When Atlanta Truck Accidents Cause Burn Injuries: Compensation That Can Help Cover Your Costs
Atlanta truck accidents can cause severe injuries, and burns are among the most potentially devastating. In addition to the immediate pain and trauma they cause, victims often face months or even years of medical treatment, lost income, and emotional suffering.
If you suffered burn injuries in a crash, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers provide the caring, comprehensive legal representation you deserve. Find out common ways these injuries happen, the impacts they can have, and your rights to compensation.
How Burn Injuries Happen in Atlanta Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles carry large quantities of diesel fuel and often haul flammable or hazardous cargo. When an Atlanta truck accident happens, it can cause a fire or explosion that impacts multiple other motorists.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 40,000 people are hospitalized due to burn injuries each year in the U.S., and vehicle-related fires are among the leading causes. Common ways they can happen due to truck accidents in Atlanta:
- Diesel fuel may ignite after a high-impact collision or rollover.
- Flammable, corrosive, or explosive materials may spill in a jackknife or other crash.
- Electrical fires due to damaged wiring or downed power lines at the crash scene.
- Steam or chemical burns from ruptured engine components or pressurized cargo containers.
- Secondary explosions triggered by fuel tank damage during or after impact.
Liability in burn injury cases can extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, cargo loaders, hazardous materials handlers, and vehicle or parts manufacturers depending on what caused the fire or explosion.
Burn Injury Costs That Need to Be Calculated in Your Atlanta Truck Accident Claim
The American Burn Association estimates that treating a serious burn injury can cost over $200,000, with severe cases reaching into the millions. Unfortunately, insurers often pressure victims to accept quick, low-ball settlements, which can leave you and your loved ones paying out of pocket.
Burn injury-related costs that must be factored into any Atlanta truck accident settlement include:
- Skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and other procedures.
- Ongoing wound care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
- Psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety related to the injury and scarring.
- Current lost wages and diminished earning capacity if permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability affects your ability to work.
- Additional amounts for your physical pain and suffering.
You have one chance to get what you need to recover from burn injuries. Before accepting any settlement offers, contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers first.
Request a Consultation With An Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Burn injuries caused by truck accidents in Atlanta can impact your life for long afterward. During this difficult time, Shiver Hamilton Campbell protects your rights and fights for the maximum amount needed to cover all current and future costs.
To request a consultation, contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers today. We represent clients in Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Savannah, and throughout Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties.
Sources:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5214064/
ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-incidence-and-treatment-in-the-united-states
