Car accidents can lead to a range of severe and life-altering injuries. Burns rank among the most devastating injuries a crash victim can sustain, causing excruciating pain and lasting complications.
Burn injury survivors often face complex medical treatments, mounting expenses, and profound changes to their quality of life. If you suffered burns caused by an auto accident, Virginia law allows you to pursue the compensation that you need to cope with these injuries by filing an insurance claim or Roanoke motor vehicle accident lawsuit.
How Vehicle Fires and Burns Occur During Crashes
In the chaos of a car accident, multiple factors can lead to severe burns. Vehicle fires pose one of the most serious risks during car accidents, often starting within seconds after impact. Ruptured fuel lines, damaged electrical systems, and overheated engines can quickly lead to a fire, leaving occupants with severe thermal burns.
Even without fires, contact with scorching engine parts or exposure to hot fluids like coolant can cause devastating burn injuries. Accidents involving commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials can also lead to burns. When these toxic substances are released during a crash, they can cause chemical burns when they come into contact with the skin and create additional health hazards by releasing harmful fumes.
Complications and Long-Term Impact of Burn Injuries
Severe burns often result in permanent scarring and physical complications. Deep tissue damage can destroy muscle, bone, and nerve endings, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Many survivors experience persistent nerve damage that causes ongoing discomfort or loss of sensation in affected areas.
The rehabilitation process can be grueling, often involving multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive physical therapy sessions that can span months or years. The cost of caring for these injuries can easily total hundreds of thousands of dollars. At the same time, survivors may be unable to work, creating additional financial hardship.
Determining Liability for Burn Injuries in Virginia
Virginia is a fault state when it comes to car accidents, which means that at-fault drivers are financially responsible when they cause a crash. If you were burned in a Virginia auto accident, you can pursue a claim and recover a settlement to help pay for the care and complications associated with your injury.
Multiple parties may be financially responsible for an accident, depending on the cause of the collision. These may include:
- Vehicle manufacturers who produced defective components that led to fires or burns
- Commercial trucking companies responsible for properly securing hazardous materials
- Other drivers whose negligent actions caused the crash
- Government agencies who failed to maintain safe roadway conditions
Determining liability is an important step when pursuing a car accident claim. A Roanoke personal injury attorney can assist in this investigation. They will gather evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and vehicle inspection records while consulting with experts to determine the exact cause of the burns.
Get Help with Your Virginia Burn Injury Case Today
If you were injured in a Virginia car crash, you deserve justice. The attorneys at Monge & Associates can help you navigate this difficult journey and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical care, lost wages, and more. Contact us today at (540) 453-7765 or toll-free at (888) 890-4058 for a free consultation with a Virginia burn injury lawyer.