Car accidents can result in devastating injuries and costly property damage. The occupants are at even more risk of severe injury or death if the vehicle catches fire. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration, there are approximately 171,500 vehicle fires that kill more than 300 people and injure more than 1,200 more each year.
Here, we’ll discuss where vehicle fires most often occur and the primary causes of vehicle fires. If you or someone close to you was injured in a collision that resulted in a vehicle fire, our Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can review your crash and discuss your rights and legal options during a no-cost consultation.
Where Do Car Fires Happen Most?
A vehicle fire could start anywhere, but there are specific areas of the vehicle that are more likely to catch fire in the event of a collision. According to crash fire statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration, these areas include:
- Engine compartment
- Running gear
- Wheel areas
- Driver and passenger compartment
- Cargo/trunk area
- Fuel tank
- Fuel line
Car Accident Fire Causes
Every accident is unique, but some causes of vehicle fires are more common than others. Some of them are problems with the design or manufacture of the car, while others are caused by damage to the vehicle during the crash. Some of the most common causes of car accident fires include:
- Insufficient maintenance
- Part malfunctions
- Fluid leaks
- Gas leaks
- Electrical system problems
- Battery malfunctions
- Design, manufacture, or installation defects
Dangers of Car Accident Fires
A car accident fire can happen quickly, threatening your life and the lives of those around you. A fire could lead to severe or fatal injuries, including:
- Severe burns
- Toxic gas exposure
- Smoke inhalation injuries
While vehicle fires caused by collisions represent only five percent of all highway vehicle fires, they are responsible for 60% of all fatal incidents, according to FEMA.
If you’re involved in a collision that results in a vehicle fire, you should take the following steps to protect yourself and others involved:
- Get yourself and others out of the vehicle and move away from it immediately
- Do not attempt to retrieve personal property from the burning vehicle
- Call 911 and have the fire department respond to the scene
- If you have a fire extinguisher that is approved for Class B or Class C fires, you can attempt to use it from a safe distance
- Do not open the trunk or hood if you suspect there may be a fire, since exposing it to air could feed the fire
The Cain Law Office Car Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident fire, contact the Cain Law Office for help. Our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys have extensive experience helping those who’ve been hurt due to the negligence of others. We’re ready to help you seek justice and fair compensation. We’re available 24/7 to help with your injury claim. Call us or reach out to us online for a 100% free consultation.
