What Types of Burn Injuries Can a Car Accident Cause?

Fires can happen in many ways. While uncommon, they can occur after a car accident. The American Burn Association reports 480,000 burn injuries annually, requiring emergency treatment. Many burn injuries happen from electrical, chemical, or fire flame incidents. You can survive a burn, but it will leave long-lasting impacts. You can suffer permanent scarring or disability from these burns. Treatment for burns is excruciating and costly. Talk to a Houston burn injury lawyer from The Doan Law Firm PLLC for help. 

Degrees of Burns 

Sometimes car accidents can cause fires resulting in burns. Other factors of car accidents can also result in burns. So even if there isn’t a fire, you can still suffer a first, second, third, or fourth-degree burn. Symptoms and treatment will range depending on the severity and location of the burn. 

First Degree Burns

This is the least severe, but that doesn’t make it any less painful. First-degree burns impact the outer layer of the skin. These burns do not require a fire. You can suffer a first-degree burn when your skin rubs against a seatbelt. These burns will often heal independently. You will suffer pain, but the burn can heal in a few days. 

Second Degree Burns

The next step up for burn injuries is second-degree burns. These impact the skin’s outer and second layers of skin. These burns can happen when your skin touches hot metal. These burns take weeks to heal and can require medical attention. Unlike first-degree burns, they will not heal independently. Some of these burns will require skin grafting. You can suffer some scarring even with treatment. 

Third Degree Burns

One of the most painful burns is a third-degree burn. It affects the outer and second layers of the skin. It also penetrates the innermost layer of skin. In some instances, it can affect nerve tissues. Skin surgery is common for these injuries. After surgery, you will also undergo therapy.  

Fourth Degree Burns

A fourth-degree burn is the most severe burn you can suffer in a car accident or fire. These burns affect all skin layers and nerve tissue. They also reach the muscles and can damage bones. As the most severe level of burn, fourth-degree burns are often fatal. Victims who survive these burns can suffer scarring, loss of limb, and extensive treatment. 

Legal Options for Your Burn Injuries 

If you suffer a burn after a car accident, you need options. You must seek immediate medical attention. Your doctors will work as fast as possible to set you up for healing. Next, you must speak to a Texas personal injury attorney. We will find out who is responsible for your burn and file a claim. You must recover compensation for your medical treatment and other losses. 

An Accident Attorney Can Help You

The road to recovery is long if you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury after an accident. You need legal assistance so you can get back on your feet. The negligent driver who caused these injuries must be held financially responsible. Speak to a car accident lawyer in Houston at The Doan Law Firm PLLC for help. Call our office to speak to us today.