After being involved in any type of car crash, you’ll most likely be advised to visit your nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Even if you are not in pain and do not notice any injuries right away, you’ll be advised to seek medical attention regardless. This advice is given as a precaution due to the fact that many symptoms from car accident injuries appear in a delayed manner.
Why are car accident injury symptoms often delayed? The answer to this question has to do with the trauma of being in a car accident and the toll that trauma takes on our bodies. Everyone reacts differently during traumatic experiences and being involved in a car accident is one such example of a traumatic event. We can never prepare 100% for a car accident so being in one is inherently traumatic and comes as a shock.
After experiencing a traumatic event like a car crash, some victims are left confused, numb, or oblivious to what’s going on around them. This is perfectly natural. Some are also left in a state of shock or adrenaline where their bodies experience a rush of endorphins. This is also natural. Endorphins are often released when the body undergoes a traumatic event or a sensory overload. They help the mind and body cope with trauma and do what’s needed to survive.
An accident victim who experiences a rush of endorphins or adrenaline may act quicker to take care of other injured victims or move their vehicle quickly off the road. They may be able to think sharper and take care of tasks that need to be taken care of at a record pace. Essentially, after experiencing trauma, endorphins act as a survival tool.
For all the good that endorphins do after a car crash, they also mask pain and other symptoms of injury. In the days following the accident, these endorphins naturally stop being produced and suddenly an accident victim may start to feel pain—even if they did not before. This is the cause of the delay victims often feel.
Common late-appearing car accident injuries include the following:
- Damage to the neck, spine, back, and head
- Whiplash
- Brain injury
- Blood clots
- Damaged ligaments
- Internal bleeding
- Numbness in the lower extremities
- Emotional trauma
- Issues hearing, seeing, or remembering
- Post-traumatic stress
Delaying treatment for any of the above injuries or symptoms may result in severe pain, irreversible damage, necessary surgery, and other serious, life-threatening complications.
The best course of action after being involved in a car crash in Kentucky is to seek medical care right away—even if you are not currently feeling any pain or symptoms. Remember that your endorphins could be masking any pain or symptoms you would normally feel. A full medical evaluation is also recommended after a crash since symptoms like internal bleeding may not be apparent to the naked eye.
After you receive the required medical care, it’s highly recommended that you seek legal aid regarding the accident as soon as you can. Doing so ensures you get the financial help you need to fully recover. To learn more or to receive a zero-obligation case consultation, get in touch with Todd W. Burris, Lexington car accident lawyer, today. Our law office is happy to lend our aid to all Kentucky residents.
