When a fully loaded tractor-trailer collides with another vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. These massive commercial vehicles carry thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, and some transport hazardous chemicals across state lines. A single spark from the impact can ignite a deadly inferno in seconds. Burn injuries from truck accidents can be categorized into different types; many require years of treatment and leave permanent physical and emotional scars.
What Are Thermal Burns?
“Thermal burns” happen when skin contacts flames, hot surfaces, or scalding liquids. In truck accidents, these injuries typically result from vehicle fires, exploding fuel tanks, or superheated engine parts. The severity ranges from first-degree burns affecting only the outer skin to third-degree burns that destroy all skin layers and underlying tissues. Severe cases require skin grafts and multiple surgeries; recovery time depends on how much of the body is affected and how deeply the tissue is damaged.
How Do Chemical Burns Happen?
Many commercial trucks haul hazardous materials like acids, industrial solvents, and cleaning agents. When accidents cause these materials to spill, they can eat through skin and tissue. Unlike thermal burns, “chemical burns” continue causing damage until the substance is completely removed. These injuries demand specialized medical treatment and often result in permanent scarring. The full extent of damage may not be visible right away, making immediate medical care vital.
What Are Electrical Burns?
“Electrical burns” result from contact with live electrical currents. Truck accidents can expose occupants to damaged batteries, frayed wiring, or downed power lines. These injuries are deceptive because they may show little external damage while causing severe internal harm to organs, muscles, and nerves. The electrical current travels through the body and can disrupt the heart rhythm or damage the nervous system. Doctors must examine both entry and exit wounds, since internal injuries often prove more serious than what appears on the surface.
Can Friction Burns Occur in Truck Accidents?
Yes. “Friction burns” develop when skin scrapes against rough surfaces like asphalt or metal, and people ejected from vehicles during truck collisions frequently suffer these injuries as they slide across the road. Deep friction burns can strip away multiple layers of skin, exposing tissue to dangerous infections. Serious cases require surgical cleaning to remove debris and dead tissue. While some people dismiss these as minor scrapes, friction burns can leave lasting scars and take months to heal fully.
How Do Inhalation Burns Affect the Body?
“Inhalation burns” damage the respiratory system when someone breathes in hot gases, smoke, or chemical fumes during a truck fire. These injuries affect the airways, lungs, and breathing passages, causing swelling that can restrict oxygen flow. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, and soot around the nose or mouth. Inhalation burns are particularly dangerous because they can worsen significantly over the first 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Treatment often requires oxygen therapy, breathing support, and hospitalization in a burn unit.
What Are Radiation Burns?
“Radiation burns” are rare, but possible, when trucks transporting radioactive materials crash. These injuries stem from exposure to ionizing radiation rather than heat, but the physical damage may not surface for hours or even days after exposure. Radiation harms cells at the molecular level and can lead to long-term health complications, including increased cancer risk. Treatment focuses on symptom management and ongoing monitoring for delayed effects that may emerge years later.
Our Experienced Brick Truck Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Fight for Burn Injury Compensation
Burn injuries from truck crashes can be devastating and life-changing. If you need trusted legal advice, contact our Brick truck accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. For a free consultation, call today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. With office locations in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.