Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities across the United States, and New Jersey is no exception. Among the various types of injuries that can occur during a car accident, burn injuries are particularly severe and can have long-lasting consequences. These injuries, in many cases, lead to extensive medical treatment, with surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation sometimes endured. It’s important to understand what you’re in for if you have suffered a burn injury and need to file a car accident claim in NJ. Everything you need to know will be covered in the following article.

Burn injuries can occur due to several factors during a car accident, such as vehicle fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or chemicals. The severity of these injuries can range from minor first-degree burns to life-threatening third-degree burns that penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues. Victims of car accidents who suffer burn injuries not only face physical and emotional pain but also significant financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost income.

For legal help, call the car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Burn Injuries in Car Accidents

Burn injuries in car accidents can occur in various ways. The most common cause is a vehicle fire or explosion that resulted from a collision. Gasoline and other flammable substances in the vehicle can ignite upon impact, leading to intense fires that can trap occupants inside the car. In some cases, electrical malfunctions or battery explosions can also cause fires.

Another cause of burn injuries is contact with hot surfaces, such as metal parts of the vehicle that have been heated by friction during the crash. Additionally, exposure to chemicals, such as battery acid or coolant, can cause chemical burns, which are particularly dangerous as they can continue to damage the skin tissues even after the initial exposure.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified into three main categories based on their severity:

1. First-Degree Burns: These burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and are usually characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. While first-degree burns are painful, they typically heal without causing permanent damage.
2. Second-Degree Burns: These burns extend beyond the epidermis and affect the underlying layer of skin (dermis). Second-degree burns often result in blisters, severe pain, and potential scarring. Depending on the depth and extent of the burn, medical treatment may be necessary to promote healing and prevent complications.
3. Third-Degree Burns: The most severe type of burn, third-degree burns, penetrate through all layers of the skin and may damage underlying tissues such as muscles and bones. These burns can cause numbness due to nerve damage and often require extensive medical intervention, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

In the context of car accidents, third-degree burns are particularly concerning due to the prolonged exposure to flames or hot surfaces that can occur if a victim is trapped in a vehicle.

Legal Options for Burn Injuries in NJ Car Accident Claims

When pursuing a personal injury claim for burn injuries that occurred in a car accident in New Jersey, establishing liability is the most important step. To recover compensation, the victim must prove that another party's negligence or wrongdoing caused the accident and the resulting injuries. This could involve showing that the other driver was at fault due to reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or other negligent behaviors.

In some cases, liability may also extend to third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or repair shops, if the burn injuries were caused by a defective part or improper maintenance that contributed to the accident or fire.

Comparative Negligence in New Jersey

New Jersey follows comparative negligence rules, which means that if the injured party is even deemed partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 30%.

This rule underscores the importance of having legal representation to ensure that fault is accurately assessed and that the victim’s compensation is not unfairly reduced.

Compensation for Burn Injuries

Victims of burn injuries in car accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, which may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical treatment required for burn injuries.
• Lost Wages: If the burn injuries prevent the victim from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income during their recovery period. In cases of severe injuries that result in permanent disability, the victim may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Burn injuries can cause intense physical pain and emotional distress. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering they endure as a result of their injuries.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Burn injuries often leave permanent scars and disfigurement, which can have a profound impact on the victim’s quality of life. Compensation may be awarded to address these long-term effects.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Navigating New Jersey car accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.