Car crashes don’t just cause broken bones and concussions – fires, chemicals, and friction burns can leave victims with injuries that extend far beyond the surface. While many people associate burns with flames, car accidents can lead to severe burns in ways that are not always obvious. Explosions, hazardous chemicals, and electrical malfunctions can cause life-altering damage, affecting not only the skin but also muscles, nerves, and internal organs.
Burn injuries from car accidents can take many forms, depending on the cause of the injury:
In Los Angeles, where high-speed collisions and congested freeways create dangerous conditions, burn injuries from car accidents are more common than many realize. Fires sparked by fuel leaks, airbag chemicals, and electric vehicle battery malfunctions can all leave drivers and passengers with devastating burns. Even in crashes that don’t involve flames, the heat and friction from skidding across pavement can cause serious wounds. Burn victims often face prolonged hospitalizations, painful treatments, and lifelong medical complications.
Recovering compensation after a severe burn injury is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies frequently downplay the severity of burns, delaying or denying claims to protect their bottom line. But burn injuries are among the most expensive to treat, and victims need full compensation to cover medical care, lost wages, and the physical and emotional toll of their injuries. Without an experienced LA car accident lawyer, victims risk being left with a settlement that falls far short of their long-term needs.
Severe burns can occur in car accidents for a variety of reasons, many of which extend beyond fire-related injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of burn injuries due to car accidents in LA and throughout the San Fernando Valley region.
Regardless of the cause, burn injuries can lead to devastating complications that affect every aspect of a victim’s life.
Severe burns often cause lasting complications beyond the initial healing process. Nerve damage can lead to chronic pain, numbness, or permanent loss of sensation, sometimes requiring surgery. Scar tissue can restrict movement, making physical therapy and additional procedures necessary.
Burn wounds are highly prone to infection, which can lead to sepsis and life-threatening complications. Smoke inhalation can cause lung damage, while severe burns may trigger organ failure or shock. Even with treatment, these issues can extend hospital stays and delay recovery.
Psychological trauma is also common, with many survivors experiencing PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Permanent scarring and lifestyle changes can take a heavy emotional toll. Given the lifelong effects of these injuries, full compensation is not just important, it is essential to rebuilding lives after accidents. Without legal representation, many burn injury victims are pressured into accepting settlements that do not account for these long-term costs.
Burn injury claims are particularly complex, as they often involve extensive medical evidence, multiple liable parties, and aggressive tactics from insurance companies. Insurance companies in California frequently make the process difficult by:
Determining liability can also be complex, especially in cases involving defective vehicles, electrical malfunctions, or hazardous materials. A single crash may involve multiple responsible parties, including negligent drivers, automakers, trucking companies, or even government agencies responsible for road safety.
Proving the full impact of burn injuries requires strong legal advocacy. Without it, victims risk being undercompensated for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and lifelong challenges.
Navigating a burn injury claim is not easy, especially when dealing with uncooperative insurance companies and complicated liability issues. A strong legal advocate can make all the difference by:
Burn injuries change lives, but they should not leave victims struggling to afford the care they need. The legal process can be overwhelming, and insurance companies rarely make it easy, but with the right legal team, burn victims can focus on healing while experienced professionals fight for their rights.
Oaks Law Firm understands the challenges burn injury victims face, and their Los Angeles car accident lawyers know what it takes to maximize compensation. From medical expenses and lost wages to reconstructive surgery and long-term care, they fight for every dollar their clients deserve. If you or a loved one suffered severe burns in a car accident, don’t settle for less than full justice. Contact Oaks Law Firm today for a free consultation and let their team help you take the next step toward recovery.
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Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “The Hidden Dangers of Burn Injuries in LA Car Accidents: More Than Just Skin Deep.”
