Vehicle Fires Commonly Due to Defects
Defects in your motor vehicle can place you and your family in danger of an accident. Some can even cause a fire in your vehicle that leads to even worse injuries. Following are several of the latest recalls that are of particular concern.
Vehicle Fires
The National Fire Protection Association reported 174,000 vehicle fires occurring along the nation’s highways in 2015. They resulted in 445 fatalities and 1,550 injuries. Ten percent of the fires reported in the United States were due to vehicle fires and accounted for 6 percent of deaths caused by fire. The average number of vehicle fires reported were 17 each hour. Two-thirds of the fires were caused by electrical or mechanical errors. Vehicle fires can result in severe burn injuries or the death of a loved one. Some vehicle fires are due to a manufacturing defect or other type of product liability.
Hyundai Recall
In January, Hyundai announced a recall of almost 88,000 vehicles due to a defect in their antilock braking systems. The problem could cause an electrical short in the vehicles leading to a fire due to overheating. This is because water could enter it if a high-pressure hose is used to clean the engine. An even bigger problem is that the module probably would not catch fire as long as the motor is running. The danger lies in if the vehicle isn’t used for a week or two and the key is in the off position. Potentially, this could cause a fire if the vehicle is parked in the homeowner’s garage and spreading to the rest of the house. Although a spokesperson for Hyundai says this is a rare problem, it has issued the recall to have a relay installed in the vehicles’ electrical boxes that will shut down the modules when the engine is shut off. The recall is expected to begin on February 23 and affects the 2006 through 2011 Azera and some 2006 Sonatas.
BMW Recall
BMW announced a November recall of 672,775 3 Series vehicles due to a fire hazard related to the wiring harness. The wiring harness for the blower/regulator controls the speed of the fan, which cools the engine. A connection that shows variations in the resistance may cause the temperature to increase, leading to a short circuit. This, in turn, could cause the plastic housing to melt, leading to a fire. Notifications of the recall started going out in November, informing owners of the affected vehicles that they should take them to the dealership for inspection and possible repair.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Catches on Fire
Prevention by doing regular inspections and maintenance can help avoid vehicle fires. However, if your vehicle does catch on fire, the following measures are recommended by the NFPA.
- Turn on your signal light to warn other motorists, and pull over to the shoulder of the road.
- Turn the engine off.
- Exit the vehicle, along with all passengers.
- Keep away from traffic, and move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle.
- Use your cell phone to call 911 for emergency assistance.
Injuries Caused by Vehicle Fires
Severe burns can require a long period of hospitalization and resultant expenses. In some cases, damage to kidneys occurs and plastic surgery may be required, particularly when facial damage is involved. After a long hospital stay and treatments, the cost can be astronomical. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help recover compensation to pay for medical expenses. In the event a family member dies as a result of a fire caused by negligence, the attorney may help by filing a wrongful death lawsuit to recover financial damages for the family.
Stockton Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton car accident lawyer. Vehicle fires or fires in the home due to electrical or other defects can have catastrophic results. If you or a member of your family was injured, please call (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am honored to give you friendly, compassionate and free advice. In addition, you might want to use the contact us form located at AutoAccident.com, the website I own and founded.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates as a California member. This group is composed of trial attorneys with client verdicts or settlements of $1 million.
Feel free to look over my Verdicts and Settlements to get an idea of some of our cases and their results.
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I have been helping Northern California residents, including Stockton, with their personal injury claim in areas such as wrongful death and vehicular accident injuries like brain injuries for over 35 years.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/fire-firefighter-relief-car-on-fire-2109057/
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