(MMUCC Guideline Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria, 5th Edition)
The determination of injury severity for a person involved in a crash should be based on the latest information available at the time the report is completed, except as described below for fatal injuries.
The following are the definitions for the severity levels as defined by national guidelines in the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (5th Edition):
Fatal Injury (K) (Attribute value = 5): Fatal injury is any injury that results in death within 30 days after the motor vehicle crash in which the injury occurred. If the person did not die at the scene but died within 30 days of the motor vehicle crash in which the injury occurred, the injury classification should be changed from the attribute previously assigned to the attribute “Fatal Injury.”
Suspected Serious Injury (A) (Attribute value = 4): A suspected serious injury is any injury other than fatal which results in one or more of the following:
- Severe laceration resulting in exposure of underlying tissues/muscle/organs or resulting in significant loss of blood
- Broken or distorted extremity (arm or leg)
- Crush injuries
- Suspected skull, chest or abdominal injury other than bruises or minor lacerations
- Significant burns (second and third degree burns over 10% or more of the body)
- Unconsciousness when taken from the crash scene
- Paralysis
Suspected Minor Injury (B) (Attribute value = 3): A minor injury is any injury that is evident at the scene of the crash, other than fatal or serious injuries. Examples include lump on the head, abrasions, bruises, minor lacerations (cuts on the skin surface with minimal bleeding and no exposure of deeper tissue/muscle).
Possible Injury (C) (Attribute value = 2): A possible injury is any injury reported or claimed which is not a fatal, suspected serious, or suspected minor injury. Examples include momentary loss of consciousness, claim of injury, limping, or complaint of pain or nausea. Possible injuries are those that are reported by the person or are indicated by his/her behavior, but no wounds or injuries are readily evident.
No Apparent Injury (O) (Attribute value = 1): No apparent injury is a situation where there is no reason to believe that the person received any bodily harm from the motor vehicle crash. There is no physical evidence of injury and the person does not report any change in normal function.
Harmful Event and Vehicle Extent of Damage from Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes
Harmful Event: A harmful event is an occurrence of injury or damage.
Vehicle Extent of Damage:
- No Damage (None) (Attribute value=0): No visible damage to the vehicle.
- Minor Damage (Attribute value=1): Damage that does not affect the operation of or disable the motor vehicle in transport.
- Functional Damage (Attribute value=2): Damage that is not severe, but affects operation of the motor vehicle or its parts.
- Disabling Damage (Attribute value=3): Damage that prevents the motor vehicle from being driven from the scene of the crash. Normally severe damage would require the vehicle be towed from the scene.