Car accident injuries usually involve bruises, broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, head injuries, and contusions. But in some cases, burn injuries do happen.

Types of Burn Injuries Caused By Car Accidents

1. Heat Burns – These are the most common type of burns that happen as a result of car accidents, and can be caused by an open flame, heat that is escaping from the car’s radiator, or by coming in contact with a hot surface, steam, or liquid.
2. Electrical Burns – Cars have a complex electrical system and there are many possibilities in which an electrical burn can happen in a car accident. An electrical burn happens when electricity passes through the body. Electrical burns can also result from downed power lines or other electrical equipment that may be present at the scene of the accident.
3. Chemical Burns – These types of burns can occur in accidents that involve a truck carrying a hazardous substance, or from hot gases released from deployed airbags.

Classification of Burns
Burns are classified into 4 separate degrees, depending on the severity of the burn. The degree of the burn will indicate how it will be medically treated, how much pain and suffering the victim may experience, and whether or not the burn will leave permanent scarring.

1. First Degree Burns – Only including the outermost layer of skin, these types of burns typically heal within 3-5 days. The victim may experience dryness, redness, or pain in the burn area. Typically, first degree burns don’t leave a scar.
2. Second Degree Burns – Including both the outer and inner layers of skin, these burns often blister and can be very painful. In some cases, skin grafts may be necessary. They typically heal in a matter of weeks. There is generally no scarring, but the pigmentation of the burned area may change.
3. Third Degree Burns – All layers of the skin are burned, and the affected area may feel dry and leather-like. Sometimes there is no pain involved because all sensation is gone. These burns often require skin grafts, normally leave permanent scarring, and can take months to heal.
4. Fourth Degree Burns – These burns are like third degree burns, but more severe. In this case, the burn involves not only all layers of the skin, but also affects the muscles, tendons, nerves, or bones. These burns leave permanent scars.

Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
If you or your loved one has suffered a burn injury as the result of a car accident, be sure to work with a qualified personal injury lawyer so you and your loved one can get the monetary compensation you deserve.

Contact The Law Offices of Michael A. Rabban at 818-272-8882 today.