A car crash can be an emotionally and physically traumatic experience. You may not know you’ve been injured until days or weeks after the collision — you may be in shock, which can mask your injury. Car accident-related shock can often result in delayed pain due to the release of endorphins and the rush of adrenaline you may experience immediately following an accident. Significantly, you may not realize how serious your injuries are until after your adrenaline levels drop and your discomfort surfaces.

What is Shock After a Car Accident?

Not to be confused with medical shock, which is a life-threatening condition where the body does not get enough blood flow, car accident-related shock refers to the body’s emotional and physical response to the collision. Following the initial impact of the crash, your body may release a surge of chemicals that mask the pain. Critically, the effects of adrenaline and endorphins can make you think you’ve avoided an injury when you have not. Hormones such as cortisol can also increase in response to the stress, activating your body’s “fight-or-flight” response and suppressing your pain perception.

The symptoms of your delayed car accident injuries can vary, depending upon the specific injury sustained. As time goes on, and the hormones released after the crash subside, inflammation, swelling stiffness, and soft tissue damage can become apparent. Serious internal injuries may also go unnoticed due to shock after a car accident until they present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Should You Seek Medical Attention Even if You Think You’re Not Injured?

After any car accident — even a minor rear-end collision — it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt due to the effects of car accident-related shock, a doctor can best determine the extent of your injuries, recommend a course of treatment, and rule out any internal damage.

Car accident injuries that are commonly delayed due to the body’s shock response can include the following:

• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage
• Concussion
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Back and spine injuries
• Internal bleeding

In addition to getting the medical help you need, by seeking prompt medical treatment you are also creating vital documentation in your case. Your medical records can establish a connection between the collision and the injuries you have suffered — and serve as crucial evidence in any personal injury lawsuit you may file. However, if you did not go to the emergency room after the crash, be sure to obtain medical attention if you begin to feel any pain or experience other symptoms that may have been delayed. Symptoms to watch out for can include dizziness, tingling, memory loss, confusion, nausea, fatigue, or numbness.

Can You Recover Compensation if Your Injuries Were Delayed Due to Car Accident-Related Shock?

You may be entitled to recover compensation for injuries that were delayed due to car accident-related shock — but it’s important to understand that you must be able to establish that the accident was the direct cause of your injuries. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries were caused by some event other than the collision, or you are not as injured as you claim to be. This is why it’s essential to document your injuries by going to the emergency room, getting examined at an urgent care facility, or seeing a doctor immediately. Be sure to continue to treat in accordance with your doctor’s medical advice, for the benefit of your health and to document your case.

Recoverable damages for car accident injuries can include the following:

• Medical expenses
• The cost of future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Future loss of earnings
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

To help maximize your compensation, you should keep a journal of how your injuries impacted you on a daily basis. Note the pain you experienced and how it prevented you from working, doing chores, or participating in the activities you once enjoyed. Record details about the precise location of the pain and whether it worsened or changed over time. Importantly, do not agree to settle your case with the insurance company before your injuries have fully developed. The insurance company may present you with a lowball offer that does not reflect the extent of your injuries or the full value of your medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced Alaska Personal Injury Attorney

If you were hurt in a car accident, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you secure the monetary recovery to which you’re entitled. Proudly serving accident victims in Anchorage, Soldotna, Kenai, Palmer, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, and other areas of Alaska, The Trial Guy, Eric Derleth, represents clients for a broad scope of personal injury matters, including car accidents. Call 907-262-9164 to schedule a free consultation at our Anchorage or Soldotna office, or contact us online. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.