Some car accident injuries are immediately apparent and have obvious signs. For instance if you have lacerations from flying glass shards, you’ll be bleeding. Or if you have a broken bone, you’ll definitely feel it and know that you have a severe injury.
Other injuries are less obvious or easy to detect but can be just as serious as physical injuries. One example of such an injury is shock, which doesn’t always have physical symptoms and can also have a delayed onset. That’s why it’s crucial to get medical care as soon as possible after an accident.
In this article, we’ll review some different types of shock you can experience after a car accident and how a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer may be able to help you.
How Long Can Affect People After a Car Accident?
Shock usually happens very quickly after a car accident. When we’re talking about a personal injury claim, this timeline can make all the difference in your case. Even a small delay in getting medical treatment can make it seem like your injuries are not as serious as you claim. The bottom line is that you should see a doctor right after a car accident if you believe you have any injuries. Even if you think they are minor injuries you still need to see a doctor right away. What many car accident injury victims don’t realize is that the initial adrenaline and psychological shock from an auto collision can mask your sensation of pain or injury.
Shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care so be sure to see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Shock can be physiological or psychological and last for days, weeks, months, or even years after a motor collision. In addition to seeing a doctor, some may need counseling or other mental health services to help cope with the shock of the accident.
Different Types of Physical Shock You May Experience After a Denver Car Accident
Shock is a critical condition after losing blood flow to the organs and requires an emergency medical condition. When the lack of blood flow depletes the organs of the oxygen and nutrients it needs, the result is shock.
Shock can be caused by blood loss, trauma, head stroke, poisoning, severe burns, or other causes. There are several different types of shock one can experience after a car accident.
Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock that happens after a severe motor collision, caused by rapid blood loss. A decrease in the flow of oxygen-rich blood results in an increased heart rate and faster, shallow breathing. The organs will then start to shut down as a way to compensate for the lack of oxygen-rich blood flow. It’s a preservation mechanism the body uses to stay alive. But when the organs shut down, one can experience permanent damage. Sadly, young children and elderly people have a higher risk of kidney damage as a result of hypovolemic shock.
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic shock results from heart damage. As the heart rate slows, there is sufficient blood to pump from the heart to all of the vital organs. When untreated, cardiogenic shock is fatal and usually needs to be treated by electrocution.
Neurogenic Shock
While less common, neurogenic shock can occur when someone sufferers trauma to nerves or the spinal cord. Neurogenic shock causes irregularities in blood circulation which leads to shock.
Septic Shock
Septic shock results from a severe infection. While it may not be caused directly by a car accident, an untreated injury can lead to septic shock and become life-threatening.
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is a result of a severe allergic reaction and can be fatal. While a car accident seldom causes this type of shock, there have been cases in the past where car accident victims have experienced a reaction to chemicals in the airbags.
Obstructive Shock
When the blood in your body can’t get where it needs to go due to an obstruction in the heart, arteries, or veins. If you suffer a collapsed lung from car accident injuries, you could experience obstructive shock.
Sign of Shock to Look Out for After a Car Accident
Shock can be identified during emergency medical care, but the long-term effects can be unidentifiable and unpredictable. For example, a car accident victim who loses massive amounts of blood can get emergency medical care, but it might not be immediately apparent if they experienced shock. While they were not officially diagnosed with shock, they might start to notice signs of shock due to all the blood loss. Signs could range from rapid breathing to pain or dizziness. Extensive tissue damage and organ damage can also result from shock.
Whatever type or form, shock can be a life-threatening medical emergency. Often people are confused or disoriented after a car accident. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of shock to look out for in yourself and others to avoid long-term damage:
- Clammy or pale skin
- Abnormally high pulse rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Restlessness and agitation
- Changes in mental status, such as disorientation
Be sure to call 911 immediately after a crash to ensure medical help is one the way. Not only that, but you’ll want a police report for your claim purposes later on. Law enforcement officers will help document the accident and keep the scene safe from oncoming traffic to prevent chain reaction accidents.
What Type of Treatment Do You Need for for Physical Shock After a Car Accident
Treatment for shock after a car accident usually includes one or more of the following practices:
- Check for a pulse to ensure the injured person is breathing and has a pulse
- If you begin CPR, make sure you are properly trained and educated on how to administer it.
- Have the person elevate their legs to encourage blood flow to the body’s critical organs
- Cover the person with a warm blanket if possible
- If they are vomiting, turn their head sideways so they don’t asphyxiate on their vomit
- Get medical care as soon as possible.
Emotional/Psychological Shock and PTSD Can Also Result from a Car Accident
Car accidents don’t just affect our bodies – they can have a traumatic effect on our emotional and psychological state as well. In fact, many people experience psychological shock after an accident. They may experience symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks of the accident, nightmares, depression, and irritability.
When psychological shock is left untreated, it can turn into PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The most effective way to treat the disorder is getting help from a mental health professional who can offer a tailored plan for your needs.
How Can a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?
Time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury claims. Our experienced Denver car accident lawyers will start working on your case immediately by launching an in depth investigation into the accident. Then, we can collect vital evidence and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. All of these steps are crucial to ensure you protect your rights and any compensation you’re entitled to. We can also help you get in touch with healthcare providers if you need assistance with that, as well as contacting witnesses and even reconstructing the accident scene.
The last thing you want to do while you’re injured and have experienced shock is deal with insurance companies and legal battles. But with the help of a skilled attorney, you can focus on healing and recovering from all your damages. Here are a few other ways an attorney can help you get back on your feet faster:
- Dealing with debt collectors
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
- Representing you in court
- Helping you pursue maximum compensation for all of your losses
Get Help from an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney Today
Suffering injuries and shock due to another driver’s negligence is a frightening and frustrating experience. You need to consider all of your avenues and options for compensation. Seeking experienced legal counsel can help you make informed decisions when it comes to your claim
We understand the amount of stress you might be facing with growing medical bills and lasting damages. It can feel unfair and overwhelming – and that’s why we want to help you.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.
