Car accidents can cause various injuries, one of which is a burn. Car accidents resulting in a fire are a rare scenario. However, when they do occur, the fire can cause severe burns. Victims often require emergency care and plastic surgeries for such injuries.
If you have suffered from severe burns in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may require extensive medical treatment such as skin graft and reconstructive surgeries. All these can cost a hefty amount of money, which you can recover by filing a compensation claim with the help of a car accident lawyer in Miami.
Why do burn injuries occur in car accidents?
Burns in car accidents can occur for several reasons. When a car crashes, it can cause a problem in the electrical wiring or fuel system, leading to a fire. A lit cigarette inside the car coming in contact with the leaking fuel can also cause fires.
Other reasons for burns in car accidents may include the following.
- Explosions
- Shock injury
- Exposure to hot metal, steam, and debris
- Deployment of the airbag
- Contact with toxic and dangerous chemicals
Types of burns
Burns are generally divided into three categories: first, second, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are not serious and can be treated with a first-aid kit. However, second and third-degree burns may require immediate medical care.
- First-degree burn.
First-degree burns are minor as they only injure the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. The burned site may become red, dry, and sensitive, and you may experience pain. Such burns are often treated with only first-aid kits unless the burn has taken place in a sensitive area of the body.
- Second-degree burn.
Second-degree burns injure the epidermis (outer layer) as well as the dermis, which is the underlying second layer of the skin. Along with the first two layers of the skin, your hair follicles and sweat glands may also be affected. The area may appear red and blistered and cause extreme pain. There are higher chances of scarring and infection in this kind of burn.
- Third-degree burn.
A third-degree burn destroys the layers of your skin, may damage the underlying bones, muscles and tendons, and nerve endings. Since the hair follicles and epidermis get damaged, new skin will not grow, and you may require skin grafting surgery. Such burns take a lot of time to heal and may scar your skin for life.
- Fourth-degree burn.
Fourth-degree burns affect all the layers of the skin, muscles, and bones. Such burns are fatal and require immediate care.
Apart from costing a lot of money, burn injuries can result in excruciating pain. If you had to endure the intense pain of a burn because of someone else’s negligence, you must hold the party accountable and recover your damages.