Burns From Car Accident

When you're in a car accident, the last thing you think about is getting burned. But the fact is, burn injuries are common in car crashes. Burns are the third most common type of injury suffered in car accidents, after head and neck injuries.

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC can help you if you've been injured in a car accident and suffered severe burns. Our Chicago car accident lawyers will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.

Burn Injuries as a Result of a Car Accident

Many people think that the most severe burn injuries someone can suffer in a car accident affect the head and spine. While these injuries can be painful and life-altering, severe burns are also a common and potentially deadly burn injury in an automobile collision.

Burn injury occurs when the skin is exposed to external heat sources. The most common type of burn is a thermal burn caused by contact with:

• Flames
• Hot objects
• Steam

Scalds, which are burns that occur when liquids or hot foods contact the skin, are also common.

Car accidents can cause all types of burns, from first-degree superficial burns that cause only redness and mild pain to third-degree deep burns that damage:

• Muscles
• Bones
• Internal organs
• Blood vessels
• Other complications to skin

Causes of Car Accident Burn Injuries

A serious car accident can cause a burn resulting from car accidents. The most common cause is contact with flames or hot objects. If a car catches on fire, passengers can be burned by the fire or metal of the vehicle. Hot liquids, steam, and heated foods can also cause scalds.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). National Automotive Sampling System, in 2018 there were 4,858 people killed and 135,928 people injured in vehicle fires resulting in burn injuries.

Burn injuries occur when chemicals come into contact with the skin. It is most likely to happen if a car crash results in a chemical burns spill. Damage to the lungs from smoke inhalation can cause respiratory failure.

Another cause of burns in car accidents is electrical injuries. These can occur when passengers touch exposed wires or live electrical current.

Car accidents can also cause friction burns caused by the skin rubbing against a rough surface.

A variety of factors can cause burns:

• Deployment of airbags
• Friction with seat belts
• Contact with hot metal, plastic, or glass
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Electrical injuries

Types of Car Accident Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms will depend on the severity of the damage.

First-Degree Burns

These are the most minor and cause only redness and mild pain. The skin may be dry or wet and peeling. A first-degree burn should heal in about a week. An example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns and can cause

• Intense pain
• Blisters
• Swelling

The outer layer of the skin may be wet, dry, or sticky. A second-degree burn is also known as a partial thickness burn. A doctor should treat a second-degree burn.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burns and can cause damage to muscles, bones, and even internal organs. The skin may be charred or blackened, and the victim may feel numbness or pain. A third-degree burn may require a skin graft or surgery.

Third-degree burns destroy all the layers of skin and hair follicles, sweat glands, and other tissues in those layers of skin. A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, impacts the first three layers of skin and may affect nerve endings. The skin may appear dry, charred, and swollen.

Fourth-Degree burns

Fourth-degree burns go beyond the skin and damage

• Muscles
• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments

The victim may feel pain and a loss of sensation. For this reason, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car crash as any injury can be extreme.

Fourth-degree burn victims may require surgery and rehabilitation. A fourth-degree burn is a life-threatening injury.

American burn association statistics:

• In 2017, there were approximately 486,000 burn injuries in the United States.
• Of these burn injuries, approximately 3,270 were fatal.
• Approximately two-thirds of all serious burn injuries are thermal burns.
• Approximately one-third of all burn injuries are scalds.
• Friction burns are the most common type of non-thermal burn.

Is a Burn Injury Settlement Available to Burn Victims?

Burn victim settlements are available to those who have suffered from someone else's negligence that caused moderate or severe burns. If you have been burned in a car crash, you may be able to file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Crash victims often suffer from severe and debilitating injuries that require extensive medical treatment. In many cases, the burned area can be costly to care for during the healing process.

Most badly burned crash victims cannot work while recovering. A severe burn injury settlement can help offset these costs and allow the victim to focus on the healing process.

Our injury lawyer has successfully represented many clients who have been injured in vehicle accidents. We have the experience and resources necessary to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.

What Should I Do If Someone Is Injured or Suffers a Serious Burn?

One should get immediate medical attention for an accident victim who has suffered a severe burn. It is a life-threatening injury. The victim should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room for evaluation and treatment.

Go to the hospital emergency room if the burn victim has:

• A burn that covers more than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of skin
• A burn on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
• A chemical or electrical burn
• A severe burn that is causing pain, redness, swelling, or blistering

A medical professional should assess the burn and provide necessary medical treatment. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately for any burn, regardless of the severity. Failure to do so could result in further burn injury or even death.

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Burn Injury Settlement?

You may be able to recover financial compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability
• Disfigurement

The severity of the victim's injuries and the extent of the damages will play a significant role in determining the value of the settlement.

Costly and painful skin grafts are often necessary to treat a burned area. Many burn crash victims require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitative care. These costs can quickly add up, leaving the victim with a significant financial burden.

Our injury lawyer will work with you to determine the full extent of your pain and suffering damages and fight for the maximum compensation available.

What Are My Legal Rights If I've Been Injured in a Burn Car Accident?

You have the right to file a civil lawsuit if you were harmed in a burn accident caused by someone else's negligence. To prove that the other party was at fault, our injury lawyer must show that they were driving recklessly or negligently.

Medical emergencies resulting from accidents can be costly. It can put a financial strain on the victim and their family. Many victims are unable to work while they recover. A personal injury lawsuit can help offset these costs and provide the victim with the compensation they deserve.

Get Help With Our Personal Injury Attorney If You Sustained a Burn Injury in a Car Accident

Getting help from a personal injury lawyer is essential if you've been injured in a car accident. The lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and options. Our law firm will also investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.

A lawyer from our law firm will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the maximum compensation available. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC has successfully represented many clients who have been injured in car crashes.

Our law firm is dedicated to helping victims get the justice they deserve. We understand the physical and emotional toll a vehicle crash can take on you and your loved ones.

Our personal injury lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm for a free consultation where we provide legal advice and will answer all questions you have about your case.

Resources:

• American Burn Association - Burn Accident Facts