Understanding Burn Injuries from Car Accidents

If you’ve been hurt, a New Mexico attorney can fight for compensation

Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-altering consequences of car accidents, leaving victims with physical, emotional, and financial scars that last a lifetime. For those who have suffered burn injuries in a car accident, the road to recovery can be long and difficult. The pain is immediate and unrelenting. And the treatments – such as skin grafts, surgeries, and rehabilitation – can be grueling.

There is also an emotional toll as victims struggle to deal with the impact of what happened. If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries in a car accident, it’s important to understand your rights and options so you can secure the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

How do burn injuries happen in a crash?

Burn injuries in motor vehicle accidents can result from various factors, often tied to the nature of the collision and the vehicles involved. Some of the most common causes include:

• Vehicle fires: A collision can lead to a fuel leak, which may ignite due to sparks from the crash or an electrical short. If a car catches fire, occupants may suffer severe burns before they can escape.
• Explosions: Some crashes involve vehicles carrying hazardous materials, such as gasoline or chemicals. When these substances ignite, the resulting explosion can cause catastrophic burns to drivers, passengers, and even bystanders.
• Airbag deployment: While airbags are designed to save lives, the rapid deployment can cause thermal and friction burns on the face, hands, and arms of occupants.
• Contact with hot surfaces or chemicals: After a crash, victims may come into contact with hot metal, scalding engine fluids, or even battery acid, leading to severe burns.
• Electrical burns: In some crashes, exposed wiring from a vehicle’s electrical system can lead to electric shocks and burns, particularly in hybrid or electric vehicles.

What are the different types of burn injuries?

Burn injuries are classified based on severity, and each type presents unique challenges for treatment and recovery.

• First-degree burns: These are the least severe burns, affecting only the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include redness, minor swelling, and pain. While painful, first-degree burns typically heal within a few days without long-term damage.
• Second-degree burns: These burns penetrate deeper into the skin, causing blistering, intense pain, and possible scarring. Second-degree burns require more extensive medical treatment, such as wound care and pain management.
• Third-degree burns: These burns destroy both the outer and inner layers of skin, often damaging nerves, muscles, and even bones. Victims may not feel pain initially due to nerve damage, but these burns are life-threatening and require skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation.
• Fourth-degree burns: The most severe category, fourth-degree burns extend through all layers of skin and damage underlying tissues, muscles, and bones. These burns often result in permanent disability or require amputations.

How do burn injuries affect car accident victims?

The physical pain of burn injuries is only one part of the suffering victims endure. Many also experience:

• Scarring and disfigurement: Burn injuries can lead to permanent scarring, which can have profound effects on a person’s self-esteem and social interactions.
• Emotional trauma: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in burn victims due to the traumatic nature of the accident and the long recovery process.
• Financial stress: Medical bills for burn treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, can be overwhelming.
• Loss of employment: Many burn injury victims are unable to return to work, either temporarily or permanently, leading to financial instability.

What should I do if I suffered a burn injury in a car accident?

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries in a car accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights.

• Seek immediate medical attention: Burn injuries require urgent care. Even if your burns appear minor, complications such as infections or deeper tissue damage can develop later. Always seek medical treatment immediately after an accident.
• Document your injuries and the accident: If you are able to do so, take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any damage to your vehicle. Obtain copies of medical records and police reports, as they will be essential for any legal claim.
• Identify potentially liable parties: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability may rest with another driver, a vehicle manufacturer (if a defect caused the fire or explosion), or even a trucking company if hazardous materials were involved.
• Contact a personal injury attorney: Burn injury claims can be complex, requiring expert legal representation. A skilled car accident attorney can help you determine liability, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
• Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering quick settlements that may not cover all your expenses. Do not accept any offers or provide recorded statements without consulting your attorney.

What types of compensation can I recover for a burn injury?

Victims of burn injuries from car accidents may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: These include surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and long-term care.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed at work and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Recognizing the physical and emotional anguish caused by burn injuries.
• Disfigurement and disability: Additional damages for permanent scarring and physical impairments.
• Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or recklessness, courts may award additional damages to punish the responsible party.

Contact an experienced car accident attorney

A burn injury from a car accident can change your life in just seconds. But insurance companies are not on your side, and the claims process can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries in a car accident caused by another driver, Szantho Law Firm can help.

Since 2007, attorney Andras Szantho has been fighting for the injured in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and throughout New Mexico. He understands the impact a burn injury can have on your life and is determined to hold negligent parties accountable so you can recover the compensation you need and deserve.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can review the details of your accident, discuss your legal options, and answer any questions you have.

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