How Long Can Your Body Be in Shock After a Car Accident?

Once the immediate aftermath of an accident has passed, your body finally begins to absorb what really happened—but even once you start to feel the aches and pains of an accident, that doesn’t mean that the hard part is over. Accident victims often describe feeling dazed or completely detached from the accident for hours or even days after the collision. Once that feeling passes, it’s often replaced with ongoing pain, anxiety, and fear.

This is how your body and mind automatically respond to trauma—car accidents, physical assaults, and medical emergencies, for example. Sometimes, it’s referred to as “shock.” Understanding how it works, what to watch for, and how it may affect your injury claim can help you take steps to protect yourself. For more personalized guidance from an experienced car accident lawyer, call Silverman, McDonald & Friedman today.

What is “shock” in the context of a car accident?

After a crash, many people experience an acute stress reaction (sometimes diagnosed as Acute Stress Disorder within the first month). In the context of most car accidents, shock is a psychological condition that happens when you experience an intense reaction to a traumatic or unexpected event. It’s important to note that it’s not the same thing as physical or medical shock, which is caused by traumatic blood loss and shutdown of the body’s systems.

While shock is largely a psychological reaction, it also manifests physically, just like many other psychological conditions. The main symptom you may experience is a surge of adrenaline, which initially makes you feel painless and invincible. Once the adrenaline drops, you’ll likely feel jittery and nauseous. Many people experience brain fog, feel disconnected from what is happening, want to flee, or experience intense anger.

The extent of the symptoms you have depends largely on how severe the incident is and how much it impacts you. For example, being in a car accident yourself or finding out your child has been in a car accident can lead to strong feelings of shock. Finding out that an acquaintance was in one is much less likely to result in such a strong reaction.

The first 24-48 hours

Feelings of acute shock are completely normal after a car accident. In the one or two days following an accident, you may feel light-headed, shaky, and struggle to concentrate. During this stage, it is crucial to seek medical attention and rest. At this stage, it’s very normal to underestimate your injuries—your body has attempted to protect you from your injuries by releasing adrenaline, which gives you the physical strength needed to escape. However, this also means that you may think you’re out of the woods when you actually have very painful or serious injuries lying in wait.

In addition to seeking medical attention, you should prioritize resting. Rest is the most important part of recovering from serious trauma, and people who attempt to throw themselves back into their regular daily routine often delay their healing.

Persistent or lingering shock

Many people experience lingering shock in the days and weeks following a car collision. Adrenaline drops, and it takes with it the pain-masking effects you experienced right after the crash. This means that you’ll likely start to feel the true pain and stiffness caused by your accident. You may have soreness in your neck, back, and shoulders. People often report headaches, fatigue, and irritability. You may also either struggle to fall asleep or struggle to wake up—both ends of the spectrum are common.

Wondering if the shock has fully passed after a Delaware car accident? Look for these symptoms:

• Feeling on edge or jumpy long after the crash
• Avoiding driving or riding in vehicles
• Reliving the crash in flashbacks or dreams
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional numbness
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings

If symptoms persist longer than one month and meet DSM-5 criteria (specific symptom clusters with functional impairment), a clinician may diagnose PTSD. In addition to PTSD, there are other psychological conditions that can be caused by the trauma of a car accident. A full evaluation can help you figure out what you’re dealing with and get the treatment you need.

Factors impacting duration

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. While some stop feeling the effects of shock just hours after an accident, others may carry the trauma with them for years to come. Factors that may come into play include:

• Severity of the crash
• Physical injuries that may keep the body in a heightened stress state and delay healing
• Prior mental health concerns or diagnoses
• The strength and availability of support systems
• Access to care

For most people, shock passes naturally on its own within a matter of days or weeks. But if it lasts longer than that or affects your daily life, please don’t put off talking to a doctor. You deserve support and the chance to recover.

Treatment and recovery

Healing from shock doesn’t just take time and rest. Depending on how serious your case is, you may also need physical and mental healthcare.

Medically, a doctor can rule out hidden injuries and other concerns that may be contributing to your symptoms. They can also help manage your pain levels, which can help your body relax and begin the healing process. A doctor can also help you get time away from work so you can focus on healing.

On the mental health side, counseling and therapy can go a long way in helping you process fear and anxiety. Depending on your diagnosis, you may also benefit from medication.

Get the legal support you deserve with Silverman, McDonald & Friedman

Experiencing shock after a car accident can impact your physical health, mental health, ability to work, and ability to take care of daily tasks. It can significantly affect the compensation you ultimately receive. Let’s talk about your next steps and legal options. Call us today or reach out online.