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Occupants of vehicles can suffer severe and traumatic injuries when cars collide. Burns are commonly reported after car accidents, and they are some of the most painful and devastating injuries that a person can suffer.
The damage caused by burn injuries, both mental and physical, can last a lifetime.
According to the American Burn Association, 96.7 percent of people treated in burn centers across the U.S. will survive. However, many of those victims are left with severe scarring, physical and sometimes mental disabilities, and difficulties adjusting to their new circumstances.
Types of Burn Injuries
The degree to which a person can suffer from a burn injury depends on the mechanism and way in which the burn was inflicted as a result of a car accident. An injury from an explosion or direct flame is much different from an injury that resulted from friction or contact with chemicals.
For example, in the case of a car accident, a first-degree burn may be the result of increased friction from a seat belt on exposed skin. A first-degree burn only impacts the outer layer of skin. While it is painful, like a sunburn, it typically only requires a few days of healing before the skin heals and the redness and irritation subside. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to deal with the pain and rash.
Second-degree burns are more substantial. In addition to the outer layer of skin, the second layer of skin also known as the dermis is also damaged. When a person is involved in a car accident, second-degree burns could be the result of skin contact with hot metal or super-heated steam escaping from a cracked or damaged radiator.
Depending on the size and location of the burn, second-degree burns may require painful skin grafts and can take weeks to heal.
Third-degree burns penetrate all layers of the skin and typically also damage muscle and nerve tissue. These burns can turn black and look charred. When involved in a car crash, a victim may be exposed to flames, explosions, chemicals or gasoline, and hot metal – any combination of which has the potential to cause massive trauma.
Third-degree burns almost always require surgery, skin grafts, burn treatment, and painful rehabilitation. The scars left behind by these types of burns can be extensive. In addition to the damage caused by the burn itself, there are often complications that arise with treating these considerable injuries. Infections, breathing difficulties, and other life-threatening complications may occur.
The medical treatment doesn’t necessarily end after a lengthy hospital stay either. Physical and occupational therapy may be needed in order to restore some functionality to the impacted limbs or body parts. It may also be necessary to retrain victims on how to complete everyday tasks.
Specially fitted burn garments may also be required to help mitigate the impact of scarring on the skin. Scaring cannot be eliminated completely, but these special garments can help flatten the appearance of the scars.
Dallas Car Accident Burn Injury Statistics
Fires occurred in 0.1 percent of vehicles involved in accidents, according to a report by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Yet, a fire was involved in at least 2.8 percent of all fatal vehicle accidents, a testament to the devastation that fire causes in these types of crashes.
A recent FARS report estimates that there were over 3,700 fatal car accidents in Dallas. The highest concentration of those accidents occurred in Dallas County.
What to Do Immediately After Suffering a Burn Injury from a Dallas Car Accident
What are you supposed to do in the aftermath of a car accident that has resulted in burn injuries? First and foremost, get the medical attention that you need. Burn injuries, no matter how severe, should be treated by a medical professional.
Where do you go from there? It can be complicated. In the days or sometimes even hours after a crash you will be pursued by insurance companies looking to settle.
One of the most important things you can do at this time is to ask for help. It can be overwhelming to deal with injuries, insurance claims, phone calls, missing work, and managing day-to-day activities. Don’t go it alone.
Your sole concern should be the health of yourself and your family. At Tate Law Offices, P.C., our sole concern is you. Several factors have to be considered to determine the appropriate settlement for accident-related injuries and treatment. Immediately after a serious car accident that has resulted in a fire, it is hard for a victim to imagine the impact these injuries could have on the future and quality of life.
What to Expect After a Dallas Accident
When you contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., after an accident, we can immediately take steps to investigate the nature of your accident and determine who might be liable for the harm you’ve suffered. We can also review your medical records and establish the severity of your injuries and calculate medical costs.
After consulting with experts, we can begin compiling all the information in order to determine how the accident will impact your future as far as rehabilitation, medical needs, and your ability to return to your job. You can then expect us to make a settlement demand or prepare for court depending on whether an insurer fails to make a reasonable settlement offer.
Contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., after a Burn Injury from a Dallas Car Accident
Don’t suffer alone. At Tate Law Offices, P.C., our team of lawyers are prepared to provide you with a consultation at no cost to you. We have offices ready to help you in Dallas.
We understand that immediately following an accident where burns were involved, you may not be able to make it into one of our offices, we can also speak with you by phone or meet you at another location that may be more convenient.
We strive to help bring closure and the best possible outcome for you and your family. Don’t wait, reach out to us today and let us help you down the road to recovery.
