Injuries in a Colorado Lyft accident can range from minor to severe. Some serious accidents can be deadly or leave the accident victims with permanent damage. When a negligent or careless driver causes an accident, they should be held responsible for their actions. A personal injury lawsuit will allow the accident victim to recover compensation for their losses.
Burn injuries often have long-term or permanent consequences for accident victims. Burn injuries may result in scarring, require skin grafts, and long-term care. If you or a loved one suffers burn injuries in a Lyft accident, contact accidentdenver.com right away to discuss your legal options.
Car Accident and Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can cause serious harm for car accident victims. Fires and explosions are relatively rare in minor fender-benders or low-speed accidents. However, serious collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, or accidents involving a tractor trailer may have a higher risk of burn injuries.
Burn injuries can be caused by flammable liquids, like gasoline, leaking from the tank and igniting. The size of the fire, type of flammable substance, proximity to the fire, and time of exposure can all be factors in the burn injury. If the flammable substance gets on the skin or the occupant's clothing is set on fire, it can cause some of the most devastating burns.
Not all burn injuries involve a direct flame. Other types of burn injuries that may result in a car accident include:
- Electrical burns
- Chemical burns
- Inhalation burns
Burn injuries may have a greater risk when a passenger or driver is trapped in the vehicle. If the victim is unconscious, unable to move, or cannot escape the vehicle, there is a risk that leaking fluids from the vehicle or other vehicle can ignite or burn the skin. It may require emergency care to attend to the victim or extricate them from the vehicle.
Degrees of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are generally categorized by degree. When medical professionals evaluate burn injuries, they generally determine the seriousness of the injury by the degree and by the extent of the burn injury over the individual's body. The degree of injury ranges from the relatively minor first-degree burns up to severe fourth-degree burns.
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn damages the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. In most cases, these injuries will heal themselves within a few days or a week. Treatment for first-degree burns generally involves cooling the skin and topical relief like aloe vera. The most common type of 1st-degree burn most people are familiar with is a sunburn.
Second-Degree Burns
A second-degree burn affects the epidermis and the dermis, or second layer of the skin. 2nd-degree burns are more serious and can cause swelling, splotchy skin, severe pain, and may develop blisters. 2nd-degree burns often cause scarring after healing.
After a second-degree burn, the injury victim should seek medical attention. Medical attention can provide pain relief, reduce the risk of infection, and may help speed up healing and reduce scarring. Recovery from 2nd-degree burns can take weeks.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are very serious and can be fatal. 3rd-degree burns can destroy the epidermis and the dermis. These burns can also damage the sweat glands, hair follicles, nerves, and other tissues. Burned areas can be black, brown, or white and the skin may look leathery.
Anyone who is injured with third-degree burns should seek medical attention. Treatment may include cleaning the burn area, providing IV fluids, antibiotics for infection, pain medication, and may require specialized burn center treatment. A 3rd-degree burn may also require skin grafting.
Filing an Injury Lawsuit After a Lyft Accident
A Lyft accident may be caused by another driver, hazardous road conditions, or other factors. However, some Lyft accidents are caused by the Lyft driver's negligence. Causes of Lyft accidents may include:
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Violating traffic laws
Damages in a burn injury accident can be substantial. Burn injuries are often complex and require extensive treatment. Burn injuries carry a risk of infection and may leave the victim permanently scarred or disfigured. Serious burns may also require continuing treatment and lifetime care. Even with treatment, injury victims may suffer chronic pain as a result of the accident. Damages after a burn injury in a Lyft accident may include:
- Medical bills
- Cost of future treatment
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning potential
- Compensation for scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life
When a Lyft driver is driving for the company, the driver is generally covered by Lyft's $1 million policy. However, that does not mean that the insurance company will be willing to hand over a giant check to the accident victim. The insurance company may try and get away with paying out as little as possible. However, when you contact a rideshare accident lawyer, your attorney will fight to get you the maximum compensation, no matter what the insurance company claims.
Denver Lyft Accident Injury Lawyers
The attorneys at accidentdenver.com have successfully represented Lyft passengers, drivers, and pedestrians who suffered a head injury in a car accident in Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and throughout Colorado. Our experienced attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.