After a car accident, you may wonder whether an MRI will help with your settlement. While your chiropractor can tell you if one is needed. An MRI can demonstrate the extent of injuries, especially when recovery isn’t progressing as expected.
When MRIs Are Helpful
- Detecting Internal Injuries: Unlike X-rays, MRIs can reveal soft tissue injuries like ligament damage, herniated discs, and swelling. This can make a huge difference in proving the severity of an injury. MRIs also help in detecting injuries that may not be visible on X-rays, such as nerve damage or spinal misalignments.
- Supporting Treatment Decisions: An MRI can provide detailed information on how much healing has occurred or if further treatments, such as injections or surgery, are necessary. This detailed insight allows doctors and chiropractors to tailor the treatment plan more accurately.
How MRIs Impact Settlements: Does MRI Increase Settlement?
An MRI can add clarity to your claim by documenting injuries that may not show up on X-rays, which often leads people to ask, Does MRI increase settlement? When recovery is not progressing as expected, MRI findings can help demonstrate the extent of an injury and provide stronger support for why ongoing care, additional treatment, or specialist coordination is needed. This kind of clear documentation can be useful during insurance negotiations and, if necessary, in a contested settlement.
- Demonstrating Seriousness: An MRI shows tangible evidence of injury, making it harder for insurance companies to deny the extent of damage. The clearer the documentation, the higher the chances of a favorable settlement. Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement if an MRI shows significant injury.
- Insurance Companies and Legal Evidence: If a settlement is contested, having an MRI report can be an asset in court or negotiations, helping prove the injury’s legitimacy. The MRI report acts as a key piece of evidence that can validate the claim and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
The Role of Chiropractic Care and MRIs
While MRIs play an important role in diagnosing and documenting injuries, chiropractic care is essential in your recovery. As a chiropractor, we work alongside specialists to ensure that your injury is thoroughly examined and treated. Chiropractic care complements the information provided by an MRI and helps guide your healing process effectively.
Are Chiropractors Qualified to Read MRI?
Are chiropractors qualified to read MRI? Chiropractors are trained to read MRIs and other imaging. We take X-rays in house when indicated. We refer patients for MRI or CT scans if progress stalls or exam findings suggest the need. We read and interpret the results, then integrate them into your care plan. When necessary, we also coordinate with radiology and other specialists. We order MRIs for persistent or worsening neurologic signs, failure to improve within a reasonable period of care, or when there has been significant trauma or concerning medical history.
Looking for Help After a Car Accident in Charlotte?
If you are dealing with ongoing pain, symptoms that are not improving, or questions about whether an MRI is needed, our team is here to help. We will evaluate your condition, explain your options, and coordinate imaging and specialist care when necessary, so you have clear answers and a care plan you can feel confident about.
Call us today at (704) 741-9158 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

