Why do cars catch fire?

On Behalf of | Jan 29, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Watch any action movie, and it becomes clear very quickly that directors want you to believe that any car will explode violently in a collision. The effects are often far over the top, and you know well that it’s not like this in real life. However, there is some truth to the fact that cars catching on fire can pose a serious risk for drivers and passengers.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that, when looking at all of the fires that are reported every year, about one out of five are car fires. Therefore, there is a clear risk.

Causes of car fires

Some of the causes of these fires include:

  • Accidents
  • Defects
  • Poor maintenance
  • Spilled fluids
  • Batteries
  • Overheating
  • Electrical system issues
  • Fuel leaks

As you may assume, a lot of car fires have multiple causes. For example, a driver may get in to an accident that breaks a fuel line, causing a fuel leak. A driver may get hit by another driver who has not properly maintained their car, meaning that there were existing issues with spilled fluids — which then ignite during the crash.

Lifetime injuries

The issue with car fires is that burns often cause life-long injuries. The path to recovery can be very painful and difficult, and some victims wind up with lasting disfigurements. If you or a loved one has suffered serious burns in a crash caused by another driver, be sure you know your rights to compensation. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance and assistance to help you get the compensation you need.