Why Is an MRI Important in a Personal Injury Case?
Why Is an MRI Important in a Personal Injury Case?
How MRI Scans Protect Your Health and Strengthen Your New York City Injury Claim
A serious accident in New York City can flip your life upside down in seconds. One day you’re commuting on the subway, driving on the FDR or BQE, walking down a Manhattan sidewalk, or working on a Brooklyn or Bronx job site – and the next, you’re dealing with pain, doctor visits, time off work, and an insurance company questioning how “serious” your injuries really are.
One of the most powerful tools to protect both your health and your NYC personal injury case is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, a New York City personal injury law firm, we help injured New Yorkers across all five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island – use MRI evidence to prove the full extent of their injuries and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Injured in NYC? Talk to a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’re hurt and wondering what to do next – or whether you need an MRI after a car accident, slip and fall, or construction accident in NYC:
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for a FREE consultation.
- No fee unless we recover money for you
- Serving accident victims across New York City
- We can help you understand whether an MRI is important in your case and how to get the right medical care
Don’t Be a Victim Twice. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation with an NYC personal injury lawyer.
What Is an MRI and Why Is It So Important After a New York City Accident?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Unlike an X-ray, which mainly shows bones, or a CT scan, which uses radiation, an MRI is especially good at showing soft tissues, such as:
- Spinal discs
- Nerves
- Ligaments and tendons
- Muscles
- Brain and spinal cord
- Internal organs and soft-tissue structures
These are precisely the structures most commonly injured in New York City accidents, including:
- NYC car, truck, taxi, and Uber/Lyft accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents in apartment buildings, supermarkets, and on sidewalks
- Construction and worksite accidents on New York City job sites
- Falling-object and heavy-impact injuries
Many serious injuries do not show up on X-rays. An MRI can reveal what’s really going on – even when the outside of your body looks “normal.”
How an MRI Helps Treat Your Injuries After a NYC Accident
Before we talk about lawsuits, we need to talk about your health. An MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating injuries from accidents.
Finding Hidden Injuries
After a New York City car crash or fall, you might walk away feeling “sore but okay,” only to develop symptoms days later:
- Neck or back pain
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Weakness, headaches, dizziness, or balance problems
An MRI can detect injuries such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs in the neck or lower back
- Pinched or compressed nerves
- Torn ligaments or tendons in the shoulder, knee, or other joints
- Soft-tissue damage that doesn’t show on X-ray
- Certain brain injuries and post-concussion changes
Without an MRI, these injuries may go undiagnosed, leading to worsening pain, permanent damage, and long-term disability.
Guiding the Right Treatment Plan
Once an MRI pinpoints the exact problem, your doctors can create a targeted treatment plan, which may include:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Pain management and injections
- Medications
- Surgery, if necessary
Instead of guessing, your New York doctors can see the injury and choose the most appropriate course of care, which also creates strong documentation for your NYC personal injury lawyer.
Why MRIs Matter So Much in a New York City Personal Injury Case
From a legal standpoint, an MRI is often one of the single most important pieces of medical evidence in a New York City personal injury claim.
Under New York law, you don’t just have to show that you’re in pain – you must prove that you suffered a real, accident-related injury caused by someone else’s negligence. That’s where an MRI becomes critical.
1. MRI Scans Provide Objective Proof Insurance Companies Can’t Ignore
Telling a New York insurance company “my neck hurts” is entirely different from being able to say:
“I have a herniated disc at C5–6 impinging on the spinal nerve, as shown on MRI.”
In both situations, you may feel the same pain, but the proof is very different.
Insurance companies handling NYC accident claims often:
- Are skeptical of injury claims
- Assume your pain is “minor” or “temporary.”
- Argue you’re exaggerating
- Blame your pain on age or a pre-existing condition
An MRI provides clarity and specificity, showing:
- Exactly what is injured
- Exactly where it is
- How severe the damage is
MRI images can’t be faked, exaggerated, or minimized. That level of detail can dramatically impact how an insurance company values your New York City personal injury case.
2. MRIs Provide the Objective Evidence NYC Courts Expect
In New York personal injury lawsuits, courts generally require objective medical evidence, not just your own description of pain.
- Subjective evidence = what you feel and report (pain, stiffness, headaches)
- Objective evidence = what doctors can see, measure, or document (MRI findings, test results, range-of-motion measurements)
If your NYC injury case rests only on subjective reports and you never get an MRI (or other objective testing), you risk:
- The insurance company refuses to pay the fair value
- A judge or jury doubting the seriousness of your injuries
- Your case is being dismissed for lack of objective proof
An MRI is one of the strongest forms of objective medical evidence you can have.
3. MRIs Help Meet New York’s “Serious Injury” Threshold in Car Accident Cases
If you were injured in a New York City car accident, New York’s No-Fault rules generally require you to prove a “serious injury” to recover full compensation for pain and suffering.
Courts and insurance companies often look to:
- MRI findings showing herniated discs, torn ligaments, or nerve compression
- Measurable limitations in range of motion
- Medical opinions supported by imaging
Without an MRI, the defense may argue:
- Your injuries are just “soft tissue” and not serious
- Your pain is normal wear-and-tear or degeneration
- You don’t meet the New York serious injury threshold
An MRI helps your doctors and your NYC personal injury attorney connect the dots between the crash and your injury – making it harder for insurance companies to deny your claim.
4. MRI Evidence Strengthens Causation and Increases Settlement Value
To win a New York City personal injury case, you must prove that your injuries were caused by the accident, not by age, prior injuries, or other factors.
MRI images can show:
- Fresh trauma and inflammation
- Acute structural changes
- Damage consistent with a high-impact car crash, fall, or construction accident
This helps your NYC personal injury lawyer:
- Link your condition directly to the accident
- Support the need for ongoing treatment or surgery
- Increase your medical expenses and future-care claim
- Justify higher compensation for pain and suffering
Because MRIs are expensive and often reveal serious injuries, both the scan itself and the injury findings become part of your economic and non-economic damages, increasing the potential value of your New York City injury settlement.
MRI vs. X-Ray and CT Scan in NYC Accident Cases
X-Ray
- Best for: fractures, dislocations, some joint damage
- Pros: fast and inexpensive, common in NYC emergency rooms
- Cons: does not show most soft-tissue injuries
CT Scan
- Best for: fractures, internal bleeding, organ injuries
- Pros: excellent in an emergency, often done immediately after severe NYC crashes
- Cons: less detailed than MRI for discs, nerves, ligaments, and brain tissue
MRI
- Best for:
- Spinal discs (bulges, tears, herniations)
- Nerves (compression, irritation, inflammation)
- Ligaments and tendons (sprains, partial or complete tears)
- Muscles and soft tissue (strains, bruising, swelling)
- Brain tissue (concussions, structural changes)
- Pros: gold standard for many injuries that drive the value of NYC personal injury claims
In many New York City accident cases, the X-rays are “normal,” but the patient is not. An MRI is often what finally explains why you’re still in pain – and that explanation is invaluable for your health and your case.
Common New York City Accidents Where MRIs Are Especially Important
MRIs can be helpful in almost any personal injury case, but they are critical after:
- NYC car, truck, and Uber/Lyft accidents – neck and back injuries, shoulder and knee tears, possible brain injuries
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – spinal injuries, brain trauma, and soft-tissue damage
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents – spinal disc injuries, torn ligaments, head injuries, especially on NYC sidewalks, stairways, and building entrances
- Construction and worksite accidents – crush injuries, falls from scaffolding or ladders, heavy lifting injuries
- Falling-object accidents – head, neck, and upper back trauma
In these types of New York City cases, an MRI often becomes a central part of both your treatment plan and your legal strategy.
When Should You Get an MRI After an Accident in NYC?
Sooner is usually better – especially for your health and for your New York City personal injury claim.
You should strongly consider an MRI if:
- You have ongoing neck or back pain after a crash or fall
- You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg
- Pain radiates into your arms or legs
- Your X-rays or CT scans are “normal,” but symptoms persist
- Your doctor recommends an MRI
- Symptoms appear days or weeks after the accident
- Your pain or limitations interfere with work, childcare, or daily life in NYC
Can You Get an MRI Months After a New York City Accident?
Yes – but timing matters.
- Medically, disc injuries, nerve compression, and brain trauma can appear or worsen over time. A later MRI may still be essential.
- Legally, the longer you wait, the more aggressively NYC insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
If symptoms develop or worsen later:
- Get medical attention promptly.
- Make sure your doctor documents when symptoms started and how they progressed.
- Speak with an NYC personal injury attorney about how the MRI fits into your case.
Worried About the Cost of an MRI in New York City?
You’re not alone – many NYC accident victims are afraid they “can’t afford” advanced imaging. Don’t assume that.
Depending on your situation, MRI costs may be covered by:
- New York No-Fault (PIP) benefits in NYC car accident cases
- Workers’ compensation if you were hurt on the job
- Private health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid
- Medical providers who agree to be paid from your settlement, in some cases
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we regularly help New York City clients work with medical providers and insurers to ensure necessary MRI testing is completed. Part of our job as NYC personal injury lawyers is helping you navigate the practical and financial barriers to getting the imaging you need.
What Happens During an MRI?
Understanding the process can make it less stressful:
- Preparation – You remove metal objects, may change into a gown, and answer safety questions.
- Positioning – You lie on a table that slides into a traditional MRI machine or an open scanner.
- Imaging – The machine makes loud tapping or thumping sounds while it takes detailed images; you must stay as still as possible for 30–60 minutes.
- Review – A radiologist analyzes the images and sends a written report to your doctor.
That report – and often the images themselves – become key pieces of medical and legal evidence in your New York City personal injury case.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Uses MRI Evidence to Maximize Your NYC Injury Settlement
When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we don’t just file your MRI report away and forget about it.
Our NYC personal injury lawyers:
- Obtain full MRI images and detailed radiology reports
- Review the findings with your treating doctors and, when helpful, independent specialists
- Compare any pre- and post-accident imaging to show new or worsened damage
- Tie MRI findings directly to your pain, limitations, and future prognosis
- Use imaging to support claims for future medical care, lost earnings, and long-term disability
- Present MRI evidence clearly to insurance adjusters, mediators, judges, and NYC juries
- Challenge insurance arguments that your injuries are “minor,” “pre-existing,” or “wear and tear.”
An MRI shows your injury. We show what that injury means – medically, financially, and personally – under New York law.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as Your New York City Personal Injury Law Firm?
- Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
- Seven convenient locations: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No fee unless we win your case – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual legal services available
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- Top-rated, award-winning lawyers (including recognition in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers)
- We deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
At Greenstein & Pittari, we focus exclusively on personal injury law in New York. We have a proven track record of results, responsiveness, and relentless advocacy for injured New Yorkers.
You can call us today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the compensation and justice you deserve.
The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay us unless we are successful – that’s our Fee Guarantee: No Fee Unless Successful.
FAQ: MRIs and New York City Personal Injury Cases
1. Do I really need an MRI if my X-rays were “normal”?
Possibly, yes.
X-rays mainly show bones, not soft tissues. Many NYC accident-related injuries – like herniated discs, nerve compression, or ligament tears – never appear on X-ray. If you still have significant pain, numbness, or weakness, an MRI may be critical.
2. Will an MRI increase my New York City settlement value?
Often, yes.
An MRI provides objective proof of injury, which often translates into stronger negotiating power and higher settlement offers in NYC personal injury cases. No test can guarantee a result, but detailed imaging frequently boosts the value of a solid claim.
3. What if my NYC doctor recommends an MRI and I don’t get it?
Skipping a medically recommended MRI can:
- Delay proper diagnosis and treatment
- Undermine your credibility in a New York lawsuit
- Give the insurer an argument that your injuries aren’t serious or aren’t related
If you’re worried about cost or logistics, talk to your doctor and your NYC personal injury lawyer before saying no.
4. Can an MRI prove the accident caused my injury?
An MRI doesn’t show the date of the injury, but it can:
- Show trauma consistent with a car crash, fall, or construction accident
- Reveal new damage that wasn’t present on any prior imaging
- Demonstrate that a pre-existing condition was significantly worsened by the NYC accident
Combined with medical opinions and your accident history, MRI results are robust causation evidence.
5. What if my MRI is “normal,” but I’m still in pain?
It happens.
Not all injuries appear on an MRI. In that situation, your claim may rely more on:
- Physical examination findings
- Other diagnostic tests
- Consistent treatment records
- Documentation of pain and limitations in daily life
A regular MRI does not automatically destroy your New York City personal injury case.
6. Who pays for the MRI in a New York City accident case?
Depending on the case:
- No-Fault (PIP) may cover MRIs in NYC motor vehicle accidents
- Workers’ compensation may cover imaging for job-related injuries
- Health insurance may cover scans for other types of accidents
- In some situations, providers may agree to be paid from the eventual settlement
We help clients understand and manage these options so cost doesn’t stop you from getting essential imaging.
7. Can MRI findings be used against me?
Insurance companies sometimes try to argue that MRI findings are “degenerative” or pre-existing. That’s why having your own New York City personal injury lawyer and supportive medical experts is so important – we put your MRI in proper context and push back against unfair interpretations.
8. When should I talk to a NYC personal injury lawyer about my MRI?
Please let me know as soon as possible.
You don’t have to wait for final test results to get legal advice. In fact, involving us early helps ensure:
- The right imaging is ordered at the right time
- Your medical documentation supports your NYC injury claim
- You don’t sign or say anything that harms your case
If you’re dealing with MRI results, pain that won’t go away, and an insurance company more focused on saving money than helping you heal, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is ready to step in and fight for you – right here in New York City.