Vehicle Fires

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Vehicle Fire?

Individuals across the United States and right here in Nashville use vehicles everyday to travel to work, home, and recreational activities. We trust that our vehicle will allow us to travel from location to location safely. While we have an expectation of safe travel in our vehicles, the reality is that your car, truck, or van unfortunately may not meet your expectation of safety. Many people automatically think of car accidents when thinking of vehicle safety. However, vehicle fires can be a devastating occurrence often injuring passengers and drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle fire, you may want to speak with one of our experienced Nashville vehicle fire attorneys at The Higgins Firm.

The Causes of Vehicle Fires in Tennessee

When a vehicle catches fire after being involved in a collision, it could be a result of a number of reasons, including a defective part or design. For example, as a Nashville car fire lawyer, we have handled several cases involving defective fuel tanks that led to a rupture of gasoline that ignited from a spark.

Most cars contain a high amount of flammable fuel in their tank; typically between 12 and 25 gallons. Each gallon of gasoline contains an explosive punch of approximately 6 sticks of dynamite. When a car has 15 gallons of gas, and catches fire, it may be equivalent to 90 sticks of dynamite. As you might realize, this kind of car fire can be devastating. Even when the occupants of the car survive the initial crash, they may be unable to escape the car in time. Sadly this could result in a loss of life.

A vehicle fire like this should never happen; however, it does. When manufacturing or design defects cause a car to catch fire, the responsible parties should be held liable. This is when it is advantageous to have a vehicle fire lawyer Nashville has to offer on your side.

Dangerous and Defective Car Parts

Any auto accident can be devastating. However, when vehicles are defectively made, accidents can become exponentially worse to those involved. The Nashville vehicle fire attorneys at The Higgins Firm have experience with products liability lawsuits and have the resources to handle these cases effectively.

Although every car fire is different, dangerous or defective automobile parts are often involved in initiating or assisting a fire. A fire may start as a result of a car accident or even improperly installed parts. Cars should be able to operate and even survive a collision without a fire starting. Dangerous or defective car parts may result from but are not limited to:

• Damaged fuel lines
• Damaged hoses, caps, and filters
• Electrical system wiring
• Gas tanks
• Improperly installed mufflers
• Improperly installed exhaust systems
• Overheating engines
• Overheating catalytic converters
• Arson

Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Fires

Electric and hybrid vehicles consist of a lithium ion battery that powers the car. Although popular companies like Tesla, Mercedes, and Ford have taken extreme safety measures to prevent hazards, like fires from happening, the cells do contain flammable materials. These materials are volatile, and when exposed to moisture or air – of any amount – they can become explosive.

Water can cause lithium ion batteries to heat. The battery may ignite and burn at more than 840 °F degrees. Although this is a rare type of vehicle fire, it has happened. The more electric cars are used, the more likely for fires to happen. The injuries that may result from such an intense fire can be severe, life threatening, or fatal.

Vehicle Fire Injuries

Injuries in a car accident can often be severe and life threatening. Burn injuries resulting from a vehicle fire can make these injuries even worse. Some of the most dangerous injuries can include burns to either the driver or any passenger within the vehicle. However, there is often a more silent danger that most people do not think of. Noxious fumes, gases, and carbon monoxide can have extremely dangerous effects on those involved in a vehicle fire. Merely inhaling some of these poisonous gases can have lasting effects on an individual’s health.

The Higgins Firm Will Help You Overcome Your Vehicle Fire Injuries There are a number of challenges that anyone who has experienced burn injuries will face following a vehicle fire. Some of the difficulties to those attempting to recover from a car fire may include but are not limited to:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Possibility of infection

Vehicle Fire Lawsuit

You may be wondering whether or not you have a legal right to file a fire after you or a loved one was injured or died in a car fire. In general, a large number of vehicle fires are caused by defective parts or design. If this is true, or there is another form of negligence related to the cause of the crash, you will likely be able to file a lawsuit. If you or a loved one have been injured in a vehicle fire and have experienced the difficulties following a vehicle fire, you may need the assistance of one of our experienced and caring Nashville vehicle fire attorneys at The Higgins Firm. We encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible. Our experience and knowledge combined with our resources allow us to help our clients receive the compensation that they deserve. We put our clients first in everything that we do.

Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.