Burn Injuries Caused by a Car Accident
Per the University of Miami (UM), some burn injuries after a car accident include first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. These conditions each have their own symptoms and may require medical attention based on their severity. If you suffered burn injuries after a car accident, you should visit a healthcare provider at your earliest convenience.
If you suffered injuries in a collision, you could have legal options. Our car accident lawyer can help you file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the liable party. Call our team today at (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation.
What To Know About the Types of Burn Injuries You Could Suffer After a Car Accident
The following information is not intended to serve as medical advice. You should visit a doctor to assess your injuries after you sustain a burn in a car accident.
Here’s what to know about burns after a car collision:
First-Degree Burns Seldom Require Medical Attention
First-degree burns damage the top layer of the skin. Sunburns are generally first-degree burns. These conditions can cause swelling, redness, and pain. They usually heal on their own within seven to 10 days, according to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
Yet, what may initially appear as a first-degree burn could worsen over time. In that instance, one should visit a healthcare provider at their earliest convenience. A professional can prevent the first-degree burn from worsening and render the necessary treatment.
Second-Degree Burns Increase the Risk of Infection
Second-degree burns damage the top layer of the skin, along with the other few layers beneath it. Symptoms include:
- Blisters
- Redness, ranging from bright pink to dark red
- Weeping skin (or skin that appears wet)
- Severe pain
As a second-degree burn heals, the blisters may pop, opening the body up to infection. This can exacerbate the symptoms the injured person feels. For instance, if one of the blisters bursts open, one could suffer a bacterial or viral infection. These illnesses can cause headaches, fever, nausea, and general malaise.
Third-Degree Burns Are Serious Matters
Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention, as they damage all layers of the skin and tissue underneath. These injuries are generally painless because they destroy nerve endings. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of third-degree burns include:
- Black, brown, or pale white skin
- A leathery-looking appearance
- Numbness
- Swelling
Third-degree burns can result in soft-tissue damage, disfigurement, and other lifelong conditions. A doctor can assess your condition and explain what treatments could help you reach maximum medical improvement.
What Is “Road Burn”?
Road burn (also known as “road rash”) is a car accident injury that differs from the three burn types listed above. That’s because these conditions can happen without the presence of chemicals or extreme heat. Road rash happens when someone slides across the pavement, and the friction causes abrasions.
After assessing one’s injury, a doctor may recommend skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and antiviral medications.
What Should I Do After Suffering a Burn Injury in a Car Accident?
After suffering burns in a car accident, you should:
Visit a Healthcare Provider
You shouldn’t measure a burn’s severity on its pain level alone. You should seek a healthcare professional to get an informed decision. They can evaluate your condition, administer treatment, and offer post-visit instructions.
Adhere to Your Treatment Plan
In addition to visiting a doctor immediately after your accident, you should adhere to your treatment plan in its entirety. This may involve:
- Taking medications to avoid infection
- Staying hydrated to promote healing
- Getting a tetanus shot
- Regularly changing soiled bandaging
- Using prescription creams and ointments
- Undergoing ultrasound therapy
Your doctor may also recommend that you attend physical and occupational therapy if your burn injuries affect your mobility. You should attend each of those appointments, even if you feel “fine” in your collision’s aftermath.
Notify the Insurer of the Accident
Even if you’re not sure about filing an insurance claim, you should notify your insurer anyway. Your insurer wants to know about the incident as soon as it happens. That way, it can start processing your claim and preparing for negotiations.
Be sure to notify your insurer in writing, whether that means keeping copies of an email or screenshotting messages from an app. By doing so, you prevent the insurer from denying that it ever learned of your claim.
Consider Your Legal Options
After suffering burns in a car accident, you have the right to partner with an Miami personal injury lawyer. To advance your claim or lawsuit, our team can:
- Gather supporting evidence
- Consult with accident reconstruction specialists
- Evaluate your damages and their cost
- File your case
- Adhere to all filing deadlines
- Determine the cause of your accident
- Identify the liable parties
Throughout our partnership, we will update you on your case. That way, you can make decisions that benefit your pursuit of compensation.
Consult With the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato To Discuss Your Burn Injury Case
If you suffered burn injuries after a car accident, you should visit a healthcare provider immediately. First-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns can cause serious health complications––some of which could have life-threatening results.
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato stands ready to manage your claim or lawsuit if you decide to pursue compensation. Contact us to learn more about your options in a free, no-obligation case review, dial (954) 633-8270.
