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What Does Negative X-Ray Mean if I Was in an Accident?

Sophia Soraya

August 28, 2024

When you’re involved in an accident, one of the first steps in assessing your health is often an X-ray. An X-ray can help medical professionals quickly identify fractures, dislocations, and other bone-related injuries. However, sometimes the X-ray results are negative, meaning no visible injuries are detected.

If this is your case, you may be wondering about what it means for your health and the potential personal injury claims. This doesn’t mean you were not involved in an accident. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we have dealt with personal injury cases that required X-rays to prove injuries. We, therefore, understand how to navigate such cases effectively.

How Important Are X-Rays in a Personal Injury Claim?

X-rays are very important in personal injury claims. Basically, lawyers depend on them to get objective evidence of injuries like fractures or dislocations.

That way, they can be able to link these injuries directly to the accident, which would help establish causation and severity. Therefore, when an X-ray shows a clear injury, it strengthens the injured party’s claim by proving that an injury occurred and treatment was necessary.

However, if the X-ray is negative, it doesn’t automatically weaken your position. Many injuries can result in significant pain and disability, yet they don’t show up on X-rays. In such cases, your attorney may rely on other diagnostic procedures to prove your injury.

What Injuries Do Not Appear in an X-Ray?

While X-rays are key in establishing actual injuries after an accident, it is common for some injuries not to appear in an X-ray. These may include:

  • Soft tissue injuries. Even minor fender benders can cause sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries will often go undetected on X-rays.
  • Concussions and brain injuries. These are some of the injuries that make up a significant portion of medical costs after an accident. However, an  X-ray will not show them unless doctors use other specialized testing techniques.
  • Herniated discs. X-rays do not show the condition of intervertebral discs. However, herniated discs can cause severe pain and neurological symptoms.
  • Nerve damage. Motorcycle accidents and car crashes are the top causes of peripheral nerve injuries. While injuries to nerves are so severe, doctors cannot detect them through  X-rays.

Are There Other Tests That Can Be Useful To Determine an Injury?

If an injury cannot be detected through an X-ray, there are alternative tests for diagnosing such injuries. This ensures that you can still prove your injuries despite having a negative X-ray.

These diagnostic tests include the following:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Ultrasound
  • Bone scans
  • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies

What Does a Negative X-Ray Mean for My Claim?

As opposed to the common notion, a negative X-ray result does not necessarily weaken a personal injury claim. Yes,  X-rays are useful for detecting certain injuries, but the absence of bone fractures does not rule out other forms of injury that can be just as debilitating.

We recommend a comprehensive medical evaluation to capture all injuries sustained in an accident. Other tests, such as MRI or CT scans, can reveal injuries that were not captured by an X-ray, and you can use this information to support your claim.

What Medical Records Can I Gather for My Personal Injury Claim?

In a personal injury claim, complete and accurate medical records are a cornerstone for demonstrating the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Therefore, ensure to have  the following types of medical records:

  • Initial and follow-up medical reports to show the diagnosis, treatment plan, progress, and recovery timeline.
  • Copies of imaging results along with the radiologist’s interpretations.
  • Physician’s notes that describe symptoms and show physical examination findings and medical recommendations.
  • Physical therapy records to show therapy received and treatment plan.
  • Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications taken for injury-related symptoms.
  • Bills for medical services to prove the financial impact of your injuries.
  • Reports from specialists for additional support for the seriousness of your injuries.

It is recommended that you consult with your personal injury lawyer to ensure that you are gathering the appropriate documentation and to guide you through the claims process, especially when having a negative x-ray.

What if I’m Being Misdiagnosed?

If you suspect a misdiagnosis, seek a second opinion immediately, preferably from a specialist. They may perform proper diagnostic tests to determine the type of injuries you sustained in the accident.

All the while, ensure that you document your symptoms and inform your healthcare provider. If they recommend alternative treatments, be quick to obtain them to prevent further injuries.

Always remember to have a personal injury attorney by your side. They will assess your unique situation to determine if misdiagnosis led to a negative X-ray and explore the available legal remedies.

Consult a New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Now

Our legal team at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. represents accident victims with serious injuries. Please contact us for your free consultation today.

Sophia Soraya

Sophia Soraya is a seasoned attorney specializing in complex civil matters, with a focus on personal injury, professional malpractice, and product liability cases across New York and New Jersey. Sophia is a Partner with the Firm and has been selected as a Super Lawyers, Rising Star for consecutive years.

University: J.D. New England Law (Boston)

Bar Number: 000402013

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.

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