menu
Car accidents in Georgia are an unfortunate but common occurrence, and even seemingly minor collisions can result in serious injuries. Often, the adrenaline and shock that follow a crash can mask pain or other symptoms, making it essential to seek medical attention right away. A key part of medical evaluation after an accident involves diagnostic tests, which help doctors detect both obvious and hidden injuries.
Whether you’re planning to pursue a personal injury claim or simply want to ensure your health and safety, understanding the types of diagnostics available is important. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common diagnostic tests used after a car accident in Georgia, how they work, and why they matter.
What it does: X-rays are one of the most common imaging tools used after a car crash. They use low doses of radiation to create images of the inside of your body, especially bones.
What it detects:
Fractures and broken bones
Dislocated joints
Some spinal injuries
Why it matters: Even in low-speed accidents, bones can be fractured or cracked. X-rays are fast, inexpensive, and often the first step in determining the extent of physical trauma.
What it does: A CT scan combines multiple X-ray images to produce detailed cross-sectional views of your body. It offers a more comprehensive look than a regular X-ray.
What it detects:
Internal bleeding
Organ damage
Complex fractures
Brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Why it matters: CT scans are often used in emergency situations when doctors suspect internal injuries that aren’t visible on the outside. For example, if you hit your head or abdomen during the crash, a CT scan can be life-saving.
What it does: MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, organs, and other internal body parts.
What it detects:
Soft tissue damage (like ligaments and tendons)
Herniated discs
Spinal cord damage
Brain injuries
Joint injuries
Why it matters: MRIs are particularly important for detecting injuries that don’t appear on X-rays or CT scans. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or tingling, your doctor may order an MRI to investigate deeper issues.
What it does: Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs and tissues in real time.
What it detects:
Internal bleeding
Organ damage
Blood clots
Soft tissue injuries
Why it matters: Ultrasound is non-invasive, fast, and does not involve radiation. It’s often used to assess abdominal injuries or issues in pregnant car accident victims.
What it does: These tests assess your brain and nervous system function. This includes physical exams as well as cognitive assessments.
What it detects:
Concussions
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Cognitive deficits
Loss of sensation or motor function
Why it matters: Car accidents are a leading cause of concussions and other brain injuries. You may not immediately notice symptoms like confusion, memory loss, or headaches, but these can indicate serious neurological damage.
What it does: EMGs measure electrical activity in muscles, and nerve conduction studies assess how quickly nerves send signals.
What it detects:
Nerve damage
Muscle dysfunction
Pinched nerves
Radiculopathy (nerve root injuries from the spine)
Why it matters: If you’re experiencing numbness, weakness, or tingling after an accident, these tests can help pinpoint the source. They’re especially useful for diagnosing injuries that affect your mobility or ability to work.
What it does: A routine part of many hospital visits, blood tests check for a range of abnormalities.
What it detects:
Internal bleeding
Inflammation or infection
Organ function
Drug or alcohol levels (in some legal cases)
Why it matters: While not always diagnostic of injuries, blood tests can provide important background information and rule out other medical conditions.
What it does: Psychological assessments help identify mental and emotional effects following a traumatic event like a car accident.
What it detects:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety
Depression
Cognitive impairments
Why it matters: Mental health is often overlooked after a car crash. However, psychological trauma can be just as damaging as physical injuries and may affect your ability to function normally or return to work.
In Georgia, personal injury law operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that if you’re more than 49% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover damages. Thorough and prompt diagnostics not only ensure your health is protected but also create a record that can be essential for legal claims.
Delayed symptoms are common. For instance, whiplash or spinal injuries might not present themselves for days or even weeks. Without early medical diagnostics, the insurance company might argue that your injuries were not related to the accident or were pre-existing.
After an accident, medical bills—including diagnostic testing—can be paid in several ways:
Your health insurance (if you have it)
MedPay (Medical Payments coverage) through your car insurance
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance (after a settlement)
A personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
Keep in mind that hospitals and diagnostic facilities may place a medical lien on any future settlement, meaning they’ll get paid directly from your compensation.
Diagnostic tests after a car accident in Georgia are not just medical tools—they’re critical to your recovery and to any legal claims you may pursue. From X-rays to neurological assessments, these evaluations uncover both obvious and hidden injuries, help guide treatment, and provide the documentation you need to seek compensation.
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait. Get checked out, even if you feel fine. Your health and future may depend on it.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
required fields *