Victims often suffer from damage caused by smoke inhalation, which can be fatal if the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, or the airways get severely burned in the event.
If you’ve been in a car accident that resulted in a fire, you might’ve been exposed to harmful factors. Direct exposure to an open flame is not the only way you can get hurt when being in a fire.
Fires in Car Accidents
Car accidents are unpredictable and can have multiple disastrous consequences if the wrong things happen. Fires that follow car accidents are not very likely to happen, but when they do, they inflict a lot of damage to the vehicles and the victims.
Defects in the manufacturing of the vehicle, poor maintenance or an impact so strong it breaks fuel pipes or the tank itself might result in a fire, adding a lot of damage to the one which was already inflicted by the impact.
Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation
If you have been in a car accident which caused a fire, you should immediately see a doctor, even if you think you were unharmed. Often, smoke inhalation can have devastating effects on your health, and symptoms that only appear later and get worse if left untreated.
Here are some of the signs of smoke inhalation:
- Coughing
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Nose and throat irritation
- Headaches after a car accident
- Changing of your skin tone (to red, bluish;
- Seizures
- Weakness and fainting
- Coma
- Eye damage
As mentioned previously, smoke inhalation can damage your ability to breathe properly, it can injure your airways and it also releases many toxic substances that can poison your system.
If you notice one or more symptoms of the ones listed above, go see a doctor and explain the circumstances of the accident and what followed. You should monitor your health in the period following the accident, and take note of any changes in your health state.
The investigations that might be needed are chest X-rays, measurements of the oxygen level in your blood, and blood tests.
Treating Smoke Inhalation
First of all, you should be removed from the area where the fire and smoke are, as quickly as possible. If necessary, emergency medical treatment and/or CPR will be applied.
If you have suffered from smoke inhalation, you should get the proper treatment for it. This includes:
- Administering oxygen to your bloodstream
- Hyperbaric oxygenation
- Treatment for poisoning with toxic substances
All these medical investigations and treatment will cost. To ensure your legal right t compensation is protected you should seek the advice of an experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Your main priority after a car accident should be regaining your health, not fighting with the insurance company. Have an experienced attorney take care of the legal matters for you.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!