Why are you stunned after a car accident?
Motor Vehicles Accidents - October 3, 2025
Being in shock after a car accident can happen whether you are physically hurt or not. Your brain has difficulty processing the speed of a car crash, and may have suffered damage that could become serious if left untreated. In an instant, you can be dazed and unsure of what happened or what to do next.
Any collision carries the risk of injury, shock, and even death. Dealing with the effects of being stunned after a car accident requires medical treatment for physical and emotional trauma. Below, a Chicago car accident attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates describes what you need to know and how this condition could impact your claim.
What causes me to feel stunned after a crash?
Feeling stunned after a wreck results from your body’s natural defenses in times of high stress. You may have no memory of what happened. There are 3 main reasons for this stunned feeling:
- Your body releases adrenaline: Adrenaline is part of the stress response (“fight or flight”) response to any traumatic event. Adrenaline can cover pain and injury symptoms, making you feel disoriented and wanting to get to safety.
- Your body goes into shock: There are four types of shock, which are a lack of blood flow to your body’s tissues, causing weakness and confusion.
- You suffer an acute stress reaction: An acute stress reaction makes it hard to concentrate, and you may feel emotionally numb and disconnected from reality.
You may also develop anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Grief over a death in an accident can make these feelings even stronger.
What are the symptoms of being stunned after a car crash?
After any car accident, seek medical attention right away. First responders at the scene may evaluate you, but you should see your own doctor immediately to discover if you have symptoms of shock, such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Losing track of time
- Memory issues
Being stunned after a car accident involves much more than your initial confusion. You can suffer emotional trauma, psychological shock, and even shock over the severity of your physical injuries.
How do I deal with shock and feeling stunned?
Seeking medical attention is the first step. Once your doctor assesses your physical, emotional, and psychological injuries, they can start treatment. Some common methods to help you return to your daily life after being stunned include:
- Engage in light walking or other activities: Once your doctor clears you for activity, use gentle exercise to keep your mobility and improve your mood.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, tai chi, and other calming exercises can help you regain your emotional balance.
- Talk about the crash: Discuss your feelings with friends, family, and a licensed therapist.
- Take care of yourself: Get plenty of rest, keep hydrated, and eat healthfully to reduce the risk of fatigue or worsening your injuries.
While you tend to your health needs, turn to a qualified car accident attorney to manage the details of filing a car accident insurance claim or lawsuit.
How can a car accident lawyer help me recover from a crash?
Your attorney can perform a range of useful services to help you get back on track after a traumatic car accident, including:
- Filing insurance claims
- Connecting you with medical specialists
- Calculating the value of your claim
- Negotiating a satisfactory settlement with insurance adjusters
- Compiling medical records, police reports, videos, photos, and other evidence
- Preparing your case for trial when needed
- Litigating your claim in court
By choosing an experienced law firm, you can leave these worries in their hands while you concentrate on healing. You may face chronic pain and a lengthy recovery, but your lawyer will work to secure maximum compensation to pay for your losses from those at fault. To get started, schedule a free consultation with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates by calling (800) 985-1819 today.
