If you’ve been involved in a Las Vegas car accident, motorcycle crash, or truck wreck, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Many injuries, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, aren’t immediately visible. Medical professionals often rely on advanced diagnostic scans after an accident to detect hidden injuries and provide proper treatment. In this blog post, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explore five different types of scans you might need following an accident.
Medical Scans: What They Detect and Why You Might Need Them
Medical scans vary in complexity and cost. From simple X-rays that have been used since the late 1800s to detailed magnetic resonance imaging used since the 1970s. Depending on the nature and possible severity of your injury, you may need one of the following scans if you’ve been hurt in a Las Vegas accident.
1. X-Rays (Radiographs)
What It Detects:
X-rays are one of the most common scans after an accident and are primarily used to identify broken bones and dislocations.
When You Might Need It:
- After a Las Vegas car accident where you experienced a high-impact collision.
- If you were thrown from a bike in a Las Vegas motorcycle crash and suspect broken bones.
- Following a Las Vegas truck wreck where crushing injuries may have occurred.
Why It’s Important:
X-rays can quickly help doctors determine whether you need a cast, surgery, or other procedure.
2. CT Scans (Computed Tomography)
What It Detects:
CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. They can detect internal bleeding, brain injuries, and internal organ damage.
When You Might Need It:
- After a high-impact Las Vegas car crash where head trauma is suspected.
- If you were hit in a Las Vegas truck wreck and are experiencing abdominal pain.
- Following a Las Vegas motorcycle accident where you hit your head, even if you were wearing a helmet.
Why It’s Important:
CT scans are more detailed than X-rays and can reveal life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What It Detects:
MRIs use magnetic fields to produce high-resolution images of soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, ligaments, and tendons.
When You Might Need It:
- If you have persistent pain after a Las Vegas car accident, suggesting herniated discs or spinal injuries.
- After a Las Vegas motorcycle crash where you suffered whiplash or joint damage.
- When a Las Vegas truck wreck caused severe muscle or ligament tears.
Why It’s Important:
MRIs are vital for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, which may not be visible on X-rays or CT scans and often necessitate long-term treatment. A Las Vegas injury lawyer can leverage this information to bolster your personal injury claim.
4. Ultrasound
What It Detects:
Ultrasounds use sound waves to generate images of internal organs, making them useful for detecting fluid buildup, internal organ damage, or pregnancy-related injuries.
When You Might Need It:
- After a Las Vegas car crash where seatbelt trauma may have injured abdominal organs.
- If a Las Vegas truck collision caused blunt force trauma to the chest or abdomen.
Why It’s Important:
Ultrasounds are non-invasive and can quickly identify internal bleeding or organ damage that requires emergency treatment.
5. PET Scans (Positron Emission Tomography)
What It Detects:
PET scans are less common after accidents but may be used to evaluate brain function, especially if a TBI is suspected.
When You Might Need It:
- Following a severe Las Vegas motorcycle crash where significant head trauma occurred.
- If cognitive issues arise after a Las Vegas car accident, such as memory loss or confusion.
Why It’s Important:
PET scans can detect metabolic changes in the brain, helping doctors diagnose concussions or other brain injuries that could impact your long-term health.
Scans after an Accident and Your Las Vegas Injury Claim
Whether you were injured in a motor vehicle accident or a slip-and-fall, getting the right scans and legal support is crucial for your recovery and financial stability. Medical scans after an accident can be expensive, and if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. A skilled Las Vegas injury lawyer can help you by proving liability and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the highest settlement allowable under Nevada law.
Contact a Top Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t delay medical care–hidden injuries can worsen over time. Diagnostic scans after an accident play a vital role in identifying and treating injuries properly. A Las Vegas injury lawyer from ER Injury Attorneys can connect you with top medical professionals in Clark County to make sure that you get the scan that you need. As you recover, our team will do everything possible to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact a trusted Las Vegas injury attorney today to discuss your case and ensure you receive the medical and legal support you need. You can reach ER Injury Attorneys by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our knowledgeable and accomplished Nevada injury lawyers have successfully recovered maximum settlements for clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Take the first step towards the justice that you deserve by reaching out to ER Injury Attorneys today.