According to the NCBI, individuals who experience a severe auto accident are at an increased risk for developing physiological problems, particularly PTSD.
Being involved in a car accident, especially a severe one, can leave a victim in shock. When the accident results in serious or fatal injuries, the other people involved can feel intense emotions that may linger long after the accident.
If you or your loved one is struggling with emotional shock after an accident, it is essential to get help. According to the NCBI, individuals who experience a severe auto accident are at an increased risk for developing physiological problems, particularly PTSD.
Common Symptoms of Shock
Shock is an individual’s unique response to a frightening or troubling situation. Initially, it is an acute medical condition associated with a fall in blood pressure caused by a severe injury or sudden emotional stress. However, post-traumatic stress may leave a victim in shock long after the effects of the accident are over, resulting in high blood pressure and anxiety.
While two people may experience the same traumatic event, they may react to the situation very differently. One person may develop psychological trauma, and the other person may not. Therefore, each individual will have a unique set of symptoms.
The most common symptoms of shock or emotional trauma people experience include the following:
- Feeling afraid or panicking
- Severe anxiety
- Upset stomach
- Racing heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Unreasonably upset
- Muscles tension
- A headache or body aches
- Overwhelming exhaustion
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
While “emotional shock” is not a clinical diagnosis, it refers to general psychological trauma. Shock can last up to a month or more and can also be delayed shock. Delayed shock may take a few days after a traumatic event before an individual begins to feel symptoms.
Post-Trauma Treatment
The best treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is psychotherapy and can include taking medication. A therapist often combines these treatments to improve symptoms by teaching a person to address them.
To know your treatment options and what will work best, you need to talk to your healthcare provider. They will help you determine the correct course to take.
Compensation for Shock after an Accident
Most car accident injury claims are for physical injuries. However, it may be possible to claim compensation for psychological trauma. Just as with a bodily injury, you have to prove that the traumatic incident directly caused your emotional injury due to another person’s carelessness.
Because of the complexity of such cases, these claims are much more complicated than physical injury claims. This is because several specific criteria must be met to have a valid claim.
NY Car Accident Attorneys
No one expects to be seriously injured due to another person’s driving mistake or other reckless actions. Most people are unsure of what to do when such an accident occurs. For more than 45 years, personal injury lawyers at Apicella & Schlesinger Attorneys at Law have represented victims in all types of accidents throughout New York. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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