Each year, 1.19 million people die in road traffic crashes. In high-impact crashes, fuel tanks can rupture, electrical systems may short-circuit, and heated engine fluids can ignite, turning a collision into a traumatic event. These hazards can lead to fires, explosions, contact with superheated components, or electrical shocks from damaged wiring. The resulting injuries can range from broken bones to severe burns, often leaving victims with permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-term disabilities.
The most common causes of car accidents are traffic congestion, reckless driving, faulty traffic lights, careless bicyclists and pedestrians, weather conditions, random road debris and potholes, and faulty cars caused by negligent manufacturing.
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we understand the destructive nature of post-collision burn injuries. If your injuries were caused by a preventable fire due to a vehicle defect or someone else's negligence, it's crucial to speak with an experienced attorney right away to understand your rights and explore your legal options.
We're experienced in motor vehicle accident burns and can help you build a case that will hold negligent parties accountable.
How Car Accidents Cause Burn Injuries
Burn injuries in motor vehicle accidents in Florida can happen through several mechanisms that include direct contact with flames from explosions, contact with hot surfaces or liquids, and even electrical malfunctions that can occur in both high and low-impact car crashes.
1. Fires or Explosions After Impact
The most feared outcome of a vehicular accident is fire or explosion, as fuel tanks, gas lines, plastic, and pressurized components can rupture during a collision.
Factors that can start fires or explosions:
- Engine compartments with plastic components
- Defective fuel systems
Collision fires can engulf a vehicle within seconds, often trapping victims inside, and can result in third-degree burns, respiratory damage, and even death.
2. Contact with Hot Engine Components or Fluids
Even when a crash does not result in open flames, there are still burn hazards. During collisions, engines run at extremely high temperatures that may rupture liquid chemicals under pressure.
Victims can suffer burns from:
- Radiator steam or coolant leaks
- Engine oil and transmission fluids
- Heated exhaust pipes or manifolds
- Exposed metal components
Direct contact with hot surfaces or hazardous fluids during a crash can lead to thermal or chemical burns.
3. Electrical Hazards or Wiring Failures
Another burn risk you should be aware of is electrical hazards. These can arise from damaged power lines and short circuits within the vehicle or other electrical failures that can pass electricity through the body, causing tissue damage and deep burns, including muscle spasms caused by electrical shock and internal damage.
Possible Risk Factors:
- Lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles
- Exposed wiring
- Defective electrical systems
Who is Liable for Burn Injuries Resulting from a Vehicle Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the collision, several parties may be held liable for your burn injuries, negligent individuals in a circumstance where an accident happened due to unsafe property conditions, careless drivers who caused the crash, vehicle manufacturers for faulty design, commercial car maintenance companies for inadequate vehicle maintenance, and rideshare companies in an event where the vehicle was operating under their service during the incident.
The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary ensures that a thorough investigation will be performed to determine fault and liability. We examine accident reports, medical records, expert assessments, and vehicle defects to ensure that the legal compensation you receive is adequate.
Compensation for Burn Injuries Acquired in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Burn injuries often require multiple surgeries, long-term care, and psychological support. The compensation amount depends on the circumstances of your burn accident and the injuries you incurred. Sean M. Cleary, our burn injury lawyer, will fight to build your case and secure full compensation for the victims of burn injuries resulting from vehicular accidents.
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we help injured victims file claims to recover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
How The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Can Help You
Legal action should be taken immediately after a car crash-related burn injury has been acquired. Our team will thoroughly guide you throughout the process. To build a strong case, we encourage you to collect the following evidence: medical documentation of the burn injury, photos of the crash scene and the injuries, a list of eyewitnesses, police and fire department reports, and any evidence of vehicular malfunctions or defects. To preserve valuable data, avoid making repairs to the vehicle until our experts can analyze the circumstances of the collision. Once we receive the necessary documents, The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary will evaluate your case for free.