Can You Claim For Shock After a Car Accident?

Small girl in shock after car accident A traumatic event can lead to shock. When the body experiences too much pain or the brain processes an experience that is too much to bear during a car accident, it can go into shock.  Shock is a life-threatening medical condition. In its early stages, the effects of shock can be reversible with the right treatment. Conversely, a delay in its diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible effects on the victim suffering from shock.

If you’re experiencing emotional distress or shock after a crash, talk to a Michigan car accident lawyer to understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Shock After a Serious Car Accident

People should not only be wary of physical injuries after an accident. There are various types of shock that a victim may experience after a traumatic event, such as a car accident. Here are the most common types of shock that victims of a car crash should look out for.

Psychological Shock

Psychological shock is one of the body’s possible reactions to a traumatic event. One of its most common symptoms is experiencing a high surge of adrenaline rush.

Victims in this state often feel detached from what is happening around them. Other signs of psychological shock include a foggy mind, a tight chest, intense anger, and feeling sick.

Emotional Shock

Emotional shock is a psychological condition that may arise after a car crash. Also known as acute stress disorder or emotional trauma, it is caused by life-threatening events or events that made the patient feel afraid and vulnerable. Symptoms are varied and may include having nightmares, inability to concentrate, or flashbacks to the traumatic event or car crash.

Hypovolemic Shock

Hypovolemic shock occurs when the heart function is damaged due to the body losing 15% of its blood or fluid supply. It can be caused by any fluid loss, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood.

Blood loss can happen after a car crash because of serious physical injuries. Since it can lead to organ failure, it requires immediate attention. Its symptoms include muscle cramps, thirst, and decreased blood pressure.

Physical Shock

Also known as physiologic shock, this occurs when not enough blood is delivered to the body’s organs. An injured person experiencing physical shock after a car accident may feel lightheaded. They may have a rapid pulse or absent pulse, irregular heartbeat, dilated pupils, and clammy skin.

Traumatic Shock

A traumatic shock is a form of the body’s defense mechanism when dealing with overwhelming events such as a car accident. It is often characterized by a patient’s feeling of disassociation from what is happening.

Traumatic shock reduces the victim’s awareness of physical and emotional pain. Its physical symptoms may include dizziness, chills, lightheadedness, nausea, and elevated blood pressure. The patient may also feel anxious, afraid, and in denial.

People experiencing traumatic shock may be diagnosed with acute stress disorder, dissociative disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, it is vital to seek professional therapy focused on trauma to help the patient cope.

Septic Shock

Septic shock is caused by a widespread infection that leads to multiple organ failures and dangerously low blood pressure. It can be due to any bacteria and begins with sepsis.

Sepsis can occur due to physical injuries obtained in a car accident. When left untreated, these bacteria can damage blood vessels, affecting the heart’s blood-pumping function.

Spinal Shock

Spinal shock is characterized by a temporary loss of sensation, reflexes, and muscle tone in areas below the spinal injury. A spinal cord injury caused by a car accident can lead to spinal shock. Its symptoms may include changes in skin color, increased blood pressure, altered body temperature, and altered sensory response.

Can You Have Symptoms Of Shock After a Car Accident?

Yes, a car accident victim can experience symptoms of shock, due to emotional trauma, psychological trauma, and severe physical injuries. It can be caused by a sudden drop in blood flow due to an injury.

Common symptoms of shock after a car accident include but are not limited to the following:

  • Clammy and pale skin
  • Chest pain
  • Quickened or weak pulse
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness

Common Signs And Symptoms of Delayed Shock After a Car Crash

Some symptoms of shock may not manifest right after a car accident. This is why it is important to observe car accident victims closely.

It may take the body some time to register or acknowledge a traumatic event. The brain may delay this so the victim can focus on getting to a safe place right after the accident.

Common symptoms of shock that may manifest days later of the car accident include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Memory Loss
  • Mood Swings
  • Sleeping Problems
  • Numbness
  • Fatigue
  • Tinnitus
  • Stiffness
  • Limited Movement
  • Chronic Pain

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition brought about by a traumatic or terrifying event.

Post-traumatic stress disorder may manifest itself months or even years after a car accident. PTSD may affect the victim’s relationships with others, as well as his ability to work and function. The intensity of its symptoms can vary for everyone and may change over time. Its symptoms may include intrusive and upsetting memories, negative thinking, avoidance, changes in emotional reactions, and thoughts of suicide.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a form of the body’s reaction to stressful events and mental trauma. It increases the victim’s risks of physical illnesses such as cardiovascular problems and diabetes.

Chronic life stress and emotional distress brought about by a terrifying event such as a car accident can lead to anxiety. Relaxation exercises, such as deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises, can help reduce tension and lower blood pressure in moments of emotional distress. Guided imagery and meditation also help the body focus on the present and increase control over the situation.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness. It is one of the psychological injuries that a victim may suffer after a car accident. It requires long-term treatment and can affect the victim’s day-to-day activities.

Its symptoms include:

  • Feelings of sadness and emptiness
  • Irritability
  • Loss of interest
  • Tiredness
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Feeling of worthlessness

What Is a Traumatic Event?

A traumatic event is any occurrence that results in physical injuries, emotional distress, and emotional injuries. People who experience these may feel threatened and frightened.

A car accident is a perfect example of a traumatic event. It can lead to severe physical injuries that can damage critical parts of the body, such as the spinal cord, brain, and the nervous system. It can also cause psychological trauma and emotional shock to the victim. The emotional suffering can last for years and even affect the victim for the rest of his life.

How Long Does Shock After a Car Accident Last?

There is no definite answer to how long a shock after a car accident can last. It can last for months, while for some, it can last for years. It can affect the victim’s quality of life and his ability to work.

What is sure is that the sooner the shock is diagnosed and treated, the better chances the victim will recover.

What To Do When Shock Occurs After an Auto Accident?

It is important to seek emergency medical care after a car accident. A person experiencing shock should not be moved unless necessary for his safety.

Some things that can be done to a car accident victim experiencing a shock include the following:

  • The victim should lie down once it is safe and elevate his feet.
  • Loosen tight clothing.
  • Cover the victim in case of chills.
  • Begin CPR if the victim is not breathing.
  • If the victim is having an allergic reaction, use an epinephrine autoinjector correctly.
  • If the victim is bleeding, apply pressure to the bleeding area using a clean towel or piece of clothing.
  • If the victim is vomiting, turn him onto his side to prevent choking. Do this only if there is no spinal cord injury.

Can You Sue For Emotional Trauma In Addition To Physical Injuries?

Yes, a victim can sue for emotional trauma brought about by a car accident. Emotional distress affects the day-to-day living of a car accident victim. Its effects can be varied, including being afraid of driving again or riding in a motor vehicle even if someone else is driving. Therefore, the victim can include emotional trauma in his car accident claims.

In claiming compensation for emotional trauma, the calculation for the compensation claim is not straightforward. The victim must also prove that the emotional distress caused by the accident led him to suffer physical and psychological effects, such as gastrointestinal problems and PTSD.

Pain and Suffering Defined

Pain and suffering refer to the physical and psychological discomfort that a person experience due to a traumatic event. Those seeking to claim compensation in court after a car accident for pain and suffering can do so on top of their actual monetary losses.

Pain and suffering include physical pain, such as neck, back, and muscle pains. It can also refer to mental pains, like anxiety, grief, PTSD, and depression. In addition, any negative emotions that the victim experiences due to the car accident can be considered a form of mental pain and suffering.

Tips On Getting Maximum Compensation After a Car Crash

To maximize compensation after a car accident, here are the things that the victim must do:

  • See a medical professional within 24 hours.
  • Take photos of injuries and the accident scene if possible.
  • Seek s professional therapist.
  • See an experienced personal injury lawyer before negotiating with the insurance company.

How To Help The Victim After a Traumatic Experience

Aside from medical professionals, the family and friends of the victim can help him overcome a traumatic experience. Here are some tips on how to support a victim’s speedy recovery from trauma.

  • A small gesture and understanding can go a long way.
  • Engage him in activities that he loves. Introduce other fun hobbies as well.
  • Reach out, whether personally or on social media.
  • Ask before hugging. Some trauma victims shy away from any form of physical contact.
  • Don’t blame the victim for his emotional distress
  • Encourage him to join a support group or speak with a trauma expert.
  • Know that trauma can resurface over and over again.

A Person Experiencing Shock After an Auto Accident Should Contact a Trusted Law Firm.

The Clark Law Office is here to assist victims of car accidents to get the compensation and justice that deserve. Contact us immediately if you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash that resulted in emotional distress.

5/5 - (1 vote)