One of the first things people do after a car crash is check for injuries. They move their limbs, check for cuts and ask their passengers about how they feel. They can then communicate the need for medical support to first responders.
People understand that car crash injuries often require immediate medical attention, but they may fail to notice their injuries immediately after the collision. Sometimes, people with potentially serious injuries assume that they are unhurt, only to require medical attention days after the crash occurs.
Delayed onset injuries are somewhat common after car crashes. Why do many people initially fail to notice injuries serious enough to require medical attention?
The body hides injury symptoms
One of the reasons that people overlook serious injuries is that the body actually covers up or suppresses injury symptoms. The human stress response allows a person hurt by a natural disaster or a predator to flee a dangerous situation or fight back.
By masking pain symptoms and providing a surge of energy, the stress response can improve survival rates in devastating situations. Unfortunately, covering up the symptoms of an injury after a car crash might mean the person doesn’t get the care they need for their optimal recovery.
Soft tissue injuries, stable fractures and even internal injuries, such as brain injuries, may escape notice immediately after a collision. Delays in diagnosis can affect the long-term medical outcome for the injured person.
They can also complicate compensation claims. Seeing a doctor to check for injuries is a smart move after a serious crash. Those seeking compensation after a motor vehicle collision may need help evaluating insurance coverage and exploring different compensation options, and that’s okay.