Truck accidents regularly cause catastrophic injuries; burn injuries are among the most severe (and most life-altering) outcomes of a serious commercial truck collision in Aurora, IL. Burns can not only affect a victim’s appearance, but they can also result in permanent limitations that affect an individual’s ability to work and support themselves.
Types of Burns
Burns are generally classified by how deeply they damage tissue. After a truck accident, a victim may suffer one type of burn or a combination of burn injuries, depending on the crash.
First-Degree Burns
The least severe category of burns is first-degree burns. These affect only the skin’s outermost layer. Minor swelling and surface-level irritation are the most common symptoms.
Second-Degree Burns
These burns reach into the dermis, the deeper layer beneath the skin’s surface, and can cause blistering and intense pain. These burns have a longer recovery time than burns in the first-degree.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns destroy multiple layers of skin and may even affect the tissue and nerve endings below. With third-degree burns, the burned area often appears white, waxy, or charred. Incidentally, victims may feel little pain at the site itself due to the damaged nerve endings. These injuries often require skin grafts and extended hospitalization to treat.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns penetrate through skin and into muscle, bone, and connective tissue. These burn injuries often result in permanent disability or death. Emergency surgical intervention and intensive care are almost always required.
How Do Burns Happen in Truck Accidents?
The scale and weight of commercial trucks make burn injuries a serious risk in the event of a crash. A fully loaded semi-trailer can carry hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel (not to mention potentially flammable cargo and liquids). The conditions for fire and burns can develop quickly after a collision.
Vehicle Fires
A violent collision can rupture a truck’s fuel tank or fuel lines. Sparks from the collision can ignite leaking liquids in seconds. Fires occur most often in rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, and rollovers — the same scenarios where truck accidents tend to be most deadly.
Hot Metal, Steam, and Fluids
After impact, engine components can reach temperatures that cause severe burns on contact. Escaping steam, leaking engine coolant, and spilled hydraulic fluid can scald victims. Bystanders and first responders are also at risk of harm.
Chemical Burns
Commercial trucks carry corrosive materials such as battery acid. A ruptured battery can leak substances that burn the skin and eyes.
Electrical Burns
A high-impact crash can expose wiring or compromise the vehicle’s electrical system. Anyone who makes contact with wires or a short circuit risks serious electrical burns.
Explosions
Explosions may happen when the truck is hauling flammable cargo or when a fuel system ignites. The resulting injuries are usually severe and often fatal.
Contact an Aurora Burn Injury Lawyer After a Truck Accident
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Our experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate your injury claim in Aurora, IL. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and seek full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Contact Feagans Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn what your options are. Our Aurora truck accident lawyers can handle all aspects of your case.