Thermal, chemical and electrical burns are possible results of car accidents. Each comes with varying degrees of severity and needs different medical attention. They are often painful and pose a high risk of infection.
When recovering from a burn, knowing the basic details may help you handle the process and understand what goes into its cost and treatment.
Causes of burns in a car accident
Thermal burns often result from touching hot surfaces, which may mean hot debris in an accident or even prolonged contact after an airbag deployment.
Chemical burns may occur if the vehicle leaks chemicals on exposed skin.
Electrical burns happen if you contact live, fallen wires or exposed currents from your vehicle’s active electrical systems.
Severity of burns
Burns may be mild or life-threatening depending on their degree:
- First-degree burns affect your outer layer and may appear red and painful
- Second-degree burns affect the dermis of your skin and may blister
- Third-degree burns destroy two full layers of skin and may not be painful due to damaged nerve endings
- Fourth-degree burns affect skin, bone and muscle with a high risk of complications
Treatment ranges from skin care products and pain management for lighter burns to intravenous antibiotics and skin grafts for serious cases. In all cases, it may be prudent to contact a medical professional.
Car accident burns result in physical pain, emotional stress and financial costs. If your injury is the result of a negligent car accident, there may be options available to help recover some of these costs.