Were you burned in a motor vehicle accident?

Car crashes can lead to a number of serious injuries, from lacerations to head injuries. Something people don’t always think about, though, is the risk of injuries from burns.

In a crash, the structure of a vehicle may be changed. The engine could overheat and catch on fire, or chemicals could spill. In those situations, the victims inside the vehicle could be at risk of suffering from burns.

What causes burns in car crashes?

Burns can be caused by many different things. One could be the electrical system in the vehicle. If the electrical system is damaged, it could throw sparks that could cause electrical burns. Gasoline and other chemicals that could spill may also result in burns that patients have to have treated quickly.

Why are burns so serious?

Severe burns have the potential to lead to several complications including:

• Bacterial infections
• Hypothermia
• Breathing problems due to smoke exposure or the intake of hot air
• Scars known as keloids, which are overgrown and make movement more difficult
• Joint or bone problems from keloid scars and scar tissue known as contractures

If you suffer a burn, the only choice is to seek medical care right away. Even a small area of the skin suffering from a serious or severe burn could be extremely painful or lead to damaging complications. If you’ve been burned in a crash, you can pursue a claim for those injuries and any financial losses that you’ve accrued as a result. Our website has more information on car crashes and what to do if you’ve been involved in one.