Auto accidents can result in a variety of injuries. While some injuries are minor, others are very serious and can be debilitating or life-threatening. One potentially serious injury are burns. While it is rare that cars catch on fire, when it happens the results can be devastating. Sometimes, the impact of two cars colliding can cause a fuel tank to burst or a damaged engine to catch on fire. Some car fires start as a result of a defect in the vehicle. Whatever the cause, it is a horrifying experience for those trapped inside of a car on fire.

When drivers and passenger suffer severe burns in a crash, their entire lives can be impacted. For example, some of the long-term consequences of a burn injury can include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Nerve damage
  • Psychological trauma
  • Inability to work and earn an income

Sadly, when victims have burns over 50 to 80 percent of their bodies, as car accident burn victims often do, they can be permanently disfigured or disabled. Additionally, burns can lead to dehydration, infection, and internal injuries. As a result, burn victims typically need emergency surgery, plastic surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

Serious Burns Need Serious Compensation

Because of the severe and painful injuries that result when a car goes up in flames, victims need compensation that equals their serious burn injuries. Not only will victims have to cover medical treatment, but they often need to collect money for lost income because they have been unable to work while they are recovering.

When someone’s life is turned upside down in one terrifying moment, that person will need counseling to deal with their life-changing injuries and for the psychological trauma they are experiencing. Because being trapped in a car on fire can cause nightmares, fear, and anxiety, many burn victims need ongoing counseling to deal with those issues as well as the reality of their new injuries.

It is important that victims of car fires make sure they are not only compensated for their medical bills, but that they are also compensated for their emotional distress, psychological trauma, lost income, future lost wages, future medical treatment, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters will do everything they can to not pay you the money you deserve. This is why many burn victims turn to experienced lawyers to make sure they make the best financial recovery possible, especially since they are dealing with their own physical recovery. Victims of car accidents can consult with Nickelsporn & Lundin, PC by calling (301) 942-9118.