Our Experienced FL Injury Attorneys Explain How Burn Injuries Are Classified and How They're Treated
Car accident burn injuries are not only painful, they can be life-changing for the victim who is likely to deal with both physical and psychological challenges after the crash. Burn injuries can happen when the victim is directly exposed to flames; some can happen if the victim’s skin makes contact with the hot metallic parts of the car. 
Our skilled car accident attorneys at Spetsas Buist have years of experience helping burn injury victims pursue compensation for their injuries. Here, we discuss the common types of burn injuries, how they’re classified, and how to obtain fair compensation.
Common Types of Car Accident Burn Injuries
The impact of two cars hitting each other can generate a lot of heat. If an accident victim is thrown around violently and comes in contact with the vehicle’s hotspots, they can be severely burned. If you’re burned in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. If not treated immediately, a burn injury can develop into a more serious condition, including dehydration, infection, and permanent scarring. Here are five major types of car accident burns:
- Thermal burns. Thermal burns are caused by flames from an explosion or fire or by touching extremely hot surfaces (like your car’s engine).
- Electrical burns. Electrical burns can be caused by malfunctioning electrical equipment in your car, which may include batteries, wiring, or switches.
- Chemical burns. Chemical burns are caused by exposure to corrosive chemicals. These chemicals may include battery acid, gasoline, or motor oil.
- Scalds. Scalding burns are caused by exposure to the steam from hot liquids. In a car accident, brake fluid, water, and antifreeze can all cause scalding burns.
- Inhalation burns. Inhalation burns are caused by inhalation of smoke or chemical gases during or after an accident.
Common Causes of Car Accident Burn Injuries
There are several ways you might experience a burn injury after a car accident, even without an active car fire. These causes include:
- Airbag deployment and the accompanying release of sodium hydroxide as an aerosol
- Eplosions, such as lithium battery explosions
- Leaked chemicals (battery acid, gasoline, coolant, or oil)
- Electrical problems, especially with electric vehicles
Burn Injury Classifications
Doctors use the following burn classifications to define their severity:
- First-degree burns. First-degree burns are superficial, only injuring the epidermis (the top layer of the skin).
- Second-degree burns. Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis, and they are more severe. If these burns reach deep into the dermis, they may leave scars.
- Third-degree burns. Third-degree burns are quite serious. They may burn the top two layers of skin enough to char, and they can burn subcutaneous fat, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Third-degree burns can also destroy nerve endings in the affected area.
- Fourth-degree burns. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe type of burn. They are life-threatening, damaging every layer of skin, fat, and sometimes muscles and bones.
Burn Injury Symptoms
It’s important to watch for the following burn injury symptoms and seek immediate medical attention after a car accident to get proper treatment, especially if your burns are severe:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain (mild to severe)
- Sensitivity
- Itchiness
- Blisters
- White, thickened skin
- Difficulty breathing (taking shallow breaths)
- Weakness
- Faint pulse
If you wait to seek treatment, your risk of complications from the original burn injury increases. Possible complications of burn injuries include the following:
- Infection
- Sepsis (severe infection that can lead to death)
- Fluid loss
- Respiratory problems
Treatment for Car Accident Burn Injuries in FL
Your burn injury treatment will depend on the severity of the burns you suffered. Treatments may include the following:
- IV fluids
- Sterile bandages over the affected area
- Pain medication
- Skin graft surgery
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
The faster you seek treatment, the better your possible outcomes for healing. Even if you’re unsure a burn needs treatment, check in with your medical provider.
Possible Compensation for FL Car Accident Burn Injuries
Swift medical treatment is also important to help establish a connection between your injury and the accident. Should you choose to file a personal injury claim, showing this connection will be important. If another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior caused the accident where you suffered burn injuries, you may be eligible for compensation.
Possible damages for which you might receive compensation include the following:
- Economic damages. Includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and loss of future income (if your injury prevents you from returning to work)
- Non-economic damages. Includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life
