Signs Of Shock After A Car Accident

It is very common to experience shock during a car accident, but it is not limited to the emotional shock of being involved in such a traumatic event. Various forms of physical shock are also common in car accidents. All forms of shock can be traumatic, but certain types of physical shock can result in major physical disabilities or even be fatal. Anyone who experiences signs of shock after a car accident or symptoms of other injuries should seek medical attention immediately. Those with serious car accident injuries should also consider speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer. You can learn more about your legal options by contacting the Tennessee car accident lawyers of Labrum Law at (615) 338-9500.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Shock

According to the Mayo Clinic, shock is a critical condition caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow. Car accidents can be disorienting, but it is critical to check yourself for injuries and symptoms of conditions like shock if you are physically able to do so. Some of the most common symptoms of shock after a car accident include:

• Cool and clammy skin
• Increased pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Pale or ashen skin
• A bluish color to the lips or fingernails (gray for people with dark complexions)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue and feelings of weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Behavioral or emotional changes, such as increased agitation or anxiousness

If you or another person shows symptoms of shock, notify the responding emergency personnel at the scene of the accident. Urgent medical treatment is key, as shock can cause permanent organ damage or death.

Types of Physical Shock

All types of physical shock can be fatal and any symptoms should be taken extremely seriously. According to Medline Plus, there are five main types of shock. All of these forms of shock may show the previously mentioned signs of shock after a car accident.

Hypovolemic Shock

Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock in car accidents. This type of shock occurs when someone is rapidly losing blood, which causes a drop in oxygen levels and an increase in the person's heart rate. In addition, the body's organs will start to fail if the condition is not treated immediately.

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is not related to car accidents, as it is caused by an allergic reaction. People who are allergic to bees may go into anaphylactic shock after getting stung. In some rare cases, an allergic reaction to airbag materials could cause anaphylactic shock in a car accident.

Cardiogenic Shock

This type of shock is caused by damage to the heart. If the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body, cardiogenic shock can occur due to a lack of oxygen. This often happens during heart attacks. While not common, a car accident could prompt a cardiac event that leads to cardiogenic shock.

Neurogenic Shock

While not common, neurogenic shock happens when someone suffers serious physical trauma to their spinal cord or other damage to the nervous system. This can occur in car accidents in which the driver suffers a blow to the back, causing a spinal cord injury. Neurogenic shock can cause issues with blood circulation, which can lead to the symptoms associated with all forms of shock.

If you have required medical care for neurogenic shock or another car accident injury, you can learn more about seeking financial compensation by contacting Labrum Law's car accident lawyers.

Septic Shock

Septic shock is caused by severe infections, and any type of bacteria can cause it. In some cases, bacteria and fungi release toxins that can lead to tissue damage. This, in turn, can cause low blood pressure and decreased organ function. Car accident victims who suffer lacerations must get them treated immediately and continue to clean and disinfect any wounds following the accident, along with following all other doctor's instructions.

Emotional Distress in a Car Accident

A car accident can be traumatic, which can cause emotional shock to people involved in the crash. While it may not be immediately life-threatening like physical shock, emotional shock can also cause long-lasting damage. This type of emotional distress can lead to debilitating conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to difficulties finding and maintaining work, among other difficulties.

If the crash involved negligence, emotional distress is one of many types of damages that could be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit, along with compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What to Do About Shock After a Car Accident

Seeking medical attention should be the first step for anyone involved in any type of car accident. After being evaluated by a doctor, it is key to carefully follow all of their instructions and maintain documentation for all treatment. While recovering from your injuries, it is also important to consider your legal rights and how to recover the financial compensation needed for your recovery.

If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, anyone injured in the crash may seek financial compensation from that driver and their insurer. Tennessee is an at-fault insurance state, which means that the insurer of the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. However, serious injuries may require additional financial compensation. This is why drivers who have suffered shock or other injuries in an accident should consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer about their legal options, including a potential lawsuit.

Discuss Your Case With Our Tennessee Car Accident Lawyers

Financial compensation is key for most people who suffer serious injuries in car accidents. However, sometimes insurance companies look for ways to limit payouts to protect their profits. Additionally, sometimes the coverage limit is insufficient to cover all of the damages related to the injuries. At Labrum Law, our team of dedicated Tennessee car accident lawyers helps our clients seek the full financial compensation they are entitled to, whether that means dealing with a difficult insurance company, filing a personal injury lawsuit, or seeking wrongful death damages for the families of fatal car accident victims. Contact us today at (615) 338-9500 to learn more about the signs of shock after a car accident or any other accident-related matters.