After a serious car accident, certain types of injuries may be obvious both to the injured party and to EMTs or first responders. Examples include cuts and lacerations, burn injuries or broken bones. These all have clear external symptoms.
But with other types of injuries, such as internal bleeding, broken ribs or a traumatic brain injury, there may not necessarily be external symptoms. The main symptom a person experiences may be the pain and discomfort they feel, but this can be masked by a rush of adrenaline. Adrenaline and other neurotransmitters are part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, and they can temporarily cover up pain.
Why is this problematic?
In a fundamental sense, masking pain is helpful. The rush of adrenaline can help a person focus on surviving a dangerous situation. Masking pain may help them avoid danger or seek medical assistance.
But the problem with this in a modern context is that it may mean a person does not realize they have suffered internal injuries at all.
Someone may talk to the EMTs at the scene and decline medical care, saying that they feel fine. In reality, they have a TBI or a subdural hematoma, a potentially dangerous brain injury. But they are not going to start feeling pain until the adrenaline wears off, so they may only notice the symptoms in the hours or days after the crash.
It is always wise to talk to medical professionals if you have been involved in a car accident, just to ensure that you do not have hidden injuries. If another driver caused that accident through their negligence, you may deserve financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
