In the aftermath of a car crash, emotions run high, and it’s natural to want to help anyone who’s been injured. However, if you rush to move an injured person without properly stabilizing them, you could unintentionally cause further harm to them. This is especially true when it comes to injuries involving the neck, back, or spine.

Read on to learn when to avoid moving someone after a collision, and who can be held liable for injuries after collisions. If someone else caused your injury, talk to a Louisiana car crash lawyer for legal advice.

The Risk of Moving an Injured Person

Car accidents often cause serious injuries, including hidden damage to the neck, spinal cord, or head. Moving someone with these injuries can shift fractured vertebrae or compress nerves, worsening the damage and potentially leading to paralysis or death. Common injuries that can worsen if someone is moved include:

  • Spinal Fractures: Moving someone with a fractured spine can cause the vertebrae to shift, which may press on the spinal cord and result in paralysis.
  • Herniated Discs: If a disc is already damaged, moving the person can push the disc further into nearby nerves, leading to increased pain or loss of movement.
  • Neck Injuries (Whiplash or Ligament Tears): Moving someone with neck injuries too soon can tear ligaments or worsen whiplash, increasing the chances of them developing chronic pain or nerve damage.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Moving a person with a head injury can increase pressure on the brain, worsening bleeding or swelling, which may result in permanent brain damage or death.

When in Doubt, Call 911

It’s critical to call 911 and wait for trained EMTs to arrive to move the victim, rather than attempting to treat an injured person yourself after an accident. Emergency responders have the experience and equipment to assess hidden injuries like spinal damage or internal bleeding that you may not be able to detect.

EMTs can properly stabilize the injured person in a way that avoids further injury and make decisions on immediate treatment. Letting trained medical professionals step in ensures the injured party receives the proper care without unnecessary risks.

If the person is in immediate danger—for example, stuck in a vehicle on fire or in the path of oncoming traffic—you may need to move them to safety to prevent loss of life. In situations like this, do your best to keep their neck and spine straight while moving them to minimize the risk of further injury.

The Financial Impact of Serious Injuries

The cost of treating injuries from a car crash can be overwhelming. Between hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care, medical bills add up fast. If an injured person is moved improperly and injured further as a result, those costs can increase even more due to these additional injuries and longer recovery times.

In Louisiana, car crash victims may be entitled to compensation if another driver is at fault for their crash. A settlement can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Furthermore, if a bystander recklessly or negligently worsens someone’s injuries by moving them unnecessarily, the victim may be able to seek compensation from that person to help pay for their additional injuries and losses. However, there are also laws in place that protect aid-givers, who otherwise might be afraid to help out of fear of litigation.

Good Samaritan Laws: Protection for Involved Bystanders

Louisiana’s Good Samaritan law protects people who offer help in emergencies as long as the care provided is given in good faith and is not part of a business relationship. If you provide emergency care at an accident scene without expecting payment, you’re generally not liable for unintentional harm caused during your efforts.

However, the law does not protect you if your actions are intentionally harmful or grossly negligent. If you act recklessly or with disregard for the person’s safety, you could still be liable for damages. Act responsibly, call for professional help, and only assist when necessary to avoid causing further harm.

Protect Yourself and the Victim

It’s natural to want to help someone in distress, but it’s essential to understand that certain actions, like moving an injured person without knowing how they are injured, can cause more harm than good. Always prioritize calling 911 and let the EMTs take control of the situation.

For those injured in a car accident, medical costs can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Our Louisiana car crash lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help you receive the financial support needed to cover medical expenses and other damages.

Contact our team today for a free consultation. We can review your case, explain your rights and legal options, and help you get the financial support you need for injuries from the collision.

 

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.