Car accidents in St. Charles can lead to a wide range of serious injuries. To be sure, burn injuries are among the most devastating. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and, in many cases, multiple surgeries. Victims may even face permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Types of Burns
Burns are classified into categories based on the severity and depth of tissue damage. Accident victims may suffer one or several types of burns depending on the car crash.
First-Degree Burns
These burns affect only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). They typically cause redness, swelling, and minor irritation.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns extend into the dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin. Victims may experience blistering, more intense pain, and significant swelling.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and may extend into underlying tissue. They can appear waxy, white, or charred and often destroy nerve endings. These burns usually require skin grafts and lengthy hospitalization.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe category; they penetrate muscle, bone, and connective tissue. Victims often need emergency surgical intervention and intensive care.
How Do Burns Occur in Car Accidents?
Burn injuries in car crashes happen more often than many people realize. Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous electrical components, combustible materials, and pressurized systems that can create fire and burn risks during a collision.
Below are the most common scenarios where burn injuries occur.
Vehicle Fires
A high-impact crash can rupture fuel lines, damage fuel tanks, or cause sparks that ignite flammable materials. Fires are most common in severe rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and rollover accidents.
Airbag Deployment
Airbags save lives. They also involve a chemical reaction that inflates an airbag, which produces heat and can release irritants. Victims may experience chemical burns or friction burns when the airbag deploys at high speed. Although these burns are typically moderate, they can still require medical attention.
Hot Metal, Fluids, and Steam
After a collision, vehicle components can reach extremely high temperatures. Contact with hot metal or escaping steam can cause second or third-degree burns. Likewise, scalding injuries can result from leaking coolant, oil, and hydraulic fluid.
Chemical Burns
Vehicles contain battery acid and other corrosive chemicals. In a crash, a battery may rupture and leak dangerous substances that can burn the skin or eyes. These burns can continue to worsen without immediate treatment.
Electrical Burns
Severe accidents can expose wiring or damage the vehicle’s electrical system. A victim can suffer serious electrical burns by touching live wires or short circuits. These injuries often require specialized medical evaluation.
Explosions
Explosions are rare, but they can occur. Explosions often cause devastating fourth-degree burns and widespread injuries.
Contact a St. Charles Burn Injury Lawyer for Help After a Collision
Burn injuries in car crashes can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. These injuries require prompt medical care and often demand extensive treatment.
If you suffered a burn injury because of another driver’s negligence, a St. Charles car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need for medical care and other damages. Contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights.