You’re carefully driving along when all of a sudden another vehicle rear ends you. As if this weren’t traumatic enough, your car bursts into flames, leaving painful burns all over your body. While most people will never experience this, those who have lived to tell the tale will share that car burn injuries are excruciating and devastating.
Even if you’re in a fender bender, there’s no reason why your car should go up in flames. In too many instances, car fires are due to manufacturer defects and not the impact. If you’ve been burned in an auto accident, attorney Eric R. Bernstein may be able to get you monetary compensation from the auto maker.
Types of Burns Experienced in Car Accidents
The burn units at most hospitals are equipped to handle many different types of burns, although some more traumatic burns may be referred to a different facility. Depending on the severity of the burns, your injuries will be classified as one of the following:
- First-Degree Burns. The most minor burn injuries are labeled as first-degree. These burns are limited to the top layer of the skin and usually heal quickly, without complication.
- Second-Degree Burns. If the burn reaches the second layer of the skin, it’s labeled as second-degree. It’s common to develop blistering and painful swelling. These burns are also likely to heal on their own.
- Third-Degree Burns. Third-degree burns are especially serious, as they involve all three layers of skin. Victims of third-degree burns are often left with significant scarring, and amputation may be necessary.
- Fourth-Degree Burns. The most dangerous burns are fourth-degree. Not only is the skin burned, but the victim may also have damage to their bones, tendons and muscles. Skin grafts and amputations are often needed. Unfortunately, death is also common.
When the Auto Manufacturer Is to Blame
All vehicles must undergo safety inspections and trials before they’re sold to the public. All too often, however, manufacturers don’t fix simple issues that could prevent a car fire. These may include:
- Improper placement of gas tank. If the gas tank is too close to the rear axle or placed on the side of the vehicle, the tank is more prone to exploding during a collision
- Defective fuel pump. When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the fuel pump should immediately shut off. However, if the fuel pump is defective, it may continue to push gasoline into the lines, thus resulting in a car fire.
Seeking Compensation
No matter the reason why your vehicle exploded during a collision, someone should be held responsible. A defective vehicle attorney like Eric R. Bernstein is the best person to handle your case. Please call us today for a free claim evaluation.
