What To Do Immediately After a Road Traffic Accident By Dr. Kashyap Solanki – Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Mumbai
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are unfortunately common and can happen to anyone — whether you’re a driver, rider, or pedestrian. The actions taken in the first few minutes after an accident can make the difference between a full recovery and lifelong complications.
Here’s a simple, practical guide on what to do immediately after an accident until medical help arrives.
1. Ensure Safety First
Move away from oncoming traffic to a safe spot.
Switch off the vehicle’s engine and turn on hazard lights.
Avoid crowding the accident site — safety of the injured and rescuers is the priority.
2. Check for Responsiveness
Gently ask the injured person if they can hear you or move.
Do not shake or move them if they appear unconscious or have visible deformities in the neck or limbs.
If there’s no response, call emergency services immediately (in India, dial 108 or 112).
3. Assess Breathing and Pulse
Look for chest movement and feel for air at the nose or mouth.
If trained, start basic CPR if the person is not breathing and no pulse is felt.
Avoid crowd interference — one trained person should take charge.
4. Immobilize Suspected Fractures
If a limb appears bent, swollen, or painful, do not attempt to straighten it.
Use available materials (wooden sticks, cardboard, rolled newspapers) as temporary splints.
Immobilize both joints above and below the suspected fracture.
Avoid removing clothing if it causes pain or bleeding to worsen.
5. Control Bleeding
Apply gentle direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth or gauze.
Elevate the injured limb if possible.
Do not use a tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and life-threatening.
6. Avoid Unnecessary Movement
Suspected neck or back injuries should be kept absolutely still.
Do not try to lift or drag the person unless there is immediate danger (fire, explosion, or traffic).
Support the neck and back if transport is necessary.
7. Call for Medical Help
Contact the nearest trauma center or hospital specializing in orthopaedic and emergency care.
Provide clear information: location, number of injured, and condition of the victims.
While waiting, keep the person warm and reassured.
8. When to Seek Immediate Orthopaedic Attention
Visit an orthopaedic trauma specialist without delay if:
There is severe pain, deformity, or inability to move a limb
Open wounds with visible bone or deep bleeding
Loss of sensation or weakness in hands or feet
Suspected spinal, hip, or pelvic injury
Expert Opinion
As an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, I often see complications caused by improper handling after an accident — from missed fractures to paralysis due to careless movement. Timely first aid and safe transport to a hospital can save lives and preserve limb function.
Common Orthopaedic Injuries After Road Traffic Accidents in Mumbai
Mumbai's busy roads — from the Western Express
Highway to local roads in Andheri, Juhu, and
Santacruz — see thousands of road accidents
every year. The most common orthopaedic injuries
Dr. Kashyap Solanki treats after RTAs include:
- Fractures of the wrist, forearm, and elbow
(very common in two-wheeler accidents)
- Fractures of the leg, ankle, and foot
(common in pedestrian accidents)
- Hip and pelvic fractures (common in high-speed
accidents)
- Spinal injuries (can cause paralysis if not
handled carefully)
- Knee ligament injuries including ACL and PCL
tears
- Shoulder dislocations and fractures
- Skull and facial fractures
Every minute counts after a road accident.
Getting to the right orthopaedic trauma surgeon
quickly can mean the difference between full
recovery and permanent disability.
Frequently Asked Questions — Road Traffic
Accident Injuries in Mumbai
Q1: Which hospital should I go to after a road
accident in Andheri Mumbai?
A: For orthopaedic trauma after a road accident
in Andheri, you can reach Dr. Kashyap Solanki at
Amardeep Nursing Home on Old Nagardas Road,
Andheri East, or New JP Hospital on Sakinaka-
Kurla Road, Andheri East. Dr. Solanki is an
experienced orthopaedic and trauma surgeon who
handles all types of fractures and accident
injuries.
Q2: What should I NOT do after a road accident?
A: Never move a person who has a suspected neck
or back injury — you could worsen a spinal injury
and cause paralysis. Never try to straighten a
fractured limb. Never apply a tourniquet unless
bleeding is life-threatening. Never give food or
water to an unconscious person. Always wait for
trained medical help or transport safely.
Q3: How long does fracture treatment take
after a road accident?
A: Recovery time depends on the type and severity
of the fracture. Simple fractures heal in 6-8
weeks. Complex fractures requiring surgery may
take 3-6 months for full recovery. Dr. Kashyap
Solanki provides a complete treatment and
rehabilitation plan for every patient.
Q4: Does insurance cover road accident
treatment in Mumbai?
A: Yes — most motor insurance policies in India
cover third-party injuries. Additionally,
government schemes like PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat)
cover accident treatment in empanelled hospitals.
Dr. Kashyap Solanki's team can guide you on
insurance and documentation after an accident.
Q5: When should I see an orthopaedic surgeon
after a road accident?
A: You should see an orthopaedic trauma surgeon
immediately if you have pain, swelling, or
inability to move any limb after an accident —
even if you feel okay initially. Some fractures
and internal injuries are not immediately obvious
and can worsen without treatment. Dr. Kashyap
Solanki is available for emergency consultations
at his Andheri East clinics.
Orthopaedic Trauma Care in Mumbai —
Dr. Kashyap Solanki
Dr. Kashyap Solanki is one of Mumbai's most
experienced orthopaedic and trauma surgeons.
He specialises in treating all types of fractures,
dislocations, and soft tissue injuries resulting
from road traffic accidents. His clinics in
Andheri East and Vile Parle West are easily
accessible from across Mumbai.
📍 Amardeep Nursing Home, Andheri East
📍 New JP Hospital, Andheri East
📍 Bhartiya Arogya Nidhi, Vile Parle West
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91 8108171796
For orthopaedic trauma emergencies in Mumbai,
contact Dr. Kashyap Solanki immediately!
Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai
Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.
With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.
Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.
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