You have been involved in a road traffic collision. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
Introduction
Although you have been involved in a road traffic collision (RTC), we think you can be safely discharged home. If you have an injury that requires a follow-up appointment then we will organise this before you leave the Emergency Department (ED). Even if you are being discharged without a follow-up appointment, we would like to give you the following advice.
How you might feel after a RTC
Everyone is different and road traffic collisions can range from minor to very severe. It is normal after an accident to feel sore (often from soft tissue injuries such as bruises, grazes and minor cuts). Many people have sore muscles and may have neck or back pain from sudden forces during the accident. Often such sprains and strains only become painful hours later or the next day. Taking simple painkillers (see separate leaflet), following medical advice about rest or exercises and giving yourself time to heal is usually all that is required.
Many patients feel very anxious after an accident. They wonder what might have happened to them or wonder why their injuries were relatively minor compared to someone else involved in the accident.
Frequently patients feel apprehensive about returning to the road as a pedestrian, vehicle passenger, driver or cyclist. Usually talking about these concerns to family and friends and thinking about future road use will help.
Accident prevention
After an accident it is important to think about preventing injuries from any future accidents. If your car needs replacing please look for a vehicle which has a good safety rating (Five Star NCAP rating is the best).
This information can be found on: www.euroncap.com/home.aspx
Please also ensure that your car is fitted with seatbelts and headrests at the appropriate height for the vehicle occupants. Always make sure that you drive wearing seat belts, anticipate driving conditions and do not drive above the speed limit.
If you are a cyclist always wear a cycle helmet. Children and adults can fall off bicycles and sustain life-threatening or fatal head injuries. In most cases cycle helmets can prevent such serious injuries. As a pedestrian you are the most vulnerable of road users. Never assume that motorists or cyclists will slow down for you.
If crossing roads please use crossings rather than running across roads. Please also ensure that you teach children to only cross roads at appropriate crossings and to wait for ‘the green man’ at pedestrian crossings and to wait for traffic to stop at ‘pelican crossings’.
Costs and making claims
If you have been hurt in an accident which was caused by someone else, then you may have grounds to make a claim against their insurance company.
However you will need to seek legal advice regarding this.
If you have grounds for a claim then a solicitor acting on your behalf will contact ‘The Compensation Recovery Unit’ who will contact the hospital for further information. Such information can only be released with your consent.
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Useful contact details
RoSPA – Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
www.rospa.com/roadsafety/
Euro NCAP (new car assessment programme)
www.euroncap.com/home.aspx
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