A car accident can be an incredibly damaging and traumatic event. While most car accident victims will be able to quickly ascertain the scope of the injuries they suffered, some car accident injuries aren’t immediately noticeable. Some injuries do not manifest noticeable symptoms until days or even weeks after an auto accident. It’s also possible for a victim to suffer delayed shock symptoms after an accident.
Both the body and the brain undergo significant trauma in a vehicle accident. In some cases, the brain needs time to process the body’s experience. Shock is incredibly damaging to the body, sometimes causing pain and disruption to many of the body’s internal systems. An accident can trigger a surge of adrenaline, the body’s natural “fight or flight” hormone that enters the bloodstream in response to pain or danger. Adrenaline increases blood flow, minimizes pain sensations, and essentially prepares the body to fight for its life at a cellular level. However, adrenaline can make it difficult for an accident victim to feel the full scope of the injuries they sustained, often leading to delayed shock symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Delayed Shock?
Shock is the body’s typical response to trauma. In many cases, shock occurs immediately, and some people may suffer a wide range of acute symptoms immediately following a traumatic experience. Every person experiences shock uniquely. Some of the most commonly reported delayed shock symptoms include:
- Headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Irregular heartbeat and chest pains.
- Clammy or cold skin, pale skin, and bluish lips or fingernails.
- Pulse irregularities.
- Dilated pupils.
- Respiratory irregularity, such as rapid breathing.
- Muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Mood disruption, including anxiety, agitation, confusion, and disorientation.
- Loss of consciousness.
These delayed shock symptoms may not appear for several days after an accident or may take even longer to appear in some cases. Shock is incredibly damaging to the body and can also signify psychological damage in response to trauma. It’s common for people who experience delayed shock to feel as though they are already recovering until the delayed symptoms manifest. This is why it is crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident and before accepting any kind of settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Can I Seek Compensation for Shock from a Car Accident?
Colorado state law allows victims of car accidents to seek compensation for any and all damages caused by the negligence of other drivers. This includes physical injuries as well as psychological harm. When someone experiences delayed shock symptoms from a car accident, they have the right to seek compensation for any damages related to this condition. Some of the most commonly claimed economic damages in car accident cases in Colorado include medical expenses. This includes medical expenses incurred immediately following the accident as well as long-term treatment costs.
An experienced auto accident attorney is the best resource to consult after any car accident. Your legal team can not only help you assert liability for the accident but also assist you in exploring the full scope of your options for compensation. While it’s important to work quickly toward your recovery after an auto accident, do not agree to a settlement prematurely until you fully understand all your damages. If you experience delayed shock symptoms from your accident, discuss it with your lawyer. Your car accident lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need to prove the extent of your experience and hold the defendant accountable.
Delayed shock symptoms often entail a blend of physical and psychological effects, both of which will likely require extensive treatment. A victim in this situation may need immediate emergency care as well as ongoing psychological treatment and physical therapy. Some shock symptoms can disrupt internal organ functions, requiring immediate medical attention to save the victim’s life.
FAQS on Delayed Shock Symptoms After an Accident
What Are the Common Symptoms of Delayed Shock?
Everyone who experiences delayed shock from a car accident will have a unique experience. Some people suffer from purely physical symptoms such as headaches, organ damage, and cardiovascular issues. Others develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and similar conditions that manifest physical symptoms. Ultimately, your medical care team is the best person to consult to determine the full scope of the shock you experienced.
How Long Can You Be in Shock After a Car Accident?
In almost all cases, shock symptoms will not go away without medical treatment. Every person who experiences shock will have a unique recovery experience. When a victim receives prompt medical care, they may recover in a matter of days or weeks. However, some people will struggle with delayed shock symptoms for much longer. It’s also possible for a victim to seem like they only sustained minor injuries at first, only for delayed shock symptoms to appear several days or even weeks later.
Is Shock Fatal?
The symptoms of shock can be fatal in some cases. For example, if delayed shock symptoms involve irregular organ function, heart disruption, or changes in breathing and/or pulse, the victim likely needs immediate medical attention. Left unaddressed, shock and delayed shock symptoms can potentially be fatal.
How Do I Sue for Shock?
To succeed with any personal injury claim, you must provide evidence that shows the full scope of the damages you are seeking in your claim. Your car accident lawyer will help you gather all of the medical documentation you will need to provide to secure as much of a recovery as possible. In Colorado, a defendant is responsible for both immediate and long-term medical expenses their actions cause a plaintiff to incur.
Find Help From CO Car Accident Attorney
Shock can be devastating, and delayed shock symptoms after an accident can pose a host of additional problems to the victim who is already attempting to recover from their immediate damages. If you have recently developed symptoms of delayed shock from a car accident that someone else caused, you have the right to hold them accountable. An experienced car accident attorney is the ideal resource in this situation. If you need to discuss your legal options after an accident in Colorado, contact the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal to schedule a consultation with our team.
