Every year, hundreds of thousands of Floridians are involved in car accidents. In the chaotic moments following a crash, it’s natural to want to help those who are injured. However, moving someone who’s hurt can sometimes do more harm than good if you don’t have medical training.
As a Florida car crash injury lawyer, we’ve seen how critical it is to handle these situations correctly. Read on to learn when moving someone who is injured in a crash can open the aid-giver up to liability, and what to do instead.
The Hidden Dangers of Moving an Injured Person
When adrenaline is running high after an accident, whether you were involved in the crash or a bystander, your first instinct might be to help someone who is injured out of their damaged vehicle. However, this well-intentioned act can have severe consequences, especially for victims with neck or back injuries.
Spinal cord injuries typically aren’t visible, and moving someone with a fractured vertebra could cause bone fragments to shift, potentially severing the spinal cord and leading to permanent nerve damage or paralysis.
Other injuries that can be exacerbated by movement include:
- Broken bones and dislocations: Minor fractures or partially torn ligaments can be made worse if the victim is tugged or moved the wrong way when trying to remove them from the vehicle or from where they landed.
- Whiplash: Improper movement can strain already damaged neck muscles and ligaments.
- Internal bleeding: Moving someone with internal injuries could increase blood loss.
- Concussions: Sudden movements can worsen the effects of a head injury.
The Right Steps to Take After a Car Crash
Instead of trying to move injured individuals when you are not sure how or how badly they are injured, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 immediately. This ensures that professional help is on the way. Don’t assume someone else has already done so, either.
- Keep the injured person still. Reassure them that help is coming.
- If possible, turn off the vehicle’s engine to prevent fire hazards.
- Apply first aid only if you’re trained, and if it’s absolutely necessary (e.g., to stop severe bleeding).
Remember, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained to safely extract and move injured individuals. They have the proper equipment to stabilize necks and backs before moving crash victims.
The Financial Toll of Car Crash Injuries
Car accidents can result in astronomical medical bills. From emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitation, the costs can be overwhelming. This is why victims often need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
Medical expenses after a crash can include:
- Ambulance services
- Surgery and hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Adaptive equipment for severe injuries
These costs, combined with loss of income when injuries prevent crash victims from returning to work for long stretches of time, or at all, can be financially devastating. That’s where a Florida car crash injury lawyer can help, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses. A good personal injury lawyer can help you recover not only the cost of your medical expenses but also lost wages and compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering.
Good Samaritan Laws in Florida: Protection and Limitations
When people are harmed in car crashes, they can hold the at-fault drivers liable for their injuries. When they are harmed after their crashes by someone pulling them from the wreck, it gets trickier.
Florida, like many states, has Good Samaritan laws designed to protect those who offer reasonable assistance in an emergency. However, these laws have limitations.
Key points about Good Samaritan laws in Florida include:
- They generally protect individuals who render aid in good faith.
- Protection doesn’t extend to gross negligence or willful misconduct.
- The law doesn’t require bystanders to offer assistance.
While these laws offer some protection, they don’t give carte blanche to move injured individuals recklessly. If someone causes further harm by moving an accident victim against professional advice, that would-be aid-giver could potentially face legal consequences for the injuries they caused.
If you were severely injured after a crash by someone improperly attempting to help, speak to one of our experienced Florida car accident lawyers to learn what your options are for compensation, and who might be liable.
Protect Yourself and Others After a Crash
In the moments following a car crash, your actions can have long-lasting impacts. By resisting the urge to try to help injured individuals when you don’t know the best way to do so, and instead focusing on calling for professional help, you can play a crucial role in preventing further harm.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Miami, it’s essential to understand your rights and options. At Aigen Injury Law, we’re committed to helping car crash victims navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for their injuries.
Don’t let the stress of medical bills and recovery overwhelm you. Contact Aigen Injury Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process, helping you receive the support and compensation you deserve.