Why Some Car Accident Injuries Can Take a While to Show Symptoms

Here’s why some car accident injuries take longer to show signs and what you can do to avoid it impacting your claim.

Whether we are talking about a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, many car accidents are traumatic in one way or another. The powerful forces that push the human body during the collision can cause injuries that are hard to notice at first. It all has to do with the way our brains are wired to help us flee dangerous situations.

Here’s why some car accident injuries take longer to show signs and what you can do to avoid this.

Your Brain May Be Tricking You Into Thinking That You Are Alright

Car accidents are exciting. Not in a good way, of course, but the fact that they happen so suddenly sends our bodies into saving mode. 

When we are hurt, the body releases endorphins, chemicals that trigger a positive response in our body, similar to that of morphine. Together with adrenaline, these chemicals mask the pain to help us cope with stress and pain.

This response is perfect from an evolutionary standpoint. If you were to get hurt by a lion while hunting, the fact that you don’t feel any pain and your body is super-charged would save your life. 

However, when it comes to car accidents, it may give you the false impression that you are fine and don’t need medical attention. This can certainly hurt you in the long run. 

Symptoms to Be Aware Of after a Car Crash

Car accident victims often ignore symptoms that don’t seem to have a direct link to the crash. They may think that their headache is caused by stress and fatigue and delay seeing a doctor. While that may be true, it could also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a concussion. 

Here are a few symptoms that you should always be aware of after a car accident: 

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Numbness
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Memory problems
• Changes in behavior or personality

You Should Always See a Doctor After a Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident, then it’s paramount to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you think that you are fine. A doctor will perform a full examination to identify any condition that may not show any signs yet, such as whiplash or other soft tissue injuries. 

Seeing a doctor a car accident is not only beneficial to your health, but it can also help your car injury case. If you wait too long to seek medical help, the insurance company may argue the validity of your injuries and deny your claim.

What Can You Do If You Notice a Delayed Injury after Your Car Accident?

The first thing you should do is to see a doctor and start documenting your medical process. Then, you should get in touch with an experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you will receive fair compensation for your injuries.