Burn injuries can result in the need for significant compensation
Movies and TV foster the idea that high-speed car crashes almost always result in vehicles erupting into balls of flame. The reality is that car fires are actually not that common. However, when car fires do occur, they can cause devastating burn injuries or even death.
Whenever a serious car accident occurs, it is wise for victims to exit the vehicle quickly if they are physically able to do so. This way, the risk of incurring a burn injury that may be as serious as or worse than the injuries already suffered can be avoided.
Types of Burn Injuries
The most common types of burn injuries are grouped into three categories: first, second, and third degree burns. All types of burns are painful, but the redness and swelling of comparatively minor first degree burns will heal quickly. Second degree burns can cause more pain and have the potential to cause scarring, depending how deep into the tissue beneath the top layer of skin the burn damage has progressed. Third degree burns are the most severe, reaching all layers of the skin and sometimes damaging fat, muscle, and bone tissue as well. The damage from third degree burns may be permanent.
Who Is Liable for Car Accident Burn Injuries?
Given the severity of burn injuries, it is no surprise that victims want and need compensation. They may need extensive medical treatment including reconstructive surgeries, which will prolong the recovery period and the time that they are out of work due to their injuries. The costs will just continue mounting, and naturally it is important to ensure that victims have the resources they need to get the best care.
This can be accomplished via a car accident injury claim, but first it is necessary to determine who is at fault for the burn injuries. There are two main possibilities.
First, the driver or drivers who caused the accident could be held liable. Their insurance could then be targeted for compensation or a civil suit could be file against them personally. Secondly, it is possible that the car manufacturer might also be liable. This would be the case in an accident where a known vehicle defect caused a fire to break out.
It is very important to ensure you have the aid of an attorney who understands both car accident injury liability and burn injuries. This will ensure that the correct parties are targeted and a fair amount of compensation is sought. To learn more, contact The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707.
