Common Causes of Car Fires in Car Accidents

Car accidents. They are scary enough, but when you add a fire into the mix, things can go from bad to worse. You are probably wondering: “How does this happen?” It is a valid question. And if your car caught on fire after an accident, you are not alone in wondering what went wrong – and whether you have any legal recourse. As car accident lawyers, we know how complicated these cases can be.

Here, we will break down the common causes of car fires. Understanding the reasons for these fires is important – especially when it comes to getting compensation.

Car accidents and fire risk

We all know that car accidents can cause a lot of damage. But what is often overlooked is how they can lead to fires. After a crash, a ruptured fuel tank or broken fuel lines could result in fuel leaking out. Once that fuel hits a spark or heat source, you have got a fire on your hands. Pretty scary, right?

But it is not just fuel systems that can be affected. Car accidents can cause electrical malfunctions too. Think about it – today’s vehicles are filled with electrical components that can easily be damaged by a crash. A damaged wire can short-circuit and spark a fire in a heartbeat.

If you have found yourself in this situation, know this: if another driver’s negligence caused the accident that led to the fire, you may be entitled to compensation. Tennessee operates under a modified comparative fault rule, which means even if you are also partly at fault, you could be compensated for any damages or injuries caused by the fire (as long as you are less than 50% at fault). A car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you navigate this complicated situation.

5 common causes of car fires

1. Electrical fires

What is one of the most common causes of car fires after an accident? Electrical malfunctions. We cannot stress this enough. Modern vehicles are heavily dependent on electrical systems. From airbags to entertainment systems, the average car is like a web of circuits. If any part of that system gets damaged in a crash, it can short-circuit. And where there is a short-circuit, there is the potential for fire.

Most electrical fires start in the engine compartment or under the dashboard, areas where the wiring is most vulnerable to impact. It is dangerous. And the aftermath can be overwhelming.

Here is where it gets tricky from a legal standpoint. If your car caught fire because of an electrical issue following the accident, it could affect your injury claim. Whether the fire was caused by faulty wiring or some other defect, it is important to understand that this could impact the damages you are entitled to. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you figure out where the fault lies.

2. Fuel system failures

You might not realize it, but your car’s fuel system is one of the main culprits when it comes to post-accident fires. If your fuel tank ruptures or the fuel lines break in a crash, fuel leaks everywhere. We all know gasoline is highly flammable, and if there is any heat or spark nearby – boom, you are dealing with a fire.

This is not just about the crash itself, either. The age and condition of your vehicle can play a big role. Older cars might have worn fuel systems, making them even more prone to failure in a collision.

If you were in an accident where a fire started because of a fuel system failures, Tennessee law allows you to seek compensation if the crash was caused by another driver’s negligence. And, if the issue lies in the car’s design or manufacture, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim as well. Car accident lawyers can help you untangle this complex situation and explore every avenue for compensation.

3. Engine overheating

It might seem like a small thing, but engine overheating can be a serious issue after a car accident. When a crash damages your car’s cooling system, the engine is at risk of overheating. If it gets hot enough, it could lead to a fire. We are talking about radiator damage, punctured hoses, and cracked engine blocks – all of which could start a fire if the engine gets too hot.

Now, if your engine catches fire after a crash, how does that affect your case? Tennessee law allows you to seek damages for any injuries or damages caused by a crash. If the overheating was caused by the collision, it could be part of your claim. A car accident lawyer can help you determine if the fire was a direct result of the accident or pre-existing issues with the vehicle.

4. Faulty batteries

Believe it or not, your car battery can contribute to a post-accident fire. After an impact, the battery might suffer damage, leading to a short circuit or overheating. This can ignite a fire in a hurry. This is especially true for older cars, where the battery may already be more vulnerable to damage. If this happens to you, you might be able to hold the at-fault driver responsible for the fire and seek compensation for your damages.

5. Improperly stored items

This one might surprise you. After an accident, items inside your car – things you would not think twice about – can turn into a fire hazard. Things like paper, plastic bags, and even clothes can catch fire if they are too close to hot surfaces like the engine or exhaust system. And once a fire starts, it can spread fast.

If your fire started because of improperly stored items, it might be hard to point the finger at another driver. But if the accident itself contributed to the conditions that led to the fire, you may still have a claim. A car accident lawyer can help assess whether the fire was a direct result of the crash or negligence in storing items.

Get the legal help you need after a car fire

If you have experienced a car fire following an accident, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. You should not have to face it alone. Car accident lawyers are here to help you determine the cause of the fire and secure the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured or suffered damages, reach out to a dedicated attorney today.

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers have a proven track record of fighting for injury victims. With over $250 million in compensatory damages recovered, we are ready to help you too. Schedule a consultation today. Contact us at our offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro.