What You Need to Know About Post-Accident Shock

Auto accidents affect victims in many ways. In addition to causing serious injuries, they can also lead to psychological issues that are difficult to treat or even diagnose. The physical and mental complications associated with the aftermath of auto accidents can often be attributed to shock. Physical shock can manifest itself through various symptoms, and it can be life-threatening. Psychological shock can be apparent immediately after a crash, or it may take time to show up, but in either case it can severely interfere with victims’ lives.

If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident, it’s important to have an experienced legal team on your side that knows what you’re going through, including the effects that both types of shock can have on your life. Insurance companies don’t always fully understand the impact that crashes can have on victims, and that is often reflected in the settlements they offer.

At Dudley DeBosier, our New Orleans car accident attorneys have helped many victims who experienced shock-related symptoms after crashes that weren’t their fault, and we want to put our track record of success to work for you, too. We treat our clients like family—not like numbers—and we do everything in our power to help them get the money they deserve.

When you call us, we’ll investigate your crash, prove it wasn’t your fault, calculate how much money you’re owed for your accident-related expenses­––including psychological trauma, and negotiate to get you maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Watch for These Symptoms of Physical Shock

The most common type of post-accident shock is hypovolemic shock. It occurs when victims experience significant drops in blood pressure. It’s often associated with severe or rapid blood loss caused by cuts, wounds, and internal organ or arterial damage. It also can occur after incurring severe burns.

When people experience hypovolemic shock due to low blood volume or low blood pressure, their hearts struggle to pump sufficient blood throughout their bodies. That can result in organs failing to operate properly. If shock is severe enough, victims can even experience life-threatening complications.

Commons symptoms of hypovolemic shock include:

• Weak or irregular heartbeat and pulse
• Rapid, shallow, or labored breathing
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or losing consciousness
• Confusion and anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting

Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. First responders frequently check auto accident victims for hypovolemic shock, especially if they have open wounds. However, internal injuries can also result in hypovolemic shock due to internal bleeding. Unfortunately, victims aren’t always aware of internal injuries until symptoms become evident.

Other types of auto accident-related shock include neurogenic shock, which can be caused by spinal cord injuries; cardiogenic shock, which can be caused by damage to the heart, such as a heart attack induced by a car accident; and obstructive shock, which can be caused by blood flow blockages.

What Should You Do if You Experience Physical Shock?

If you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of physical shock, it’s important to get medical treatment right away. Physical shock may take time to manifest, but by the time it does, you may be at risk of severe complications.

In addition, you should also contact an experienced auto accident law firm. In addition to the pain and disability caused by your injuries, physical shock can lead to long-lasting physical complications that can result in expensive medical bills and time away from work. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers can evaluate your accident, determine how it affected you, and work hard to help you get the money you deserve for past and future medical expenses related to your accident.

Watch for These Symptoms of Psychological Shock

Many people associated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with combat veterans. However, it’s a common condition that can occur after extremely stressful events, including auto accidents. PTSD is strongly associated with crashes, including those that don’t cause serious injuries.

Victims who experience PTSD may develop the following symptoms:

• Repeating and intrusive thoughts about the accident
• Emotional flatness or numbness following the crash
• Constant fear and anxiety
• Phobia of driving or riding in vehicles
• Anger and irritability

The consequences of psychological shock can be just as debilitating as those caused by physical injuries. Victims may experience difficulties in their daily lives, and they may find it difficult or impossible to concentrate at work or do their jobs. That can result in termination and long periods without income.

What Should You Do if You Experience Psychological Shock?

Because psychological shock can be just as disruptive to your life as physical injuries and shock, it’s vital to have a legal advocate on your side who can maximize your chances of getting compensation.

When you call Dudley DeBosier, we’ll determine how your auto accident has affected your ability to work and enjoy life, and we’ll calculate exactly how much money you’re owed for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. Then, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company to get a settlement offer that’s fair for what you’ve been through.

Don’t go it alone after an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, and don’t trust just anyone with your financial recovery. Get in touch with us today, and let us put our experience to work.

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