When someone is involved in a car accident, it’s not uncommon for them to believe they are fine. Someone may decline medical care at the scene or even not visit a doctor after leaving the scene, but then later start experiencing pain and other symptoms.
So, why does it take time to notice some injuries?
Adrenaline rush
Immediately after the brain perceives a threat, such as the sudden visual of an oncoming car or the impact of a crash, it triggers the “fight-or-flight” response. This floods the body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare it to confront the threat or flee the scene. The brain also releases endorphins to act as natural painkillers. When pain is masked, one can properly fight off a threat or escape.
While the fight-or-flight response is crucial, it can lead to someone underestimating the severity of their injuries or believing they are not injured at all. Consequently, they may skip seeking immediate medical attention. It can take hours for the symptoms of adrenaline rush to subside. By this time, an injury may have significantly worsened.
Inflammation
Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage, cause swelling, heat and pain (signs of inflammation). This notifies someone that they were injured. However, inflammation can take 24 to 48 hours or longer to develop. That’s why someone may only start to notice neck and shoulder pain, back pain, numbness, tingling or swollen joints days after a car accident.
This can also be the case when someone suffers a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding. It can take hours or days for an internal injury to worsen to the point of having noticeable symptoms.
It’s critical to get an immediate medical evaluation after a car accident. Learn more about the steps to take after receiving medical care to protect your rights.