Can You Experience Symptoms of Shock After a Car Accident?

Sansone & Lauber | | Car Accidents
Car Accident Attorney

Car accident victims may go into a state of shock that can be either psychological or physical or both.

While shock that is only psychological is likely to fade after a few hours, the physical condition of shock can result in serious health complications and even death.

In order to understand the signs and symptoms associated with shock, it’s important to know the different types of shock.

Types of Shock You Can Experience After a Car Accident

The five most common types of shock are:

  1. Hypovolemic shock – The most common type of shock that occurs after a car accident, hypovolemic shock involves a person rapidly losing blood. The decreased flow of oxygen-rich blood causes the heart rate to increase, resulting in faster, shallower breathing. To compensate for the lack of blood flow, organs will begin shutting down. As a person’s organs shut down, permanent damage can occur.
  2. Cardiogenic shock – This is caused by a heart attack. If someone with an unhealthy heart is in a car accident, they could have a heart attack. They may experience chest pain, rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, and pale skin.
  3. Neurogenic shock – This type is less common than the previous two. Neurogenic shock occurs when the central nervous system is damaged (typically the spinal cord). Spinal cord injuries are common in serious car accidents, but when shock is added to the equation, the victim may be warm and flushed. Symptoms may include a slow heart rate and low blood pressure.
  4. Septic shock – Severe infections can cause septic shock, which may cause one’s vital body systems to shut down when fighting off infection. Septic shock can be fatal if it’s not treated.
  5. Anaphylactic shock – Severe allergic reactions can cause this life-threatening condition. Although it is rare for car crashes to result in anaphylactic shock, some have suffered from this as a reaction to corn starch or other chemicals found in airbags.

Symptoms of Shock You Can Experience After a Car Accident

The symptoms of shock may include any of the following:

  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fast, shallow breathing
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Enlarged pupils
  • High blood pressure
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Pale skin
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety

Tips for Easing Symptoms of Shock After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are experiencing shock, the following tips can help ease your symptoms:

  1. Breathe normally. Try to slow your breathing. If you feel light-headed, sit down and lean your head between your legs.
  2. Drink water. Because stress hormones are tough on the body, you will need fluids to help flush excess toxins.
  3. Stretch. This will help relax your muscles and could prevent muscle soreness later.
  4. Take a bath. The warmth will help you relax.
  5. Talk to a friend. Talking about the accident and how you feel about it can be therapeutic.
  6. Get a good night’s sleep. The better you are able to rest and sleep, the faster you could recover.
  7. Eat a healthy, light meal a few hours after the accident. By then, your digestive system should be able to handle food. Eat a combination of carbs and protein to help get your blood sugar levels back to normal.

Compensation for Shock Suffered in a Car Accident

Types of compensation you may be able to pursue after a car accident that involved shock include:

  • Lost wages from being unable to work due to hock
  • Medical bills for health problems associated with shock
  • Cost of rehabilitation and ongoing care
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Sansone & Lauber are prepared to investigate the extent of your shock and assist you in building a claim that will seek a fair settlement that covers all of your losses.

Contact Sansone & Lauber Today

If you have been in a car accident that caused you to experience shock, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The compassionate and skilled personal injury lawyers at Sansone & Lauber are ready to help.

Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation so we can discuss your legal options.