Car accidents often result in injuries, some minor while others are major. If a car crash results in burn injuries, it is one of the most serious consequences. Should this happen to you, you will have to undergo numerous treatments and surgeries. The scars that remain will be a constant reminder of that fateful incident.
Burn injuries don’t just leave physical scars behind. They also impact your emotional and mental health. It can be traumatic to deal with burn injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, which is why you will want to be sure to file a claim to get compensation that covers your damages.
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What Causes Burn Injuries in Car Crashes?
According to Caputo & Van Der Walde, LLP, there are several ways that car accident victims can sustain a burn injury. Explosions are by far the most common to occur. This can happen when a fuel tank ruptures or if gas leaks following a serious accident.
The friction that comes from two metal surfaces rubbing together can create a spark. That spark can erupt into a fire. If you are trapped in your vehicle, you may not be able to get away in time.
Electrical shocks can happen when live electrical wires are exposed after a car accident. These can result in serious burns as well.
What Types of Burn Injuries Can Happen in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Burn injuries can come from thermal burns, which are what is most commonly seen by emergency crews that respond to accident scenes. Thermal burns are the direct result of coming into contact with extreme heat or open flames.
Chemical burns come from being exposed to battery acid or gasoline. Electrical burns also leave their own kind of long-lasting impact.
Regardless of the type of burn, the injuries are painful and can leave lasting damage. It will all depend on the degree of the burn you sustain. Burns are divided into classes based on the extent of damage caused to the skin.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns will turn skin red and dry, but it won’t be blistered. This only causes damage to the top layer of skin, much like a sunburn.
Second-Degree Burns
With second-degree burns, the skin will blister and thicken in some areas. You may need skin grafting procedures to repair and heal your wounds.
Third-Degree Burns
When you suffer third-degree burns, the skin becomes thickened throughout the area affected by the burn. It appears leathery and whitish, and the damage may be so extreme that nerves are destroyed. Third-degree burns are incredibly serious and often come with blood loss and infections. A victim with this type of severe burn is likely to go into shock, too.
Fourth-Degree Burns
The most severe degree of burn is a fourth-degree burn where the muscles, tendons, and even bones are damaged. Unfortunately, many burn victims die from these injuries.
Who Is Liable for Burn Injuries from Car Crashes?
Car accident cases can be complex enough as is. When burns are involved, they become even more intricate to navigate. There may be more than one liable party, such as a major truck accident that involves a truck driver, trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck.
If you or someone you love has sustained burn injuries in a motor vehicle accident, whether a motorcycle crash, truck crash, or another incident, you need legal representation. Lawyers who have handled burn injury cases will know how to fight for justice and make sure that appropriate compensation is awarded in your case.
