Car Fires and Negligence: Safety Tips
Fires present a significant danger to motorists trapped inside their vehicle or exposed to a sudden, unexpected fire. These fires may be caused by a variety of safety concerns, which are often preventable. If a vehicle manufacturer or other party fails to take the appropriate steps to avoid these dangerous mechanical errors, their negligence may make them responsible for whatever injuries victims sustain.
Protect yourself and others by following these safety tips, and if you or someone you care about has been hurt by a car fire due to negligence, give us a call.
THE IMPACT OF CAR FIRES
While there are several reasons for a car catching on fire, if the fire reaches the fuel tank, the most flammable area of the vehicle, it is very likely to explode, causing a huge risk to those in or around the vehicle.
A 2018 car fire survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pdf found:
- Just over 2,000 people were injured in vehicle fires in 2018 alone, 560 of which resulted in death
- The number of vehicle fire casualties is 4.5 times higher than deaths due to structure fires
- Mechanical failure, electrical malfunctions, and collisions where the three largest causes of car fires
- Vehicle fires accounted for 15% of all civilian deaths involving fire
The good news is that there are fewer vehicle fires than in the past, however, the 2018 statistics show the death rate from these fires was remarkably higher than it had been in more than a decade.
How Negligence May Cause Car Fires
Car fires are especially dangerous because of the tight spaces inside a vehicle compartment, which can quickly fill with smoke or other toxic fumes. The widespread presence of highly flammable solids and liquids inside the vehicle can also make auto fires incredibly hazardous.
These fires may be caused by the following safety failures:
- Battery explosions causing flammable substance ignition
- Catastrophic engine failures
- Ignition of a car following a collision
- Poor vehicle maintenance by a vehicle owner
Whether caused by a vehicle manufacturer or owner’s negligence, when other people are injured in a vehicular fire resulting from someone else’s irresponsibility, the victim may be able to pursue financial compensation for their losses.
Safety Tips to Help Prevent Car Fires
Preventing a car fire isn’t always possible, as most drivers don’t have control over accidents or manufacturer defects. However, vehicle owners looking to reduce the chance of a fire or claims of negligence against them due to a car fire should take these preventative steps.
Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Mechanical and electrical failures are the most common reasons for car fires. Regular maintenance is vital for:
- Preventing electrical wires from becoming damaged or overly worn
- Leaks, especially flammable leaks, from faulty hoses or seals
- Engine temperatures running higher than normal
- Battery explosion risks such as corrosion and electrical arcing
Car owners who don’t maintain their vehicles can be considered negligent. They put themselves and others at risk, not just from car fires but also from other accidents related to vehicle failure, such as losing a tire or vehicle control.
Safety Awareness
Be aware of best safety practices for your vehicle that focus on fire prevention such as:
- Never transport gas in the cab of the vehicle
- Always use an approved container when transporting fuel
- Avoid parking a vehicle with a hot exhaust system over dry grass or other flammable or ignitable condition
Check for Manufacturer Defects
While not common, manufacturing defects can pose fire hazards or other unsafe conditions. Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls to enter your vehicle identification number to discover any recalls for your specific vehicle.
If You Are at Risk for a Car Fire
If you experience a problem, such as overheating or mechanical issues, or are involved in a vehicle accident, the first step is to ensure the safety of those involved. The second step is to get help to prevent additional damage to surrounding vehicles, structures, or property.
If you are at risk for a car fire:
- Pull away from or out of traffic
- Look for any leaking fluids
- DO NOT open the hood of the vehicle if you suspect a fire
- Remove yourself and any passengers from the vehicle to a safe place while you get help
- Call 9-1-1 if your vehicle or a vehicle you have collided with has caught on fire
Being vigilant is key to maintaining a safe environment for you, your passengers, and all those around you. Have you experienced a car fire incident? We’d like to connect. Contact our personal injury attorneys today (303) 423-1770 for a free consultation and more information about how to prepare a claim.