Understanding Your Rights After Damages from a Truck Fire Harm You: Burn Injuries After an 18 Wheeler Wreck in New Mexico
No one ever expects to be involved in a commercial trucking accident and most people are aware of the injuries that can occur as a result of a commercial trucking accident. Most people think of broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and internal injuries as common injuries that occur due to a commercial trucking accident. However, one type of injury that can be quite painful, catastrophic and disabling is burn injuries after an 18 wheeler wreck. Burn injuries can be mild or serious, and can lead to serious damages such as scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, infections, or other negative outcomes. This is why, if you or your loved one has been involved in a commercial trucking accident and suffered burn injuries, you should contact an experienced trucking lawyer who can help you to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced trucking accident lawyers handle trucking accidents involving fires or explosions that result in catastrophic personal injuries. This includes catastrophic personal injuries such as burn injuries after an 18 wheeler wreck. if you or a loved one were seriously injured, please call our experienced attorneys to learn how we can help your during a FREE consultation.
Why Do Burn Injuries Occur in Commercial Trucking Accidents?
There are many reasons as to why commercial trucking accidents can lead to fires and burn injuries. The first reason is that often times the cargo they are carrying may be flammable. Often times, truck drivers are hauling flammable contents such as fuel, which can lead to a serious fire or explosion if a collision occurs. This is a common cause of burn injuries after an 18 wheeler wreck.
Other times, shorted or severed wiring or fluid leaks from lines or hoses that are damaged in the collision can lead to a fire starting. Sadly, the impact of a commercial truck can leave victims trapped in their vehicles once they are struck. If a fire ignites, this can leave victims trapped in their car to suffer horrific burn injuries or even death.
What are the Types of Burns Victims Can Sustain in Commercial Trucking Accidents?
There are four different stages of burns a victim can sustain in a semi-tractor trailer accident. The stages of burns include the following:
- First-degree – Burns of this degree cause minimal damage to the surface of the skin, but are very painful and require close observation
- Second-degree – Victims with second degree burns have blisters, swelling and redness of the affected area. Victims also suffer severe pain. This type of burn requires medical treatment, and may develop into a third degree burn if not treated appropriately.
- Third-degree – A third degree burn is a severe type of burn. Victims skin may have charring or may be translucent white or ashen. Numbness is common.
- Fourth-degree – This is the most severe type of burn. This type of burn may be life-threatening, and injures the muscles, bones, and tendons. The nerve endings are often destroyed and victims suffer little pain as a result. Significant scarring is seen with fourth degree burns.
What Damages is a Victim of a Burn Injury Due to a Commercial Trucking Accident Eligible For?
There are many different damages that a victim of a commercial trucking accident who suffers a burn injury may be eligible for. Damages in trucking accidents are often awarded in the form of compensation with the purpose of damages being compensation for any injuries or any other negative outcomes a victim sustains as a result of the trucking accident. Common damages for victims who sustain burn injuries include the following:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Rehabilitation
- Assistive devices
- Funeral and burial costs, and
- Other damages related to a crash.
If You Were Injured in an 18 Wheeler Wreck Caused by a Fire or Explosion, Learn How We Can Help You Recovery Compensation for Burn Injuries After an 18 Wheeler Wreck in New Mexico
Our experienced trucking accident lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. offer a FREE consultation to learn what your rights to compensation may be under New Mexico law. We have a proven track record of success and we have been dedicated to victims and their families for over 30 years. To learn more about our law firm, please call (505) 384-7865.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 384-7865 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.