Medico-Legal Services

Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Expert evaluation of spine trauma from collisions

Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon
Active clinical spine practice
Objective, evidence-based opinions
AMA Guides methodology
Deposition and trial-ready

What You Receive

Causation opinion: Did MVA cause spine injury?
Analysis of accident forces and biomechanical plausibility
Differentiation of traumatic vs. pre-existing findings
Assessment of whiplash-associated disorders (WAD)
Treatment necessity and appropriateness review
Permanent impairment rating
Maximum medical improvement determination
Future care needs assessment

Process & Timeline

1

Submit Records

Send medical records and case details

2

Evaluation

Thorough review and examination

3

Report Delivery

Comprehensive written opinion, typically 2-3 weeks

Who This Service Is For

Personal injury attorneys (plaintiff and defense)
Auto insurance carriers
Claims adjusters evaluating bodily injury claims
Subrogation specialists
Mediators in MVA settlement negotiations

MVA Spine Injury Evaluation

Common MVA Spine Injuries

  • Cervical strain/sprain (whiplash): Most common; typically resolves in weeks to months
  • Disc herniation: Can result from significant impact; differentiation from pre-existing degeneration critical
  • Facet joint injury: Hyperextension can injure facet joints causing chronic pain
  • Compression fractures: High-energy collisions, especially in osteoporotic patients
  • Spinal cord injury: Severe collisions; usually evident immediately

Causation Challenges in MVA Cases

Minor impact, major injury claims: Low-speed collisions causing disc herniation requiring surgery—requires careful analysis of plausibility and pre-existing degeneration.

Delayed symptom onset: "I felt fine at accident but pain started a week later"—medical literature supports some delayed onset but significant delays reduce causation strength.

Pre-existing degeneration: Nearly all adults over 40 have some disc degeneration on MRI. Key question: Did MVA cause new injury or temporary aggravation?

Treatment duration: Whiplash typically resolves in 6-12 weeks. Prolonged treatment suggests either severe injury or other factors.

Dr. Rastegar provides objective analysis balancing recognition of legitimate MVA injuries with identification of claims not supported by medical evidence or biomechanical principles.

What Is Evaluated

Neutral, Defensible Opinions

Evidence-Based Methodology: All opinions are grounded in objective clinical findings, peer-reviewed literature, and established medical guidelines—not advocacy.

Equal Treatment: Whether representing plaintiff or defense, each case receives the same rigorous, unbiased analysis focused solely on the medical facts.

Deposition-Ready: Reports are written to withstand scrutiny, with clear rationale and supporting medical evidence for every conclusion.

Records Needed

  • Police accident report with diagram
  • Accident scene photographs
  • Vehicle damage photographs
  • Accident reconstruction report (if available)
  • Emergency department records from accident date
  • ALL pre-accident medical records (critical)
  • Pre-accident imaging if any exists
  • Post-accident imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays)
  • Complete treatment records from accident through current
  • Prior spine injury or treatment records
  • Witness depositions or statements

Submit a Case

We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours.

Credentials

  • Board-certified, ABOS
  • FAAOS designation
  • Cleveland Clinic Fellowship
  • Licensed: OH, KY, MI, CA

Submit Your Case Inquiry

Get an objective, evidence-based medical opinion within 2-3 weeks

Professional Affiliations

AAOS • NASS • AMA • Cleveland Clinic • University of Chicago • UCLA • OHSU