CAR FIRE INJURY ATTORNEYS
CAR FIRE INJURY ATTORNEYS
REPRESENTING VICTIMS INJURED BY FUEL SYSTEM DEFECTS
Vehicle fires are terrifying experiences, especially if you are traveling at a high speed on a busy roadway when your car abruptly erupts in flames. Vehicles primarily run on flammable materials, and many car fires have been attributed to defective fuel tanks and fuel systems. Incidents caused by these defects frequently result in terrible burn injuries and even death.
Potts Law Firm works with experts all over the country to inspect vehicles after fire-related accidents and determine the cause of the blazes. Our car fire injury lawyers can provide the compassionate support and dependable advocacy you need to recover damages and hold vehicle manufacturers accountable for defective designs. We have recovered over a billion dollars for our clients and are ready to put our collective power, resources, and litigation skills to work for you.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed in an accident involving a vehicle fire, schedule a free initial consultation by calling (888) 420-1299 or contacting us online. Our firm offers same-day appointments and provides services in English and Spanish.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND DANGERS OF VEHICLE FIRES?
The dangers of car fires are inherent and obvious. While occupants will make every effort to escape an ablaze vehicle, these fires often break out after serious accidents, meaning passengers may be trapped or physically unable to move. If a fire is not quickly put out, a deadly explosion is also possible, especially if the fuel lines are leaking.
Vehicle fires can be caused by a wide range of malfunctioning or defective components, including:
- Batteries of hybrid and electric vehicles
- Fuel systems
- Electrical systems
- Overheating engines
COMMON INJURIES IN ACCIDENTS INVOLVING VEHICLE FIRES
A serious crash can trigger a fire, especially if a vehicle’s crumple zone is poorly designed or another defect makes the vehicle particularly vulnerable. In a worst-case scenario, someone may suffer serious, disabling injuries due to a collision before suffering additional injuries in a subsequent vehicle fire. These injuries tend to be catastrophic or even fatal.
Our car fire injury attorneys can help you explore your legal options if you sustained any of the following injuries after an accident:
- Broken bones and/or fractures
- Facial fractures and/or scarring
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries and/or bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
WHO IS LIABLE FOR FUEL SYSTEM DEFECTS?
Not all car fires are caused by defective components, but many are. Numerous cars and trucks have been recalled by their manufacturers due to fuel system or fuel tank defects. For example, Chrysler has recalled many of its Jeep SUVs for fuel tanks that may catch fire when rear-ended. Other types of vehicles have yet to be recalled but use flawed designs that are arguably more likely to trigger dangerous fires.
Vehicle manufacturers are liable for injuries that fuel system defects cause. If you were injured in a car fire that was instigated by a defective element, you can sue the manufacturer and seek compensation. Fuel system defects are often the result of flawed designs that are negligently put into production to save costs. They can also be caused by poor manufacturing. To prove liability and recover damages, you will need to show the defect existed, the defect made your vehicle unreasonably dangerous, and that the defect resulted in injury.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IN A CAR FIRE LAWSUIT?
You cannot recover any damages if you miss your state’s deadline for filing a lawsuit. You only get a certain amount of time after the date of the care fire, so you should not wait to get legal advice. If a car fire results in death, qualifying survivors of the deceased will have more time from the date of the victim’s passing (not the date of the accident) to file a wrongful death claim.
Our car fire injury lawyers will work to recover compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
We frequently handle car fire injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win. Call (888) 420-1299 or contact us online to learn more.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why do I need an attorney?
Though recalls have forced automobile manufacturers to acknowledge the existence of fuel system defects, these companies will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid liability whenever possible. You should assume they will use their considerable legal resources to avoid paying you what you are owed, even if you have ample evidence of a defect. You should not expect to win if you go up a vehicle manufacturer alone.
An attorney familiar with auto defect cases can help you stand up to a vehicle manufacturer who refuses to be held accountable. If you are not sure whether a defect caused your car fire, we are happy to investigate for free and let you know whether we think you have a strong claim. If we proceed with your case, we can gather evidence (including expert testimony) and handle each stage of the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery. Our team at Potts Law Firm is committed to our clients and will always push for an optimal outcome, even if that means going to trial.
Q: What is a statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations is a state law that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit. In some states, the statute of limitations is as short as one year after an accident, while in others it is as long as six years after a crash. A car fire victim cannot typically pursue a product liability case once the statute of limitations expires, even if they have overwhelming evidence. There are certain exceptions to statutes of limitations, however, so you should get in touch with our firm no matter how long it has been since the accident.
Q: Can you help me if my family member was killed in a car fire?
Potentially, yes. When a defective product (such as a fuel system) causes fatal injuries, qualifying survivors of the victim can file a “wrongful death” lawsuit against the responsible parties. Keep in mind that not just anyone can bring a wrongful death claim, even if they are a relative of the deceased. Each state enforces its own rules for who can file. If you have standing, we are happy to discuss your case and help you explore your legal options.
Q: What if I no longer have the vehicle?
You should still call our team. We may still be able to help you after a car fire even if you do not have the vehicle in your possession.
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At Potts Law Firm, we believe the details of your case matter and we work tirelessly to pursue just compensation on your behalf. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff are backed with the resources they need to win regardless of the obstacles your case faces. We do this all while keeping an open line of communication with you.
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