Vehicle Fire Causes

Most motor vehicles run on gasoline. Under certain circumstances, this flammable liquid can ignite, resulting in a serious fire. There are a few common causes of vehicle fires, which include:

• Auto defects: Defects in the design or manufacturing of a vehicle may increase the risk of a fire. For example, defects in a vehicle’s gas tank that allow ruptures or causing the “filler neck” funnel to become loose in a collision. These situations can cause the gasoline to leak or spill, which can be ignited by a single spark, leading to a vehicle fire, and possibly resulting in even more damage than the collision itself may have caused.
• Motor vehicle accidents: The force of a collision can cause one or more vehicles to ignite. Components of a vehicle, such as an engine or battery, may become damaged during impact. This can cause flammable liquids, such as gasoline or engine oil, to spill out or explode into flames.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Neglecting to ensure your car is regularly maintained can contribute to a vehicle fire. Problems such as an engine malfunction, if unaddressed, can pose a potential danger.
• Electrical system failures: One of the most common causes of vehicle fires is electrical system failure.  The electrical system is an integral part of any vehicle. When electrical wires are faulty, they can become fire hazards.

In addition to those listed above, vehicle fires can also be caused by leaky hoses, inadequate fuel line materials, fuel lines lacking proper safety valves, defective airbag detonators, overheated catalytic converters, and engine overheating.

Vehicle Fire Injuries

Burns from a vehicle fire are among the most catastrophic injuries a person can endure after a car accident. Burn injuries vary and are classified by degrees, depending on their severity. They can be first-degree (least severe), second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree (most severe).

Depending on the level of severity, a burn can result in scarring or even create problems with your bones, muscles, and/or joints. A third-degree burn, also known as a full-thickness burn, can extend through the skin and lead to scarring and a possible need for amputation. A fourth-degree burn affects all layers of the skin/tissue and can lead to amputation or even death.

Burn injuries can be lifelong and debilitating, making it difficult or impossible for a person to lead a normal life. They can involve a lifetime of treatments and costly health care bills, as well as causing loss of income when the victim is unable to work as he or she had been able to do previously.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious burns in a vehicle fire, you may require long-term medical care and treatment or surgical intervention. This can cause medical expenses to pile up, leaving you overwhelmed. If another party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A personal injury lawyer at Leger Ketchum & Cohoon can look closely at your case and help determine a source of compensation.

Recent Vehicle Fire Manufacturer Recalls

For decades major manufacturers have known and ignored the problems of vehicle fires. In fact, their failure to not recall these dangerous fire-prone vehicles has led to a multitude of large jury verdicts and awards to punish these corporate giants. Recent vehicle fire manufacturer recalls include:

• General Motors has recalled nearly all of its Chevrolet Bolt electric cars because of concern for a defect that can cause the batteries to short-circuit even when parked, potentially creating a fire.

• BMW has issued two recalls covering approximately one million vehicles for fire risk. One of the recalls involves a valve heater that can cause fires in vehicles that are not in operation.

• Chrysler is already recalling certain 2021 and 2022 Ram vehicles due to an electrical short in the relay that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire no matter if the ignition is on or off.

• Ford has issued a recall for approximately 40,995 2020 and 2021 Lincoln Aviators due to an improperly secured battery cable wire harness allowing contact with the A/C compressor pulley. Over time, the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive circuit, resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.

• Hyundai has recalled over 600,000 vehicles for an engine fire hazard, including the 2016-2021 Tucson.  The vehicles’ ABS brake hydraulic electronic control unit has a potential for corrosion, which could cause an electrical short and then in turn, ignite a fire in the engine compartment.

• Nissan has recalled certain 2015-2018 Murano vehicles, 2016-2018 Maxima vehicles, and 2017-2019 Pathfinder vehicles to replace the Antilock Braking System actuator. The actuator pump seal may leak brake fluid onto the control electronic circuit board, creating a potential for an electrical short which could cause a fire.

Any vehicle whose defects cause a fire leading to injury or death to the driver or occupants of the vehicle is responsible for such horrific accidents. That means any vehicle manufacturer which causes such a vehicle fire due to its own negligence is liable.

Contact Our Vehicle Fire Attorneys Serving Across Texas and Nationwide

If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death in a vehicle fire accident, there is a possibility it was caused by a defect. Call Leger Ketchum & Cohoon, PLLC today for a free initial consultation. We can provide you with a vehicle fire accident attorney to press for compensation for your family’s injury losses, including such costs as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost salary (for present and future), pain, and suffering.  If you suspect a defective product caused the vehicle fire that resulted in your injuries, contact a defective products attorney today. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 832-764-7200.