There are numerous adverse consequences of an auto crash. From the property damage to bodily and psychological injuries, it can be distressing for any accident victim. In some cases, these car accidents result in loss of life. But, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your auto crash, an Ohio car accident attorney can help get your life back together.
However, a car accident isn’t always as simple as we may think. Many times, it’s easy to determine who the negligent party is. Sometimes, though, there may be some complexities, like when your car goes up in flames after a collision. In such cases, there are many factors to consider in determining liabilities.
Car fires after a collision also result in an emergency that requires urgent intervention. So, how do you handle the aftermath of a car accident fire? How do you also determine the at-fault party in such cases? We’ll show you.
Why Did My Car Catch Fire After a Collision?
Car fires after an auto crash may be due to any of the following:
Poor Maintenance:
Inadequate or no car maintenance puts your car in bad shape. As such, a collision can easily trigger a car fire when your vehicle is in terrible condition.
Flammable Fluids:
Your car runs on flammable liquids like gasoline, diesel, brake fluid, etc. When those highly inflammable liquids spill after an accident, they can easily cause a fire.
Defective Parts and Design Flaws:
Sometimes, design flaws and defective parts from the manufacturing can increase your risk of an accident-induced car fire.
Vehicle Crumple Zones:
Sometimes, even in a perfect car condition, the impact of the collision can cause a fire accident in severe cases.
Who Is Liable for My Car Fire After An Accident?
When determining liability in a car fire after a crash, you do so by discerning the negligent party. That is the person who failed in their duty of care to you and caused your injuries as a result. For example, if your car caught fire after an accident, the careless driver who caused the auto crash would be at fault. However, someone else may also share in the liability if they increase your risk of car fire injuries.
Generally, depending on your case’s specifics, the persons responsible for your car fire after a collision may include:
The Driver Who Caused the Accident
A driver can cause a car accident by disregarding road safety rules. For example, they may be drunk driving, speeding, driving when distracted, sleepy, etc. In any of those cases, they’ll be liable for your accident injuries. Generally, however, car accidents shouldn’t result in a fire. So if your car catches fire, someone else’s negligence may be a contributory factor.
The Car Manufacturers
Car manufacturers must ensure that they produce safe vehicles for public use. However, design flaws in a car can put them at a high risk of fire in an accident. In such cases, your lawyer may consider a claim against the car company.
Service Shops
In some cases, your service shops may contribute to your car fire through improper repairs and maintenance.
You
You may contribute to your car catching fire after a crash by neglecting to maintain your vehicle. That’s especially if you ignore some warning signs in your automobile that increase the chances of a fire accident. Ohio is a comparative negligence state. So, if you were more than 50% responsible for your accident, you may not recover any damages.
How Do I Handle a Vehicle Fire?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends the best methods to employ after a car fire. They include the following:
- Pulling over as soon as it’s safe to do so, then turning off your engine immediately
- Get out of the car and stay at least 100 feet away from it and traffic. Make sure all the car occupants get out too
- Don’t return to your burning car
- Dial 911 and wait for the emergency responders to put out the fire.
Call an Ohio Car Accident Lawyer Now!
Who’s responsible for your car flaming up after an auto crash? Is it the negligent driver, your automobile company, or the service shop? No matter the circumstances, you can get ample compensation for your injuries if someone else caused them. All you need to do is ensure that you have a competent personal injury attorney on your side.
That’s why you must speak with our experienced Ohio automobile accident lawyers immediately after your motor vehicle crash. No matter how complex you think your case is, we’ll ably present you with the most favorable legal options. So visit us for a free case review immediately, and let’s get started on your case ASAP.
