What burn injuries can a car accident cause?
Burn injuries range from minor first-degree burns to severe burns that damage deeper layers of skin and tissue. Road rash in motorcycle and bicycle crashes is a type of friction burn.
Severe burns can require skin grafts, long hospital stays and treatment for scarring.
What are the symptoms of burn injuries?
Burn symptoms include red, blistered, white or charred skin, pain or numbness, and swelling.
- Red, swollen or blistered skin
- White, leathery or charred skin
- Severe pain — or numbness in deep burns
- Peeling skin
- Signs of infection, such as fever or pus
- Trouble breathing after smoke exposure
Smoke inhalation and chemical exposure can cause breathing problems hours later. Get checked if you were near smoke or fumes.
Read more about delayed pain after a car accident.
Why does documenting treatment matter for a claim?
Burn claims depend on records of treatment and photos showing healing and scarring over time.
- Photograph burns and scars regularly.
- Keep all burn center and specialist records.
- Note how scarring affects your daily life.
- Keep the vehicle if a defect may have caused a fire.
How is burn injuries usually treated?
Treatment ranges from wound care to surgery, skin grafts and scar treatment.
Claims often wait until you reach maximum medical improvement, so the full cost of the injury is known. See how long settlements take.