 Several thousand pounds of metal traveling at high or even moderate speeds can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, automobile accidents caused more than 42,000 deaths in 2006. The Burn Resource Center reports car crashes and severe burns are the top two killers in America for accident-related deaths. When these two dangers combine, the results can be catastrophic.
Along with the combustible material used to power a vehicle, many other flammable materials are in a car, including the upholstery in the seats and the plastic on the dashboard. While current standards require that such materials be flame-resistant, anything will burn if a fire is hot enough. If you or a loved one is burned in a car accident, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a burn injury attorney or car accident lawyer. Cars cause burns Most vehicles today run on internal combustion engines and rely on some type of flammable liquid to provide power. When this liquid is released from its container, the fumes can become highly explosive. Much research has gone into trying to protect gasoline tanks in car accidents, but gas still can leak out. Not all burns received from an automobile occur in a crash. Heat builds up in several areas of a running car. The engine compartment and exhaust system can get very hot and, if touched, can cause a serious burn. Touching a battery may cause an electrical burn, and improperly charging a battery can cause acid to leak and cause chemical burns. Burn injury attorneys can assist
Fires in motorcycle accidents are far more common than car fires. The gas tank is exposed and, especially in the case of a slide, may become ruptured. If there are sparks, fumes from the fuel may ignite and set fire to the bike and the rider. When a vehicle burns, move yourself and others as far away from it as possible. But if a victim is pinned in a car and there is no evidence of fire, such as smoke, it is best to leave them where they are, since moving an injured person might injure them further. Also, contact authorities immediately and stay out of smoke and fumes. If you or a loved one has been injured or burned in a car accident, contact a burn injury attorney or car accident lawyer from Jim S. Adler & Associates. The firm offers a free case evaluation. |
