Burn Injuries
Burn injuries sustained in car accidents can leave a victim with devastating health problems and high medical costs. Knoxville car accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe is ready to provide you with the legal counseling you need to recover damages for your injuries. Mr. Hartsoe has represented Tennesseans in their car accident claims throughout his legal career, which spans more than 25 years. He can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Burn Injuries in Car AccidentsBurn injuries are often the result of car fires or explosions caused by mechanical failures or collisions. Mechanical and electrical malfunctions are the most common causes for car fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Between 2006 and 2010, mechanical failures accounted for 45 percent of car fires, while electrical failures accounted for 24 percent. Car crashes are by far the deadliest causes. While collisions and overturned vehicles accounted for only four percent of car fires, they caused sixty percent of car fire deaths.
Regular car check-ups by a professional mechanic and staying vigilant for faulty wiring and oil leaks can help reduce car fires. However, if a person finds him or herself in a burning car, the NFPA recommends:
- Pulling over to a safe location, if possible
- Stopping the car and turning off the engine
- Exiting the car and staying at least 100 feet away from the fire
- Not returning to the vehicle for any reason
Despite taking these and other measures, a car accident can result in burn injuries that will leave a person disfigured, and with physical and emotional scars that can take years to heal.
Seeking Compensation for Burn InjuriesA person who suffers burn injuries as a result of a car accident can sue the party responsible for the accident. Car fires are often the result of a mechanical failure. Tennessee law allows a person to hold a product manufacturer liable if a car or part was defective or in an unreasonably dangerous condition at the time it left the manufacturer’s control. A brake malfunction, for example, may cause a car wreck that results in a fire. A thorough investigation of the car and accident scene can determine if a car malfunction was the cause of the accident.
A negligent driver may also cause an accident. Under Tennessee law, all drivers must exercise care when they operate their vehicles. An aggressive driver, for example, may violate this duty by speeding, and collide into another car or structure. The collision can cause the car to burst into flames, and injure the driver, passengers, other motorists, and bystanders.
If you suffered burn injuries in a car accident, it is crucial that you receive the right care and treatment. Burn injuries can cover large portions of a person’s body, which can result in permanent damage that impacts not only your life, but also that of your loved ones. Tennessee law allows you to file a personal injury suit against the party responsible for the accident. You can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Committed to Helping You Seek JusticeKnoxville personal injury attorney Mark C. Hartsoe is dedicated to helping car accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries. Mr. Hartoe provides his clients with diligent legal representation, and can help you if you have suffered burn injuries in a car accident. He is committed to client service, and will vigorously represent you in negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial if necessary. Call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online for a free consultation.