in the motor vehicle accident." This language directly supports your attorney's causation argument.