In Corpus Christi, car accidents happen every day. Sometimes, vehicle fuel can ignite, leading to fires that cause burn injuries. Sadly, burn injuries from car accidents can change a victim’s life forever. Although they occur in less than .1% of non-fatal traffic crashes, they are extremely dangerous and tragic when they do happen.
If you’ve suffered burn injuries resulting from a car accident in Corpus Christi, you deserve justice. A Corpus Christi burn injury lawyer can help. The top Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw have years of experience fighting for clients to get them the compensation they’re rightfully owed after suffering burn injuries in a car accident.
Severity of BurnsBurn injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the circumstances of your accident. Minor burns don’t require medical attention, but severe burns can be life-threatening. The following are the different severities of burns you may suffer and their characteristics:
First degree
First degree burns are minor burns that only affect the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. These are typically very painful and may appear red and dry. Usually, these will heal within three to five days and do not cause any long-term damage. A common example of a first degree burn is a sunburn.
Second degree
More severe than first degree burns, second degree burns penetrate the epidermis and affect part of the second layer of skin known as the dermis. Second degree burns are pink or red and may blister. Second degree burns can take several weeks to heal, and they may require skin grafting in more extreme cases.
Third degree
A third degree burn destroys both the epidermis and dermis and can affect the underlying tendons, muscles, and bones. Third degree burns will look dry and leathery and can be black or white. Additionally, third degree burns will cause permanent tissue damage, scarring, and extreme damage to nerve endings. Skin grafting as well as cosmetic surgery is usually necessary.
Fourth degree
Of all burns, fourth degree burns are the most severe. Fourth degree burns damage all layers of skin and also impact the underlying muscles, bones, and tendons. Skin grafting is common with fourth degree burns, as well as amputations.
No matter the severity of your burn injury, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. A personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi can help you fight for proper compensation.
Who is Liable?After suffering burn injuries in a car wreck in Corpus Christi, a number of parties could be potentially liable depending on the circumstances of your accident:
The at-fault driver
In most cases, the driver who caused the wreck will be at fault. When another driver causes your injuries, they should be held responsible for your damages. If you’re partially at fault, you can still recover compensation.
Texas is a modified comparative fault state, meaning you can collect damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. If you are found partially at fault, however, your damages will be reduced accordingly. To learn more, speak with a Corpus Christi burn injury lawyer.
The driver’s employer
If the other driver who caused your accident is on the job, their employer could be responsible. For example, Lyft or Uber will pay for damages when their drivers have a passenger or are on their way to pick up a rider.
Parts manufacturer
Sometimes, faulty parts cause burn injuries in car wrecks. A poorly designed fuel tank that increases the likelihood of fire, for instance, can be grounds for a parts manufacturer to be responsible for damages. An attorney can explain further.
If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries after a car wreck, a personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi can be there for you. Our top Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw know how to get you and your family proper justice.
Call today at 800-862-1260 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.