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Car Fire Accident Attorney – Vehicle Fire Injury Lawyer in Texas
A gas tank erupting into flames after a car collision is the most horrifying thing you can imagine. Fortunately, such accidents are very rare but when they happen the victims experience severe burns and other serious injuries. In most action movies cars only explode after a major collision but in reality a vehicle can catch on fire even after a minor accident. Call (832) 463-1003 for a consultation.
Vehicle Fires
Whether the car catches fire or not depends on how secure and intact the fuel system is. If the fuel tank and the fuel system have a flaw because of poor design or a manufacture defect, they can rupture easily during collision causing gasoline to leak. Given the flammability of gasoline, all that is needed is a single spark to ignite the spilled fuel.
Design and Manufacture
Vehicles that have fuel tanks mounted behind the rear axle are more vulnerable during car collisions. But post-collision fires can also occur because of defects in the fuel lines or fuel pumps. A fuel line in a car with a fuel injected engine can rapture causing significant leakage. Additionally, poorly placed or routed lines are at a greater risk of rupturing.
This can also happen because of the quality of the material used to make the lines. Since most cars or SUVs hold a full tank of about 20 gallons, the resulting explosion if ignited is equal to explosive punch of a dozen dynamite sticks. Automakers need to dedicate enough time and money in making safe vehicle parts to avoid horrific injuries that may result after a car catches fire.
The state of Texas recognizes that victims of car accidents may need compensation to recover from such injuries.
Types of Burns caused by Vehicle Fires
There are three categories of burns. First degree burns are mild because they only affect the outer layer of the skin. Your skin may turn red and become painful. Second degree burns cause reddening and pain too but there is also swelling and blistering. Such burns affect the epidermis (upper layer of skin) and the dermis (lower layer of skin).
Third degree burns are also called deep tissue burns because they penetrate skin to the deeper tissues. This results in white or blackened skin that has lost almost all feeling. These types of burns mostly happen when vehicle occupants are trapped in an inflamed vehicle.
Airbags and seat belts can also cause serious burn injuries.
Compensation after vehicle fire burns
Your lawyer can help you determine the negligent party in a car fire situation. You can sue the driver that caused the accident that led to your injury. You can also file a defective product lawsuit if the fire was as a result of defective manufacture or design of the car, auto or SUV. A car fire accident attorney may help you recover damages such as the cost of medical bills, lost wages, funeral, and pain and suffering. There is no need to suffer in silence because of the actions of a negligent driver.