Alabama 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Alabama’s highways, your life changes forever. One second you’re driving to work on I-65, the next you’re waking up in a hospital bed with doctors explaining your injuries. The truck driver claims it wasn’t their fault. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling with a “quick settlement offer.” And you’re left wondering how you’ll pay your medical bills, support your family, or ever feel safe driving again.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for Alabama families devastated by trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has taken on the largest trucking companies in America – from Walmart to Amazon to Coca-Cola – and secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you. We know Alabama’s trucking corridors like the back of our hand: the dangerous curves on I-59 outside Birmingham, the congested freight routes near the Port of Mobile, the long-haul stretches of I-20 where fatigue becomes deadly.

This isn’t just another car accident. When an 80,000-pound truck hits you, the physics are different. The injuries are different. The legal battle is different. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Why Alabama’s Trucking Accidents Are Different

Alabama’s unique geography and economy create specific trucking hazards that don’t exist in other states:

• The Port of Mobile handles massive container and bulk cargo shipments, creating heavy truck traffic on I-10 and I-65
• Alabama’s automotive manufacturing (Mercedes in Tuscaloosa, Honda in Lincoln, Hyundai in Montgomery) generates specialized parts trucking with tight delivery schedules
• I-65 serves as the primary north-south freight corridor, connecting Gulf ports to the Midwest with some of the highest truck traffic volumes in the state
• The I-20/59 corridor carries Atlanta-to-Texas freight through Birmingham, creating congestion and fatigue hazards
• Mountainous regions in northern Alabama present brake failure risks on steep grades
• Alabama’s tornado season creates sudden weather hazards that truck drivers often fail to adjust for

These factors mean Alabama sees more than its share of catastrophic trucking accidents – jackknife crashes on wet roads, rollovers from improperly loaded cargo, underride collisions at intersections, and fatigue-related rear-end crashes on long stretches of rural interstate.

The Alabama Trucking Accident Crisis By The Numbers

While the national statistics are sobering, Alabama’s trucking accident problem is particularly severe:

• Over 5,000 trucking accidents occur in Alabama annually
• 120+ fatalities result from these crashes each year in our state
• 76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle – not the truck
• I-65 consistently ranks among the deadliest trucking corridors in America
• Birmingham’s Spaghetti Junction (I-65/I-20/I-59 interchange) sees frequent truck-related crashes
• Alabama’s contributory negligence rule means victims who are even 1% at fault recover nothing – making legal representation critical

These aren’t just numbers. Behind each statistic is an Alabama family whose lives were shattered in an instant – a father who won’t walk his daughter down the aisle, a mother who can no longer work to support her children, a young professional facing a lifetime of medical bills from a traumatic brain injury.

The Most Common – And Deadliest – Alabama Trucking Accidents

Jackknife Crashes: When 80,000 Pounds Becomes Uncontrollable

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on Alabama’s wet roads and during sudden weather changes. When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it becomes a 53-foot steel barrier sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic.

Why they happen in Alabama:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (especially common during Alabama’s winter storms)
• Speeding on curves like those found on I-59 near Gadsden
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing on Alabama’s rural roads)
• Brake system failures (a leading cause of Alabama trucking violations)
• Driver inexperience with Alabama’s varied terrain

The devastation: Jackknife accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups with catastrophic injuries. The swinging trailer can strike multiple vehicles before coming to rest, creating a chain reaction of destruction.

Who’s liable: The truck driver for improper braking or speeding, the trucking company for maintenance failures or pressure to meet tight schedules, and sometimes the cargo loader for improper weight distribution.

Underride Collisions: Alabama’s Silent Killer

Underride collisions are among the most horrific trucking accidents – and Alabama sees far too many of them. When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, the top of the car is often sheared off at windshield level.

Alabama’s underride problem:

• Rear underride: Occurs when a car strikes the back of a trailer, often at intersections or during sudden stops
• Side underride: Happens when a truck turns or changes lanes into the path of oncoming traffic
• No federal requirement for side underride guards (despite their proven effectiveness)
• Alabama’s rural roads often lack proper lighting, making trailers difficult to see at night
• The Port of Mobile generates heavy truck traffic where underride risks are highest

The human cost: Underride collisions are almost always fatal. Survivors often suffer decapitation, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage requiring lifelong care.

Why Alabama needs stronger protections: While federal law requires rear underride guards, Alabama has seen numerous preventable deaths from side underrides that could be prevented with proper safety equipment.

Rollovers: When Cargo Becomes Deadly

Alabama’s mix of mountain roads, interstate curves, and heavy freight traffic creates ideal conditions for rollover accidents. When an 18-wheeler tips onto its side, the results are catastrophic.

Alabama’s rollover risks:

• Steep grades in northern Alabama require proper braking techniques
• Improperly secured cargo shifts during turns, destabilizing the truck
• Liquid cargo slosh (common with Alabama’s petroleum shipments) can shift center of gravity
• Tire blowouts on Alabama’s hot roads cause sudden loss of control
• Driver fatigue from long hauls on I-20 and I-65 leads to overcorrection

The aftermath: Rollover accidents often spill cargo across multiple lanes, creating secondary collisions. The crushing weight of the trailer can trap occupants of smaller vehicles, leading to severe crush injuries or death.

Who’s responsible: The trucking company for maintenance failures, the cargo loader for improper securement, the driver for speeding or fatigue, and sometimes the truck manufacturer for stability defects.

Rear-End Collisions: The Preventable Epidemic

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of trucking accident in Alabama – and the most preventable. When an 80,000-pound truck fails to stop in time, the results are devastating.

Why they happen in Alabama:

• Following too closely on congested interstates like I-65 near Birmingham
• Driver distraction from cell phones, dispatch communications, or fatigue
• Brake failures from poor maintenance (a leading violation in Alabama inspections)
• Speeding to meet tight delivery schedules
• Fatigue from violating federal hours-of-service regulations
• Alabama’s sudden weather changes that drivers fail to adjust for

The physics of destruction:

• A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• That same truck requires 40% more stopping distance than a passenger car
• The force of impact is 20-25 times greater than in a car-to-car collision

The human toll: Rear-end collisions often result in whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. The sudden impact can cause vehicles to burst into flames or be pushed into other lanes of traffic.

Wide Turn Accidents: Alabama’s “Squeeze Play” Danger

Wide turn accidents – often called “squeeze play” accidents – occur when trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.

Alabama’s wide turn hazards:

• Tight urban intersections in Birmingham and Mobile where trucks must maneuver carefully
• Rural roads where drivers may not expect trucks to make wide turns
• Alabama’s agricultural trucking with oversized loads that require extra turning space
• Lack of proper signage at dangerous intersections
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking

The deadly pattern: These accidents are particularly dangerous for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians who may not be visible in the truck’s blind spots. The crushing force often results in catastrophic injuries or death.

Who’s at fault: The truck driver for failing to check mirrors or signal properly, the trucking company for inadequate training, and sometimes the municipality for poor intersection design.

Blind Spot Accidents: Alabama’s “No-Zone” Nightmare

Every 18-wheeler has four massive blind spots – areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Alabama sees far too many accidents in these “No-Zones.”

Alabama’s blind spot danger zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab – the driver can’t see low vehicles
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer – no rear-view mirror visibility
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward – the largest and most dangerous blind spot

Why they happen in Alabama:

• Highway lane changes on congested interstates like I-65
• Urban driving in Birmingham and Mobile where vehicles frequently enter blind spots
• Improperly adjusted mirrors (a common violation in Alabama inspections)
• Driver distraction from cell phones or fatigue
• Alabama’s agricultural trucking with oversized loads that create larger blind spots

The human cost: Blind spot accidents often result in sideswipe collisions that send vehicles spinning out of control, or crushing injuries when trucks change lanes into occupied space.

Tire Blowouts: Alabama’s Roadway Time Bombs

Alabama’s hot climate and heavy freight traffic create ideal conditions for tire blowouts – sudden failures that can cause catastrophic accidents.

Alabama’s tire blowout epidemic:

• Extreme heat causes tire pressure to rise, increasing blowout risk
• Underinflated tires (a leading violation in Alabama inspections) overheat and fail
• Overloaded trucks exceed tire capacity (common with Alabama’s agricultural shipments)
• Worn tires not replaced despite visible wear
• Road debris from Alabama’s construction zones punctures tires
• Manufacturing defects in tires themselves

The aftermath: When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the truck can veer uncontrollably into other lanes. Blown trailer tires can cause the trailer to swing out, creating jackknife conditions. The debris from blown tires – called “road gators” – can strike following vehicles, causing windshield damage or loss of control.

Who’s responsible: The trucking company for maintenance failures, the tire manufacturer for defects, the cargo loader for overloading, and sometimes the driver for failing to conduct proper pre-trip inspections.

Brake Failures: Alabama’s Preventable Disasters

Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents in Alabama – and almost always preventable. When an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails, the results are catastrophic.

Alabama’s brake failure crisis:

• Brake system violations are among the most common in Alabama inspections
• Worn brake pads not replaced despite visible wear
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose or too tight)
• Air brake system leaks that reduce braking power
• Overheated brakes on Alabama’s mountain grades
• Contaminated brake fluid that reduces effectiveness
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

The deadly pattern: Brake failures often result in high-speed rear-end collisions, runaway trucks on steep grades, or loss of control during sudden stops. The sudden loss of braking power leaves drivers with no way to avoid collisions.

Who’s liable: The trucking company for maintenance failures, the brake manufacturer for defects, the maintenance company for improper repairs, and the driver for failing to conduct pre-trip inspections.

Cargo Spills: Alabama’s Hazardous Roadway Threats

Cargo spills and shifts are particularly dangerous in Alabama due to our mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and petrochemical shipments. When cargo isn’t properly secured, the results can be deadly.

Alabama’s cargo spill dangers:

• Agricultural products (grain, livestock, produce) that shift during transport
• Manufactured goods from Alabama’s automotive plants that require special securement
• Petroleum products from the Gulf Coast that create hazmat hazards
• Oversized loads that require special permits and securement
• Liquid cargo (chemicals, fuel, milk) that can slosh and shift center of gravity

The aftermath: Cargo spills can cause:

• Rollover accidents when shifting cargo destabilizes the truck
• Multi-vehicle pileups from spilled cargo blocking lanes
• Hazmat incidents with chemical burns or toxic exposure
• Secondary collisions when vehicles swerve to avoid debris

Who’s responsible: The cargo owner for improper loading instructions, the loading company for improper securement, the trucking company for failing to inspect, and the driver for failing to check cargo during the trip.

The Trucking Company Playbook: How They’ll Try to Deny Your Claim

The moment an 18-wheeler hits you in Alabama, the trucking company springs into action. Their rapid-response team has one goal: protect their interests, not yours. Here’s what they’re doing while you’re in the hospital:

1. Sending investigators to the scene – often before the ambulance arrives
2. Downloading black box data – before it can be overwritten
3. Interviewing the driver – to get their version of events
4. Photographing the scene – from their perspective
5. Contacting witnesses – to get favorable statements
6. Preparing a defense strategy – before you’ve even hired an attorney

Meanwhile, their insurance adjuster is calling you with a “quick settlement offer” – often while you’re still in the hospital. They know you’re vulnerable. They know you’re scared. They know you don’t understand the full extent of your injuries.

Their tactics include:

• Quick lowball offers – designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
• Denying or minimizing your injuries – claiming they’re not as serious as you say
• Blaming you – Alabama’s contributory negligence rule means even 1% fault bars recovery
• Delaying your claim – hoping you’ll give up or accept less
• Using your own words against you – recorded statements become weapons
• Claiming pre-existing conditions – arguing your injuries existed before the crash
• Attacking gaps in treatment – using delays to deny your claim
• Sending surveillance investigators – to catch you doing activities that contradict your injuries
• Hiring “independent” medical examiners – who work for the insurance company
• Drowning you in paperwork – to overwhelm you into accepting less

Our advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows every tactic they’ll use against you – because he used them himself. Now he fights for victims, not against them.

The Evidence That Wins Alabama Trucking Cases

In Alabama trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget. That’s why we act immediately to preserve critical evidence.

Electronic Evidence: The Digital Smoking Gun

1. ECM/Black Box Data
Every modern commercial truck has an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that records critical data:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing and pressure
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• GPS location history

This data is objective and tamper-resistant. It often contradicts the driver’s version of events. For example, if the driver claims they hit their brakes immediately but the ECM shows a delay, we can prove they were distracted or fatigued.

2. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Since 2017, most trucks must use ELDs that record:

• Driver hours of service
• Duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty)
• GPS location
• Vehicle movement

ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal hours-of-service regulations. Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents, and ELDs provide irrefutable evidence of violations.

3. GPS/Telematics Data
Many trucks have GPS tracking systems that record:

• Real-time location
• Speed history
• Route taken
• Driver behavior (hard braking, rapid acceleration)

This data can prove speeding, route deviations, or other violations.

4. Cell Phone Records
Cell phone records can prove:

• Whether the driver was texting or talking at the time of the crash
• Distraction from dispatch communications
• Use of prohibited apps

5. Dashcam Footage
Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras can show:

• The moments leading up to the crash
• Driver behavior (distraction, fatigue, impairment)
• Road conditions
• Other vehicles involved

Paper Evidence: The Paper Trail of Negligence

1. Driver Qualification File
Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

2. Hours of Service Records
ELD data and supporting documents must show:

• Compliance with 11-hour driving limit
• Compliance with 14-hour duty window
• 30-minute break compliance
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Violations prove fatigue-related negligence.

3. Maintenance Records
Trucking companies must maintain records showing:

• Systematic inspection and repair
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Annual inspections
• Brake system maintenance
• Tire replacement history

Poor maintenance records prove negligence.

4. Cargo Documentation
Bills of lading and cargo manifests show:

• What was being transported
• Who loaded the cargo
• Weight of the load
• Securement methods used

Improper loading or overloading can prove liability.

Physical Evidence: The Silent Witnesses

1. The Truck and Trailer
We preserve the actual vehicles for inspection to examine:

• Brake condition and adjustment
• Tire wear and pressure
• Underride guard condition
• Lighting functionality
• Cargo securement devices

2. Failed Components
We preserve failed parts for expert analysis:

• Brake pads and shoes
• Tires
• Steering components
• Coupling devices
• Lighting systems

3. Accident Scene Evidence
We document the scene through:

• Photographs of skid marks
• Photographs of debris patterns
• Measurements of impact angles
• Road condition documentation
• Weather condition records

Witness Evidence: The Human Perspective

1. Eyewitness Testimony
We interview witnesses to establish:

• What they saw and heard
• The sequence of events
• Driver behavior before the crash
• Road conditions at the time

2. Expert Testimony
We retain experts to analyze:

• Accident reconstruction
• Trucking industry standards
• Medical causation
• Economic damages
• Life care planning

Alabama’s Trucking Regulations: The Rules They Break

Alabama trucking companies must comply with both federal FMCSA regulations and state-specific rules. When they violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents.

Federal FMCSA Regulations: The Law of the Road

1. Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal law limits how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue:

• 11-hour driving limit – Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window – Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break – Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour limit – Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-hour restart – Can restart the 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off

Why it matters in Alabama: Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents on Alabama’s long-haul routes like I-20 and I-65. Violations prove negligence.

2. Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)
Federal law establishes who is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle:

• Must be at least 21 years old (18 for intrastate)
• Must be able to read and speak English
• Must have valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Must pass medical examination
• Must complete road test or equivalent
• Must not be disqualified for violations

Why it matters in Alabama: Alabama sees numerous accidents caused by unqualified drivers – those without proper CDLs, with suspended licenses, or with medical conditions that should disqualify them.

3. Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
Federal law requires systematic inspection and maintenance:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Annual inspections
• Immediate repair of defects
• Maintenance records retention

Why it matters in Alabama: Brake failures and tire blowouts are leading causes of Alabama trucking accidents. Poor maintenance records prove negligence.

4. Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Federal law requires proper cargo securement to prevent:

• Cargo from leaking, spilling, or falling
• Shifting that affects vehicle stability
• Blocking the driver’s view

Why it matters in Alabama: Alabama’s mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and petrochemical shipments creates unique cargo securement challenges. Improperly secured loads cause rollovers and spills.

5. Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)
Federal law requires:

• Pre-employment drug testing
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Post-accident testing
• Reasonable suspicion testing

Why it matters in Alabama: Impaired driving is a growing problem in Alabama’s trucking industry. Positive test results create automatic liability.

Alabama-Specific Trucking Laws

1. Contributory Negligence Rule
Alabama is one of only five states that follows the contributory negligence rule. This means:

• If you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing
• This makes legal representation critical – we must prove the trucking company was 100% at fault

2. Statute of Limitations
In Alabama, you have:

• 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
• 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit

Waiting too long means losing your right to compensation forever.

3. Alabama’s Trucking Corridors
Alabama’s major trucking routes create specific hazards:

• I-65 – Primary north-south corridor with heavy freight traffic
• I-20 – East-west corridor carrying Atlanta-to-Texas freight
• I-59 – Connects Birmingham to Mississippi with mountainous sections
• I-85 – Connects Montgomery to Atlanta with high truck volumes
• I-10 – Gulf Coast corridor with Port of Mobile traffic
• I-459 – Birmingham bypass with frequent congestion

4. Alabama’s Agricultural Exemptions
Alabama’s agricultural industry creates unique trucking challenges:

• Farm vehicle exemptions from certain regulations
• Seasonal harvest traffic that increases accident risks
• Overweight loads that require special permits
• Livestock transport that creates unique securement challenges

The Catastrophic Injuries That Change Alabama Families Forever

When an 80,000-pound truck hits your vehicle, the physics are unforgiving. Alabama sees far too many catastrophic injuries from trucking accidents – injuries that change lives forever.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The Invisible Epidemic

What it is: TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Alabama’s TBI crisis:

• 1 in 3 trucking accident victims suffer some form of TBI
• Moderate to severe TBIs often result in permanent cognitive impairment
• Alabama’s rural hospitals may not have the resources to properly diagnose TBIs

Symptoms:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Inability to work
• Need for lifelong care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Depression and emotional disorders

Settlement range: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+

Why it’s so expensive: TBI treatment often requires:

• Emergency neurosurgery
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Cognitive therapy
• Medication management
• Home modifications
• Lifelong care for severe cases

Spinal Cord Injury: Life in an Instant

What it is: Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Alabama’s spinal cord injury reality:

• 1 in 5 trucking accident victims suffer spinal cord injuries
• Alabama’s lack of specialized rehab centers forces many patients to travel out of state
• The financial burden often exceeds $1 million in the first year alone

Types of paralysis:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injury – Some nerve function remains
• Complete injury – Total loss of sensation and movement

Level of injury matters:

• C1-C4 injuries may require a ventilator for breathing
• C5-C8 injuries affect arm and hand function
• Thoracic injuries affect trunk stability
• Lumbar injuries affect leg function

Lifetime costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Why it’s so devastating: Spinal cord injuries often require:

• Immediate emergency surgery
• Long-term hospitalization
• Specialized rehabilitation
• Home modifications (wheelchair ramps, widened doorways)
• Assistive devices (wheelchairs, lifts, communication devices)
• Lifelong personal care assistance

Amputation: The Loss of More Than a Limb

What it is: The loss of a limb due to traumatic injury, often requiring surgical removal.

Alabama’s amputation crisis:

• 1 in 10 trucking accident victims suffer amputations
• Crushing injuries from underride collisions are a leading cause
• Alabama’s rural areas often lack specialized prosthetic care

Types of amputation:

• Traumatic amputation – Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical amputation – Limb so severely damaged it must be removed
• Upper limb – Arms, hands, fingers
• Lower limb – Legs, feet, toes

Ongoing medical needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Impact on life:

• Permanent disability
• Career limitations or total disability
• Phantom limb pain
• Body image and psychological trauma
• Need for home modifications
• Dependency on others for daily activities

Settlement range: $1.9 million to $8.6 million

Severe Burns: The Agony That Doesn’t End

What it is: Burns occur when the skin or deeper tissues are damaged by heat, chemicals, or electricity.

Alabama’s burn injury epidemic:

• Fuel tank ruptures cause devastating fires
• Hazmat cargo spills create chemical burn hazards
• Alabama’s burn centers are often overwhelmed with trucking accident victims

Burn classification:

• First degree – Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second degree – Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third degree – Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth degree – Through skin to muscle/bone (requires multiple surgeries, may require amputation)

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Why it’s so expensive: Burn treatment often requires:

• Emergency trauma care
• Burn unit hospitalization