What to Do if Your Car Catches Fire After an Accident in Orlando

Nothing is more terrifying than being trapped inside a burning vehicle. Unfortunately, car fires are not the invention of Hollywood. Virtually anyone could suddenly see flames shooting out of their hood, especially after a collision. With luck, passengers can get out of the car and to safety before the fire goes out of control or the tank explodes.

Contact an Orlando car accident lawyer for help with your case. Fires cause serious burns and smoke inhalation injuries, which can severely compromise a person’s health. Our consultations are free and without obligation. If you like what you hear, we can go ahead and start representing you in your legal claim.

Main Causes of Car Fires

Cars do not normally catch on fire. When they do, usually something is wrong with the vehicle:

• Blown fuses
• Defective oil filter
• Broken hoses
• Spilled oil
• Defective wiring
• Engine or catalytic converter overheating
• Ruptured fuel line

There are any number of reasons for a fire. Some cars have defective parts, which might be subject to recall. Other fires are the result of car crashes, which might damage the fuel line or engine and lead to fuel ignition.

Here’s What to Do if Your Car Catches on Fire

Seeing flames burst from your car is a heart-stopping moment. Here are steps you should immediately take.

1. Pull over. You should get to the side of the road quickly. Of course, if you were involved in an accident, then your car might be unable to move.
2. Turn off the car. Cutting fuel from the engine might temporarily keep a fire from getting worse.
3. Exit the vehicle. If you are driving alone, then it’s much easier for you to get out and reach safety. But if there are passengers, such as elderly passengers or young children, then it will take time to get them free and clear of the car.
4. Leave personal items behind. This is a tough step for many people. You might have expensive items in the trunk or in the backseat. You shouldn’t head back to the car to retrieve any items, because you risk getting burned.
5. Stand at least 100 feet away. Explosions are a real risk, as are toxic fumes. You want to stand far away so that you won’t be injured.
6. Call emergency services. Tell them your car is on fire and give them your location.
7. Try to alert oncoming traffic. Other motorists can be injured if they come upon the fire and your car explodes. You can walk down the road and flag down motorists to tell them to stop or turn around.
8. Obtain personal and insurance information from any driver who hit you. A car accident with fire can form the basis of a personal injury claim. You need to know the identity of the driver who hit you. With luck, they stopped, but if they didn’t, then write down their license plate number.
9. Report the fire to your insurer. Once you return home, you need to let your insurer know about the fire. You might have comprehensive or collision coverage, which will pay compensation to replace or fix the car. Also, if you were struck by a careless driver, your insurance company can open a claim.
10. Do not immediately junk the car once the fire is extinguished. The culprit behind the fire could be an electrical problem or another defect. The car’s manufacturer might be legally liable for a defect on the vehicle which makes it dangerous. If you immediately send the burned-out hull to the junkyard, then we’ll never be able to see if the car is defective.

These 10 steps can keep you and your loved ones safe, while also preserving the ability to seek compensation from the person who caused the fire.

When Can You Receive Compensation for a Car Fire?

You might claim any of the following:

• A negligent driver. If you suffered a car crash with fire, then the driver responsible for the accident should pay compensation to fix the vehicle as well as cover expenses related to bodily injuries.
• Car manufacturer. Defects in the design or manufacture could lead to fire. This is one reason you don’t immediately send the vehicle to a junkyard. An experienced car accident lawyer can inspect the car with an expert to determine any defects.
• Mechanics. A mechanic might have failed to perform repairs properly, so you hold the shop responsible for the fire.

Hire a seasoned attorney who knows how to work up a case. Our firm can investigate the reasons for your fire and then pinpoint the correct defendant.

Compensation for a Car Accident with Fire

Fires cause serious injuries, including second- and third-degree burns, amputation, lung damage, and more. Someone who staggers away from the vehicle could even trip and fall, suffering fractures and a concussion.

JustCallMoe to see if you can bring an injury claim. For example, we might seek compensation from a negligent or reckless driver. Our firm can negotiate a settlement for:

• Car repairs
• Replacement of other damaged property
• Medical bills to treat burns and other injuries
• Lost wages or income, along with job-related benefits
• Rental car expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

Trying to negotiate a settlement on your own is often when the real headaches begin. Insurance companies might even try to blame you for the fire by alleging that you do not service your car regularly. Let an Orlando car accident lawyer respond to these allegations in the right way.

Call Us to Speak with an Attorney in a Free Consultation

Accident victims deserve compensation when a careless driver damages their vehicle, including when they cause a fire.

You do not have to negotiate a claim on your own or hope your insurance company takes your side. Instead, JustCallMoe and get the services of an experienced car accident attorney who has only your best interests at heart.