Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of accidental injuries in South Carolina. Even though they are far from rare, that does not make going through one any less stressful or overwhelming. Many people suffer psychological shock after a car accident. Here, our Lexington car accident attorney highlights the signs of shock to watch out for after a crash.
Shock After a Car Accident is Common
As defined by the Mayo Clinic, shock is a serious medical condition. It has both physical and psychological symptoms.
Alarmingly, it can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when the body is not getting enough blood flow. That is a serious medical emergency because it deprives tissues and organs of oxygen and nutrients. Indeed, shock is a form of circulatory failure that can quickly lead to organ damage or even death if not treated right away. Here are the three most common types of shock that emergency first responders see after a crash:
- Hypovolemic Shock: Hypovolemic Shock is caused by severe blood loss. The root cause is generally either internal bleeding or external trauma. When it happens, the victim’s heart cannot pump enough blood to the body due to the decreased volume.
- Neurogenic Shock: Neurogenic shock is another risk. It happens most often with spinal cord trauma. It is a type of shock that disrupts the nervous system’s control over blood vessel tone. Blood vessels dilate, and the victim suffers dangerously low blood pressure.
- Cardiogenic Shock: Cardiogenic shock is a type of shock that results from direct injury to the heart, such as a blunt force trauma to the chest. It is a life-threatening medical emergency after a motor vehicle crash.
Know the Car Accident Shock Symptoms
Shock is a serious medical emergency after a car wreck. It is imperative that you know the signs to look for in yourself and other people. Some of the most common symptoms that indicate that a person is dealing with shock from a motor vehicle accident include:
- Rapid, Weak Pulse: Your heart races to compensate for the drop in blood pressure. Despite beating quickly, the pulse may feel faint or thready. A rapid but seemingly weak pulse is a key sign that your body is struggling to circulate blood effectively.
- Pale, Cool, or Clammy Skin: Shock causes blood vessels to constrict. As a consequence, blood moves away from the skin to vital organs. One effect of that is that the skin loses color and feels cold to the touch.
- Rapid, Shallow Breathing: You should also watch your breathing after a car accident. The reason is that the lungs attempt to deliver more oxygen to compensate for poor circulation. Breaths become quick and shallow, rather than deep and full.
- Confusion or Anxiety: Blood flow issues can impact you at the cognitive level. The brain is extremely sensitive to low oxygen levels. Among other things, shock can cause disorientation, restlessness, or panic.
- Low Blood Pressure: Shock prevents the heart from maintaining adequate pressure in the circulatory system. Blood pressure drops to a downright dangerous level. Alarmingly, that can happen even without any external bleeding.
- Loss of Consciousness: Finally, when the brain receives too little blood and oxygen, it can shut down. Fainting or full unconsciousness may occur suddenly. To be clear, this indicates severe, advanced shock, and it is a serious medical emergency.
What to Do When Experiencing Shock from a Car Accident
Do you believe that you or another person is suffering from any type of shock after a motor vehicle collision? The time to act is now. Here are three important steps to take if you or your loved one is experiencing shock related to a car crash in South Carolina:
- Call 911 (Shock is a Medical Emergency): If you or someone else shows signs of shock after a car accident, the most critical step is to call 911. Make it clear to the dispatcher that the person may be going into shock. You should mention symptoms like confusion, rapid breathing, or pale skin. Emergency responders can administer IV fluids, oxygen, and advanced care. Time is critical: shock can worsen within minutes. Do not assume the person will “snap out of it.” Always treat suspected shock as a medical emergency.
- Lay Down, but Elevate Legs: While waiting for emergency services, you or the injured person. Should lie flat on their back unless they have an obvious spinal or head injury. The victim’s legs should be elevated about 12 inches if it is safe to do so. Doing so can help to improve blood flow to the heart and brain.
- Stay Calm and Monitor Vital Signs Until Help Arrives: Shock can escalate quickly, so staying calm and focused is essential. Watch your/their breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness. If the victim loses consciousness, they must be turned on their side to prevent choking.
Why Trust Our Lexington Auto Accident Attorney
A serious motor vehicle collision can cause a person to go into shock. Car accident shock is especially common in crashes where victims have endured physical trauma. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, it is our mission to fight for justice and the maximum compensation for clients. Our own clients and case results tell the story best. Your initial consultation with our South Carolina auto accident lawyer is always free, confidential, and without any additional obligations.
Contact Our Lexington, SC Car Crash Lawyer Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our South Carolina auto accident attorneys are standing by, ready to fight for justice for your family. If you are experiencing any of the common signs of shock after a car crash, you must have a strong legal advocate on your side. Contact us right away for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. With legal offices in Lexington and Mauldin, we fight for justice for car accident victims throughout the wider region in South Carolina.