Do I need an MRI after a car accident?
By Dr. Jeremiah Carlson, chiropractic physician · Jacksonville, FL · Reviewed Nov 2026
What an MRI can show after a crash
X-rays show bones. Many crash injuries involve muscles, ligaments, discs, and joints. An MRI uses magnets and radio waves, not radiation, and can show those soft tissues. That makes it an important tool when we need a closer look at a neck or back injury after a wreck.
It is not automatic. Imaging guidelines generally advise against routine scans for uncomplicated neck or back pain when there are no warning signs and symptoms are improving. After a crash, we consider an MRI when pain persists, nerve signs are present (pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness into an arm or leg), or the exam suggests a soft-tissue injury that needs more detail. No test guarantees a diagnosis or a certain result.
How we coordinate imaging and referrals
We don’t take X-rays or MRIs in our office. If imaging is needed, we refer you out, help coordinate the study, and review the results with you. We work with all MRI facilities in Jacksonville.
We have good working relationships with orthopedic and neurology groups in Jacksonville and refer when appropriate. We work with everyone involved in the case: patients, insurers, attorneys, and other providers. We work with all attorneys.
For Florida PIP timing, get initial care within 14 days of the crash. See our 14-day rule page. Imaging later can still be part of a treatment plan.
Sources
- RadiologyInfo / American College of Radiology: MRI of the spine
- ACR Appropriateness Criteria
- MedlinePlus: MRI scans
More questions
Do I need an MRI after every car accident?
No. An MRI is often important for identifying soft-tissue injury, but it is ordered when your history, exam, or progress calls for it, not automatically on the first visit.
Why don’t you do the MRI in your office?
We don’t do imaging in our office. If you need an MRI or X-ray, we refer you out and coordinate it.
Do you work with a particular imaging center or specialist?
We work with all MRI facilities in Jacksonville and have good working relationships with orthopedic and neurology groups here. We refer when appropriate.
Do you work with my attorney?
Yes. We work with all attorneys. We also work with patients, insurers, and other providers involved in the case.
Do you take my insurance?
We bill most major health insurance plans. When your PIP benefits run out, we bill your health insurance, which keeps your out-of-pocket cost down. Call or text 904-619-2703 to verify.
Were you in a crash in Jacksonville?
Take the 60-second check to see where you are on the 14-day clock and what to do next, or call our front desk.