Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, and among them are devastating burn injuries. When a crash results in a fire, explosion, or exposure to chemicals, victims may suffer burns that cause long-term physical and emotional damage. These injuries can range from mild to life-threatening, and the path to recovery is often long and complex.
A study from the National Library of Medicine examined 178 individuals who sustained burns in car accidents. On average, about one-third of their bodies were burned. Sadly, about 1 in 4 of these patients died. Those who died had severe burns over about two-thirds of their body and were likely to have suffered an inhalation injury from breathing in smoke. The study shows what we already know to be true: car accident burn injuries are dangerous and fatal.
Our South Carolina burn injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can work with professionals to investigate what caused the fire in your car accident case. Attorneys Mark Joye and Melissa Mosier, both members of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, bring a deep understanding of the complexities involved in serious vehicle crash cases, including those involving burn injuries.
If you have suffered a burn injury in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligent, careless, or reckless act, you could be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury. You may also be entitled to compensation if a flawed vehicle design or manufacturing problem contributed to the fire, regardless of who was to blame for the crash.
Seeking Help from an Injury Lawyer After Suffering Burns in a Car Accident
Burn injuries caused by car accidents can change a person’s life forever. Whether you are dealing with a superficial burn, full thickness burns, or electrical burns from a battery fire, the recovery process is complicated and costly.
Since 1968, the Joye Law Firm has helped South Carolinians who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. In the time, we’ve built a reputation as leaders in the legal field, gaining the respect of our peers and the judiciary. Attorney Mark Joye, who has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers for Personal Injury in Charleston and Product Liability “Lawyer of the Year” in 2020, leads a team deeply committed to justice. We’re proud that he and multiple other attorneys at Joye Law Firm have been included in South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for their work in Personal Injury.
Because of our unique case experience, our team understands the profound impact of severe burns on lives and what it takes to successfully pursue justice and secure compensation for your injuries, medical treatments, and losses. We’ll work diligently to guide you through every step of your burn injury claim so you can focus on getting better. We have the real-world experience you need in your corner. For example:
Our attorneys secured a $17 million jury verdict for the surviving family members of a young couple and their 7-month-old child, who were tragically killed on I-95 while on their way home from Disney World. A negligent 18-wheeler failed to slow down for stopped construction traffic and slammed into the back of the family’s small SUV, causing it to burst into flames from the devastating impact. In a horrific scene, the victims suffered catastrophic bodily trauma and fatal burn injuries. Knowing the battle that lay ahead, the surviving family members sought help in holding the trucking company accountable for this preventable tragedy.
Car Accident, Fires, and Burn Injuries Statistics
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides comprehensive data on vehicle fires in the United States, highlighting their frequency, causes, and impacts.
Between 2013 and 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 181,700 highway vehicle fires annually. These incidents resulted in approximately 355 civilian deaths, 1,172 injuries, and $1.3 billion in direct property damage each year. Highway vehicle fires accounted for 92% of all reported vehicle fires, 91% of vehicle fire deaths, 81% of vehicle fire injuries, and 74% of vehicle fire-related property damage.
The primary causes of these fires were mechanical failures or malfunctions, followed by electrical failures or malfunctions. Notably, older vehicles were more susceptible, with three-quarters of highway vehicle fires caused by mechanical or electrical failures involving vehicles aged 10 years or older.
Collisions were the leading cause of vehicle fire deaths, accounting for 63% of such fatalities. This underscores the heightened risk of fire-related deaths when crashes occur.
In 2018, an estimated 212,500 vehicle fires occurred in the U.S., leading to 560 civilian deaths, 1,500 injuries, and $1.9 billion in direct property damage. Vehicle fires represented 16% of the 1.3 million fires reported to U.S. fire departments that year. They also accounted for 15% of all civilian fire deaths and 10% of all reported civilian fire injuries.
These statistics show the impact of vehicle fires on public safety and property. They also highlight the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and safety measures to mitigate risks.
Types of Burn Injuries That Can Result from a Car Accident
When people think of burns, they often imagine flames from a fire. While thermal burns caused by direct heat are common in car crashes, there are several other types of burn injuries that may occur in these situations.
- Thermal burns: occur when the skin comes into contact with hot surfaces, flames, or scalding liquids. In a car accident, they can result from contact with engine components, seatbelt latches, or airbag deployment.
- Chemical burns: car batteries, airbag propellants, and leaking fluids can all release hazardous substances. Battery acid and other toxic substances can cause chemical burns if they come into contact with the skin or eyes.
- Electrical burns: exposed wires, damaged batteries, and electric vehicle systems pose electrical risks during or after a crash. These burns can cause internal tissue damage even when the skin looks unharmed.
- Inhalation burns: Smoke and toxic fumes from burning plastic, upholstery, or fuel can damage the lungs and airways. Inhalation injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
