Serious Skin Damage From A Fire

Victims of car accidents that involve fire, often suffer severe if not fatal burn injuries. Willens Law Offices will help you understand your legal options and rights.

Being involved in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. If the accident involves a fire, recovery from burn injuries is generally painful and often results in life-changing disabilities.

Recovery time can mean lost wages and serious burn injuries can mean lost earning potential, medical bills and long-term medical treatment. Although monetary compensation cannot undo the scars of a burn injury, it can help you and your family with the financial burdens of being involved in such a catastrophic car accident.

At Willens Law Offices, we can help you understand what your legal options and rights are. We charge no legal fees unless and until we obtain the monetary compensation you need and deserve.

Types of Burn Injuries

Federal regulations for car safety have changed so much over the years that there are fewer fire-related car accidents than there used to be. The issue of fuel containment has drastically improved. However, car fires do still occur.

There are other instances where a victim comes into contact with hot metal, hot water, or the steam from a radiator.  There are car accidents involving tractor trailers containing flammable materials.

Burn injuries differ in severity and type. Managing the pain for a burn can be difficult. According to WebMD there are 3 types of burns:

• First-degree burns – they are considered mild in comparison to other burns. The symptoms of this kind of burn include pain and reddening of the outer layer of the skin.
• Second-degree burns – these affect the outer layer of the skin as well as the lower layer or dermis. The symptoms include pain, redness, blistering and swelling.
• Third-degree burns – these go through the dermis and affect deeper tissues in the body. These are severe, causing charred skin that may turn white or black and may also cause numbness.

If you have suffered a burn injury in a Chicago car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you should be receiving benefits for all of your injuries.

Burn Injuries Resulting From an Auto Crash

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, more automobile fires occur on highways than on streets or roads because of high speeds and congested traffic conditions. Burn injuries often have long-term effects and leave permanent scars.

Common Causes of Automobile Fires

There are various factors that can cause a motor vehicle fire including car defects, driver error, and several other conditions. Driver education can play an important role in avoiding motor vehicle fires. By being aware of the factors that lead to fires, drivers can prevent them from starting in the first place.

• Vehicle collisions: When two motor vehicles collide with one another, the fuel tank of one or both vehicles can rupture and cause a fire. This type of a fire spreads fast and can cause injury to the driver, passengers, and even to others in the vicinity.
• Fuel tank leakage: Many motor vehicle fires are caused when the fuel tank suddenly leaks or explodes. A leaking fuel tank can trap the driver and passengers inside the car and can cause catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.
• Smoking: Ash from a lighter or cigarette can cause a fire and pose a serious threat to the driver as well as the passengers. It is important never to smoke in the closed confines of the car as it can suddenly cause a fire.
• Defect in the motor vehicle: A defect in one of the auto parts can also cause a motor vehicle fire. Faulty wiring, electrical malfunction, a short circuit, and flammable liquid spills are some of the defects that can cause a motor vehicle fire.

Liability for Burn Injuries Caused by a Car Fire

Establishing liability in case of a car fire can be extremely difficult as it is very difficult to examine the burned parts and determine the exact cause. It would take an expert to tell if the design or construction of the fuel system was poor and could not withstand the impact of the collision. An expert can determine if there is any design or manufacturing defect in one of the car components including the electrical wiring, exhaust systems, or other sources of heat.

Knowing Your Rights

A reckless or negligent driver can cause a car wreck that in the course of a few seconds can change your life for week, months or for the rest of your life.

Insurance companies make billions of dollars each year by collecting as much as they can in premiums, then paying out as little as possible when there is a claim. They are notorious for their deny, delay, and defend tactics.

No matter what type of automobile accident you have been involved in, contact the Willens Law Offices. We want to help and we have the knowledge and experience you need on your side.