Severe burns from car accidents are some of the most devastating injuries that a person can suffer. Not only do they cause excruciating pain, but they also often lead to disfigurement and disability. Burn victims often need significant medical intervention, including surgery and rehabilitative care. Many deal with debilitating psychological problems after a disfiguring burn injury - especially if the burn is in a highly visible area like the face. 

Car crash victims who suffer burn injuries may be entitled to financial compensation for their medical needs, lost income, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been burned in a car accident, contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Liability Parties in a Burn Injury Case 

Serious car accidents can often lead to fires and explosions - especially if one of the vehicles was carrying flammable materials. Chemical burns may result from corrosive gasses and liquids spilled by a commercial truck in a collision. Airbags are often the cause of chemical burns to the face and neck. 

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common car accidents that occur. Although many of these types of crashes are considered “minor,” the reality is that the injuries that victims suffer in these accidents can result in long-term or even permanent medical issues.

Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes

In the majority of rear-end accidents, the incidents were preventable and would not have occurred if the driver in the rear had not engaged in some kind of negligent or reckless driving behavior. The most common acts include:

• Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone, setting the GPS, fiddling with the radio, talking to a passenger, or eating and drinking

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Given how much time we spend in our vehicles, it is not surprising that many people will add personalized touches to them. We add bumper stickers, seat covers, and even sentimental items on the dashboard. Many drivers will also hang mementos and other items from their rearview mirrors, like air fresheners, stuffed animals, and graduation tassels. What many drivers do not realize is that these items can actually obstruct their view, resulting in a serious car accident.

What Does Illinois Law Say?

Having items hanging from a rearview mirror can block the driver’s visibility, which can end up causing a crash. This is one reason why it is illegal under Illinois law to have objects in places that could block the driver’s view. According to the statute:

“No person shall drive a motor vehicle with any objects placed or suspended between the driver and the front windshield, rear window, side wings or side windows immediately adjacent to each side of the driver which materially obstructs the driver's view.”

In the majority of vehicle accidents that take place, there is typically one driver who is found to be at fault for the crash. That driver is the one that, under the law, is responsible for the losses the accident causes, such as injuries or damage to property. If the driver who is at fault is a private citizen, then usually the victim files a claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. If the at-fault driver was working for a business at the time of the crash, then the victim would typically file a claim against the company’s insurance company. When the crash involves a ridesharing vehicle, determining the at-fault party becomes much more complicated.

How Is Liability Determined?

In ridesharing crashes, the driver’s status at the time of the crash is what will determine how the accident claim will be filed. According to company policies:

If the ridesharing driver was at fault in the accident, did not have the driver app on, and had no passengers in the vehicle, then any accident claim needs to be filed against the at-fault driver’s own insurance company.

When a drunk driver causes injury to a victim, that victim not only can pursue damages from the drunk driver, but they can also pursue damages from the establishment that sold the alcohol to that driver. This action can be done under the Illinois Liquor Control Act. The majority of these actions occur as a result of drunk driving accidents; however, there are some other scenarios where the law could also apply.

Dram Shop Law

Under the Illinois Liquor Control Act, as referred to as the Dram Shop Act, any person who is injured (or the victim’s family if the victim is killed) due to the actions of an intoxicated individual can pursue legal action against any party licensed to sell alcohol who caused the intoxication by selling or giving alcohol to the individual. Affected parties can be:

• An establishment, such as a bar or restaurant, that sells alcohol to individuals who consume the alcohol on the premises.

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