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How Burn Injuries Happen in Virginia Car AccidentsÂ
How Burn Injuries Happen in Virginia Car AccidentsÂ
Burns may not be the first injuries you think of when you are involved in a car accident, but they occur more frequently than you might expect and tend to cause serious harm. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 250,000 people seek treatment in hospital emergency rooms every year because of burn injuries from motor vehicle crashes. With severe burns, the recovery time can be far more extensive for victims as compared to cuts, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries.
Because of potential scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress, losses related to burns can be devastating. Your rights to compensation are closely tied to the type of burn injuries and severity, so you should trust your Virginia car accident lawyer for the legal details. An overview of common burn sources may also be informative.
- Thermal Burns: This type of burn injury is the result of your skin coming into contact with flames, which may be the result of an ignited fire or explosion. A hot surface can also cause thermal burns, such as when you are exposed to hot metal of your vehicle’s engine.
- Electrical Burn Injuries: Today’s vehicles come equipped with massive electrical systems, including switches, wiring, batteries, and many other components. The violent impact of an auto collision can cause these features to malfunction, often leading to electrical burns for the occupants.
- Chemical Burns: There are multiple fluids that your car needs to operate, and many of them are hazardous or corrosive materials. Examples include gasoline, battery fluid, motor oil, and acids. Any of these substances can cause chemical burns, but you could also suffer injuries when exposed to fluids from another vehicle. Large tanker trucks hauling hazardous substances are a common sight on Virginia roadways.
- Scalding Injuries: A scald comes from steam as hot liquids evaporate into a vapor form. The water, brake fluid, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid in your vehicle’s systems can be extremely dangerous during the transition phase.
Classification System for Burns
In addition to the source of burn injuries, another crucial issue in your car accident case is the severity. You are probably familiar with the system that the medical field uses to classify burns, starting with somewhat minor first degree burns that are similar to a sunburn. An injury that penetrates deeper into the epidermis and dermis is a second-degree burn, which can cause blisters, redness, and extreme pain. Third-degree burns are very serious, since multiple layers of skin are destroyed. Skin graft surgery is usually necessary, and multiple procedures may be required.
Speak to a Virginia Auto Crash Attorney About Your Rights
Knowing the common sources of burns in a vehicle collision is important for your medical treatment, but it is also important when it comes to your claim for compensation. To learn more about your rights and legal options, please call Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation. A Virginia auto accident attorney can explain the claims process after reviewing your situation.
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*Virginia Lawyers Weekly January 30, 2023 edition
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