Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
In most Hollywood car accidents, the impact of the crash is devastating enough, potentially leading to fractures, head trauma, and other serious injuries. In cases where a car catches fire in a collision, however, the situation can escalate into a serious tragedy.
In these cases, cars are not supposed to catch fire. A fire after your crash can indicate electrical system problems or fuel system defects. If that’s the case in your Hollywood car accident, you may have a claim against the car manufacturer. If you’re in this situation, contact Flaxman Law Group to find out more about your rights to compensation.
Understanding Hollywood Car Accident Fires
Car fires after a car crash are more common than many drivers think and they are most often caused by:
- Leaks in fuel tanks or fuel lines. These fires can begin under a car and can be caused by even one spark if these systems are defective. The fire can rapidly spread and engulf the vehicle.
- Electrical system failures. These usually begin in the dashboard area and spread. Faulty wiring in this area can short and spark while a car accident can sever cables and create sparks, which can lead to a fire.
- Engine problems. Overheating due to faulty design and other issues with the engine compartment are a common cause of car fires.
- Battery design issues. Poor design can cause corrosion to develop on the terminals of the battery. This is very flammable and can cause a fire when a car overheats or when sparks occur during a crash.
A car has many flammable materials, besides fuel. When a fire happens, it can quickly pose a danger for occupants in the vehicle. In addition to burn injuries and smoke inhalation, occupants of the car can also be exposed to toxic gases during a car fire. This can put them at increased risk of serious illnesses later on.
What Can I Do?
The best way to prevent car fires is to properly maintain your vehicle. Always check for recalls and work with dealerships to fix any known problems. Any fuel leaks or oil leaks should be addressed at once and if you need to put propane cylinders or gas cans in your car, only carry a small amount of fuel and always carry it in a certified container. Keep a window open for ventilation.
If your car or another vehicle catches fire after a Hollywood car crash, it’s important to get away from the cars as soon as you can and call 911. This is an emergency. Any spilled gasoline or fuel on the roadway can also catch fire and as the flames spread the risks increase.
After your accident, it can be worthwhile to speak to a Hollywood car accident claims attorney. He or she can investigate whether a negligent driver, a car manufacturer, or multiple liable parties caused the crash and your injuries. Your lawyer works to get you fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, property damage costs, and other losses.
Your car is likely to be totaled after this kind of serious accident and you may need complex and expensive medical care. You may lose significant time at work and may need extra help around the house. Taking care of your legal rights helps you protect your financial future so you can get the support you need.
It’s not always easy to know what your rights are, but Flaxman Law Group makes it easy to learn the facts. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Hollywood, Homestead, or any community in Southern Florida, call our family-based law firm at 866-352-9626 to schedule a consultation with a compassionate and experienced Hollywood car accident claims attorney.