Car Accident Fires & Explosions Can Cause Life-Threatening and Long-Term Injury

Just about any sort of car accident can result in a catastrophic injury, of course. But when that accident results in a fire and an explosion, the damage can be horrific, and life-altering. These kinds of injuries can lead to not only a lifetime of pain and misery, but also incredibly expensive medical bills.

The automobile accident attorneys with The Jones Law Group have a deep understanding of this area of the law, and a long track record of helping accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in a car accident that leads to a fire and explosion, and the accident was not your fault, we’ll do everything we can to make sure your rights are protected, and you receive justice for your suffering.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free review of your case. You can contact us online, or you can call (727) 571-1333.

Types of Injuries Caused by Car Fires and Explosions

When someone is hurt in a car wreck that results in a fire and explosion, it’s usually pretty obvious that they will more than likely suffer a burn. But there can be other injuries as well. An explosion can be so powerful that it can knock a person to the ground, resulting in not only a concussion, but broken bones, muscle damage and more.

What Causes a Vehicle to Catch on Fire or Explode?

Safety experts will commonly use an acronym – BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion) – to explain why automobiles explode when an accident occurs. In a nutshell, this means that the pressurized liquid in a car (examples include air conditioning refrigerant, gasoline, oil and others) gets to a temperature that is higher than its boiling point. Once that happens, an explosion will very likely be imminent.

But there can also be certain types of manufacturer’s defects that could also contribute to a fire and explosion. If the fuel tank is defective, for example, then a devastating fire will almost certainly occur. The same can be said for defective wiring, a faulty battery, or a defective airbag.

Can Vehicle Explosions Hurt Bystanders?

Without a doubt. In fact, anyone who is anywhere close to a vehicle explosion can be severely hurt. When an explosion occurs, the concussive force can be so great that it can send someone flying through the air. Projectiles, such as metal and glass shards, can crush bones and tear muscles and tissues. The resulting injuries can lead to a lifetime of debilitation – if the victim is able to survive the impact.

This is one of the biggest reasons why any car accident victim, whether they were in the wreck or just an innocent bystander, must hire skilled legal representation as soon as they can. It will be their best – possibly only – chance to obtain the money it will take to treat their injuries.

Long-Term Damage Associated with Burns, Amputation, and More

The long-term effects of a burn injury can be devastating. Even a so-called “minor” first-degree burn can be incredibly painful, even though it will usually heal on its own. When someone suffers a second- or third-degree burn, the damage can be catastrophic.

While a first-degree burn affects the outermost layer of skin, a second-degree burn goes much deeper. It not only leads to excruciating pain, it also leads to an increased risk of a potentially dangerous infection, as well as other possible medical issues.

Third-degree burns are even worse, as much as that might not even seem possible. They penetrate not only through all levels of skin, they can also damage muscles, fat and also bones. These kinds of burns often lead to nerve damage – much of which can be permanent – as well as potentially deadly infections. The pain can be so great it can send the victim into shock. If a burn is extensive enough, it may be impossible to save the affected limb. If that’s the case, amputation will be needed.

As you might expect, intensive medical treatment will be required when someone suffers a second- or third-degree burn. Pain medication will often have to be administered intravenously to help a victim cope with the agonizing pain. Extensive surgery will often be needed as well, not only to remove damaged tissue, but also to graft new skin to the affected area.

The bills for this kind of treatment can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars – or possibly even more. But an experienced attorney can help a victim obtain the compensation needed to help pay for all of their medical care.

Filing a Wrongful Death Case on Behalf of a Loved One

It’s easy to see how injuries from a car accident that results in a fire and an explosion could eventually prove to be fatal. If this tragedy occurs, the family members of the loved one may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Obviously, there’s no amount of money that can be any sort of substitute for this type of loss. However, family members may be able to seek justice. They may also be able to obtain compensation that can help replace the income their deceased loved one provided.

How to Receive the Compensation You Deserve

Whether you have suffered an injury or lost a beloved family member, you’re going to need hard evidence in order to have a realistic chance to obtain full and fair compensation. Your only chance of uncovering that evidence will be hiring a seasoned car wreck attorney as soon as you possibly can.

Time will be of the essence, because an investigation into the accident will need to begin immediately. Critical evidence can be lost very quickly, due to changing road conditions. This can happen due to weather, road construction, or other factors. The earlier you get legal help, the earlier that investigation can start. An attorney can also bring in expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf, making your case even stronger.

The Jones Law Group has a team of attorneys who are very familiar with accident scene investigations. We also have relationships with a wide range of experts who could help prove your case. Call us at (727) 571-1333 or contact us online if you would like a free consultation to learn more about how we may be of assistance.x