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Look out for hypovolemic shock after a car crash

On Behalf of | Feb 22, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

A car collision can cause all manner of injuries, from superficial to deadly. Neck issues, scrapes, bangs to the head and spinal cord damage do happen. But did you know that blood loss, especially if it is a significant amount, can be lethal?

A condition called hypovolemic shock sets in when you lose “more than one-fifth of [your] blood or fluid supply.” Losing that much blood can make your internal organs cease functioning, so medical intervention is direly called for right away.

Many people are unfamiliar with the indications of hypovolemic shock. A lot of them can also arise from other situations besides a collision. They are worth noting, however, so you can be alert for them just in case you or someone you know does develop this problem after a crash. Extremely quick and appropriate action is necessary to save your or their life.

What can occur as you go into hypovolemic shock?

A person suffering from hypovolemic shock may not have all these symptoms, but any of them can be a sign that they are in the throes of something serious:

  • Fast breathing: Shallow, rapid breathing shows that your lungs are laboring because they lack sufficient blood flow.
  • Clammy skin: This is often a sign that shock has ramped up from an initial mild phase to a more advanced and dangerous one.
  • Wooziness: Experiencing this feeling is a red flag that shock is progressing.
  • Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can come from all kinds of causes and tend to resolve themselves. If you have just been involved in a crash and feel nauseous, however, get checked fast for hypovolemic shock.
  • Sweating heavily: Soaking, drenching perspiration should tell you that something is badly amiss. It’s not just from run-of-the-mill exertion.

If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed due to hypovolemic shock or the other consequences of a car wreck they didn’t cause, compensation is a possibility. Find out more about your legal options as soon as you can.