Traffic accident injuries: How to treat them and what steps to take?
A traffic accident can occur unexpectedly, and its consequences can range from minor to very serious depending on many factors. Likewise, the effects of a traffic accident may manifest immediately or not, making it crucial to know how to treat them and what to do in each situation.
Whiplash injuries to the neck, upper back, and lower back, as well as fractures, are the most common injuries resulting from traffic accidents. This article explains how to treat them and what steps to take.
How to treat injuries from traffic accidents
In a traffic accident, when a person is hit and their head moves abruptly forwards and backwards, it produces what is known as whiplash , which can cause ligament rupture or, in the most serious cases, herniated discs in the upper body.
The symptoms of this injury usually appear 24 hours after the traffic accident, so it is very important to see a doctor for a check-up even if there is no intense pain or serious symptoms.
Recovery time varies and may require the use of a cervical collar to immobilize the cervical spine.
On the other hand, there are polytraumas , commonly known as fractures, which can occur in the head, limbs or any other part of the body due to one or more blows against the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield of the vehicle.
Fractures can be mild or very severe depending on the impact and, in the worst cases, can endanger the functioning of internal organs, requiring emergency surgery.
These traffic accident injuries must be treated immediately by medical personnel, even though many times there are no wounds or external symptoms.
What to do after a traffic accident with injuries?
Experts strongly recommend going to a hospital immediately to have the victim's condition assessed. It is important to ask whoever is filling out the medical report to note that the injuries were caused by a traffic accident.
This provides irrefutable proof of the damages suffered when claiming compensation.
Time limits for claiming injuries from traffic accidents
Injuries sustained in traffic accidents must be compensated, whether they result in permanent injuries (long-term effects) or temporary disability (days off work). Compensation is determined based on the victim's age, the severity of the injuries, family circumstances, and annual net income.
The general time limit for filing claims for injuries resulting from a traffic accident is ONE YEAR, from the date the consequences can be determined, although this period may be different depending on the parties involved and to whom the action is directed, so it is advisable to consult it well in advance in order to anticipate the expiry of the action.
It is highly recommended to entrust the procedures for claiming compensation for injuries from a traffic accident to a trusted lawyer, in order to receive the appropriate advice regarding the amount to claim for damages, the possibility of initiating legal action or not, and the documentation to sign in order to obtain a quick and secure payment.
We invite you to read this article where you will find these and other tips on how to act when you come across a traffic accident.
From our law firm Andreu & Associates we advise and support you throughout the entire process , including the necessary coordination to carry out the required medical tests and reviews until a full recovery is achieved.
If you have suffered injuries in a traffic accident, contact us , we will inform you of your rights and what we can do for you.