Burn Injuries in Car Accidents

Aside from being one of the most painful injuries, burns can leave victims with lasting, permanent effects, not only in the form of scarring, but also sometimes with damage to nerves. The psychological impact a burn injury has on a victim is also significant, especially where burns are sustained to the face or other more visible areas. Car accidents can lead to these devastating injuries, sometimes due to an airbag deployment, or, more often, when a vehicle fire results from the collision. The Miami car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist injured victims in seeking the compensation they need, and are entitled to, from a negligent party. As victims take the time needed to heal and recover from their injuries, Robert Dixon and his staff work tirelessly to make sure their legal rights are diligently pursued. Our firm represents clients throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you or someone you love has sustained a burn injury in a car accident, we can help you determine your next legal step. Contact our office to speak with a lawyer and schedule a free consultation to discuss your potential claims.

The U.S. Fire Administration has reported that approximately 171,500 vehicle fires occurred on highways each year from 2014 to 2016. Many of these fires were the result of a collision, as well as mechanical failures. When a vehicle fire does not result in fatalities, victims are often left with significant, life-altering burn injuries. Many factors can contribute to a vehicle fire, including:

• A collision between two vehicles where either, or both, fuel tanks could rupture.
• Defects in the vehicle or one of its parts such as faulty wiring, leaking fluid, and other electrical malfunctions.
• Drivers who smoke in their vehicles may also cause an automobile fire.

When burn injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence in a collision, or by a defective product, the parties responsible should be held legally liable.

Depending on the circumstances, different parties may have contributed to a victim’s burn injuries through their negligent acts. Many times, a car accident results from one or more drivers’ negligence. Motorists owe each other and other road users a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same, or similar circumstances. When a driver breaches that duty, for example, by texting while driving or otherwise acting carelessly, and causes an accident, he or she can be held liable for the injuries that result. If a vehicle’s part is defective, and leads to a burn injury, the manufacturer of the defective product is strictly liable for those injuries. Determining what exactly caused a fire can be difficult, and may require experts who can examine the design or construction of a fuel system, investigation into any parts believed to be defective, as well as an accident reconstruction specialist to recreate how a collision and fire occurred.

Burn victims often must undergo lengthy, and painful, medical treatment that can include surgery, skin grafts, as well as reconstruction and rehabilitative measures. Costs associated with such recovery can also be extensive. Once liable parties are identified, victims may receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Burns are significant, often life-changing injuries that leave victims feeling overwhelmed and helpless. If your burn injuries from a car accident were due to someone else’s careless actions, you may have legal recourse to assist with the costs of your injuries. Lawyer Robert Dixon of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon offers compassionate and seasoned legal representation for those harmed by another’s careless actions. Our firm assists in all phases of your case, from initial investigation into the circumstances leading to an accident, until the conclusion of any necessary litigation. If you have questions regarding your legal rights, please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about your options. We represent clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.