When a person is injured in a road traffic accident, determining the severity of the injuries and their consequences is essential for awarding compensation. The evaluation procedure is strictly regulated by law and involves both a clinical examination of the victim and a detailed analysis of the medical documents.
Who performs the assessment?
The calculation of the trauma score — used to determine the victim’s compensation — is carried out for a fee, upon request. The request may be submitted by:
- the injured person,
- the RCA insurer,
- the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Romania (BAAR),
- the Policyholders Guarantee Fund (FGA).
The examination is carried out by expert evaluators — specialists in forensic medicine, work capacity assessment experts, or physicians who have completed the postgraduate program dedicated to evaluating moral damages resulting from road trauma.
How does the examination take place?
During the evaluation, the physician:
- identifies and describes all traumatic injuries and their consequences,
- reviews medical documents and verifies the correlation between diagnosis and accident,
- differentiates injuries caused by the accident from pre-existing conditions or unrelated subsequent issues,
- assigns a total score based on the official evaluation scale.
If the medical documents are incomplete, additional investigations may be requested, with the victim’s consent.
The final result is recorded in a detailed report that includes the victim’s identification data, clinical examination, complications, diagnosis, and the score assigned for each injury. The report is archived by the expert evaluator for at least 10 years.
How is the score determined?
The trauma score is based on three distinct elements:
- Initial traumatic injury (LT) – evaluated based on morphological and physiological consequences;
- Post-traumatic complications (CP) – immediate, acute, or chronic complications that may improve through treatment;
- Permanent post-traumatic consequences (CPP) – irreversible injuries that may lead to disability.
In cases of multiple injuries, the scores are added together but cannot exceed the legal maximum (corresponding to persistent vegetative state – 200 points).
Conclusion
Accurately determining the trauma score is essential for obtaining fair compensation after a road traffic accident. Since the procedure involves deadlines, documentation, and sometimes discussions with insurers, it is recommended to consult a specialized lawyer who can guide you through each step, ensure your rights are respected, and help you obtain the compensation you are legally entitled to.
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