If you have ever had a bruise seemingly appear from nowhere or do not remember how an injury was caused, you have suffered what is referred to as a hidden or rebound injury. Some people have reported not noticing these injuries until weeks after an accident has occurred. While some people think that following serious accidents, all injuries will be readily visible, but this is not always the case.
The Importance of These Injuries
Many people believe that if they do not promptly pursue medical attention after an accident, they will be prohibited from later seeking compensation for any injuries that become visible. This is not always the case, though. If you find yourself in such a situation, however, obtaining the assistance of a skilled accident lawyer is critical to block insurance carriers from trying to reject your claim due to failure to promptly seek medical care.
Why Rebound Injuries Occur
Some injuries simply take longer before they show various associated symptoms. Sometimes, this is the result of the way that the bodyguards itself following an injury. Medical research has long shown that the human body has a powerful way of guarding itself during emergencies. Many people experience an “adrenaline rush,” which leads to adrenaline surging throughout a person’s body. Subsequently, adrenaline helps a person’s body block signals from pain receipts as well as increases vascular restrictions, which leads to less blood loss and raises energy levels in the body, so the subject is better positioned to address any threats which might exist. The release of adrenaline commonly occurs when a person experiences situations classified as either stressful or harmful. When a person’s body encounters a rush of adrenaline, the body is often able to hide pain and the presence of any injuries the subject incurs until the body’s hormone levels lower again.
Additionally, the nature of some injuries can take a great amount of time to manifest. Consequently, impairments like brain bleed often remain undetected until the situation becomes a serious one as the result of the extended amount of time between the accident and the resulting injuries.
Common Examples of “Hidden” and “Rebound” Injuries
Some of the most common types of “hidden” or “rebound” injuries that people in accidents are known to end up facing include:
- Brain injuries. Whether it is an epidural bleed or one of many other similar conditions, these injuries often take somewhere between hours to even days before symptoms become visible.
- Bruises resulting from contact injuries. The occupants of motor vehicles, including drivers as well as passengers, often end up suffering bruises as well as suffering after striking hard surfaces in the car, which might include the dashboard.
- These injuries occur when a person’s brain directly makes contact with that individual’s skull leading to injuries. You should immediately contact a medical professional if you encounter various symptoms following a motor vehicle crash, including dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty remembering things.
- Internal bruising and bleeding. Sometimes called “Seat Belt Syndrome,” this condition can take between one and three days before its symptoms become visible to the victim.
- Internal organ injuries. If an object pierces through a person’s body and ends up harming the internal organ, this injury will be fairly easily noticed. The substantial force of an accident can end up harming organs even if a person’s body is not directly impacted or penetrated. It is a good idea to obtain the assistance of medical staff after an accident to determine the symptoms associated with internal organ injuries.
- Ligament, muscle, or tendon injuries. These injuries can happen in the neck due to whiplash but can also happen in various other parts of the body that are harmed during a crash.
- Soft tissue injuries. Unless your major muscle group is directly torn, harm to ligaments, tendons, or muscles is often challenging to diagnose following an accident. Any harm to these can cause substantial pain and lead to difficulty with mobility.
- Spinal trauma. A person’s spine can be seriously injured during a motor vehicle accident. Dislocations, fractures, and crushed vertebrae are some of the most common types of spinal injuries known to occur from motor vehicle accidents. Additional symptoms can present themselves once the initial shock of the crash wears off to reveal even more substantial injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Concussions, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries can take days to weeks before symptoms become visible. The victims of traumatic brain injuries routinely experience symptoms like difficulty falling asleep, headaches, and changes to a person’s personality.
- Various mental conditions. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as anxiety and various other mental health conditions, often take somewhere between weeks to years before a person begins displaying symptoms connected to an accident.
- The most common impairment caused by motor vehicle accidents, whiplash happens when a person’s head violently moves back and forth during an accident. This sudden disturbance results in sprain and strain to a person’s neck and can tear or rupture the muscles as well as the tendons found in a person’s neck. Many people are not aware that they have this impairment immediately. Instead, whiplash often takes several days before its symptoms become visible. Some of the first whiplash symptoms that people notice include tightness, stiffness, or dull and severe pain in the neck.
One of the best steps you can take if you believe you have an injury that might take time before its symptoms present following an accident is to promptly see a medical professional. Additional delays in obtaining treatment could very likely make your injury worse.
Speak With an Experienced Accident Attorney Today
Not all injuries are the same. Instead, some injuries take more time to become visible after accidents. Remember, though, a mere delay in receiving medical treatment does not waive your right as an accident victim to hold the responsible party accountable and to receive compensation for the resulting injuries. To ensure you obtain the results you deserve, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today. Schedule a free case evaluation, during which time we can review your rights as an accident victim.
