Truck accidents don’t always end at the point of impact, as commercial trucks frequently carry flammable cargo like diesel fuel and industrial materials. These materials may catch on fire in some situations, creating conditions that can potentially leave victims with severe burn injuries.
Burns are among the most painful and physically debilitating injuries a person can suffer. If you’ve sustained burn injuries in a Tennessee truck accident, you may have the right to pursue significant compensation from the responsible parties. Here’s what you should know.
What Are the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are classified by degree, and each level carries different risks and treatment needs:
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin and typically heal without medical intervention
- Second-degree burns penetrate deeper and often cause blistering and a risk of infection
- Third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of the skin and can damage the tissue underneath, usually requiring surgery and skin grafting
- Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and reach other parts of the body, like muscles, often resulting in permanent disability
Recovery from serious burns is rarely a quick process; victims frequently endure multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy. Scarring and disfigurement are common, and many burn survivors also deal with psychological impacts like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Truck Accidents Lead to Burn Injuries
Several factors make truck accidents more likely to involve these injuries than a typical car accident. For one, the size of a commercial truck’s fuel tank alone creates a significant hazard. Most semi-trucks carry between 100 and 300 gallons of diesel, and a ruptured tank can ignite on contact.
Hazardous materials are another major concern. Trucks hauling volatile substances can create an even more dangerous situation if their cargo is compromised in a crash. Victims trapped inside their vehicles are especially vulnerable, as they may have no way to escape before a fire spreads.
Electrical fires are also possible. Damaged wiring from the force of the collision can spark and ignite nearby materials. In some cases, victims suffer burns not during the initial crash but in the moments immediately after, while trying to exit their vehicle or help others. Our knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Nashville can help if you suffered injuries in an avoidable wreck.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Truck Accident in Tennessee?
It’s not uncommon for trucking companies and their insurers to try shifting blame onto the victim after a serious crash, but don’t let that discourage you from pursuing a claim.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault law with a 50% bar. This means that you can still recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault stays below 50%. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you respond to any allegations of shared fault so that you can maintain the full value of your claim.
Contact Woodard Injury Law for Help With Your Tennessee Truck Accident Case
Burn injuries often carry costs that go far beyond the initial medical bills. Woodard Injury Law is here to help you take action and work toward maximum compensation if this has happened to you after a truck accident in Tennessee.
Give us a call at (615) 314-4626 today to schedule a free consultation. Our legal team has won millions of dollars for our clients to date and will work just as hard for you.