Car accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, including burns. Burn injuries are traumatic physically as well as emotionally, and can cause permanent scarring or disfigurement. If you suffer from burn injuries following a car crash in San Antonio, learn your legal rights with help from a San Antonio car accident lawyer.
How Car Accidents Can Cause Burn Injuries
A motor vehicle collision can cause serious burn injuries in many different ways. Vehicle occupants could come into contact with various elements that may result in this type of tissue damage. Car accidents can result in thermal, electrical or chemical burn injuries:
- Thermal burns can be caused by sources of heat, such as if the car catches on fire due to a fuel leak or if an explosion occurs.
- Electrical burns can occur from contact with a live source of electricity, such as a vehicle experiencing electrical problems or contact with a downed power line from the crash.
- Chemical burns can happen from exposure to chemicals from the deployment of an airbag as well as contact with leaked chemicals, such as gasoline or battery acid.
Car accidents can also result in friction burns from contact between the skin and the abrasive surface of the road (also known as road rash).
Holding Someone Liable for Your Burn Injuries Following a Car Crash in Texas
You may be eligible for financial compensation for your crash-related burn injuries in Texas if someone else is at fault. If another driver caused the crash, for example, you have grounds to file a claim with this driver’s car insurance company in pursuit of a monetary recovery. If your burns were caused by a defective product within the vehicle, such as electrical problems or a defective airbag, you may also have grounds to file a product liability claim against the product manufacturer.
How to Get Fair Compensation for Burn Injuries After a Car Accident
Burn injuries from automobile accidents can be traumatic in more ways than one. They often require extensive medical treatments and inflict lasting emotional trauma. It is important to know what steps to take to recover fair and full financial compensation for your burn injuries. Otherwise, you could risk settling for less than you need. Take the following steps to improve your odds of securing a fair settlement:
- Gather information: collect documents regarding your burn injuries and the car accident, such as your medical records, photos of the crash scene, a police report and witness statements.
- Follow your treatment plan: keep up with recommended doctor’s appointments and medical care while you heal from your burn injuries. Take pictures as you recover.
- Don’t admit fault: be careful what you say to the other driver, the responding police officer and insurance companies. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident.
- Understand your injuries: it is vital to understand the extent of your burn injuries before filing a claim, including the physical, emotional and financial consequences now and in the future.
- Know your rights: do not accept the first settlement offered to you by an insurance company, as it may be lower than what you deserve. Instead, consult with an attorney.
Burn injuries are often combined with other types of crash-related injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Seek maximum financial compensation for all of your injuries and losses following a car accident by working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Antonio.