What To Do if Your Car Catches Fire

According to research, in 2021, there were about 174,000 highway vehicle fires in the United States of America. Unfortunately, when car fires happen, the results can be catastrophic. Car fires can cause severe injuries and death. There are several ways a car fire can occur. Some car fires are caused by collisions, and others by issues with the vehicle’s electrical wiring and fuel system. Hazardous liquids spilled near a vehicle and cigarettes left inside the car are other things that can cause a car fire.

If you suffer injuries in a car fire because of another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation through a personal injury claim. For example, suppose a car fire occurs after an accident caused by a distracted driver or because of a vehicle defect. In that case, you may be able to recover compensation from the negligent driver or vehicle manufacturer. In such a case, you should contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the entire legal process.

Steps To Take if Your Car Catches Fire

When a car catches fire, it can cause panic among the occupants. It is crucial that if your vehicle catches fire, you avoid panicking, as panicking can increase the risk of harm. Panicking can lead to life-threatening situations. The first thing you should do if your car catches fire is to remain calm. By remaining calm, you will be in a better position to take the following steps, which can help save your life and the lives of other vehicle occupants.

If your vehicle catches fire while you are driving,

• Get your vehicle off the road quickly, come to a complete stop, and turn off the engine. Turning off the engine can help prevent the fuel from making the problem worse.
• Once you have stopped and turned off the engine, get out of the car as fast as possible. Help other occupants get out of the car.
• Next, move away from the burning vehicle, ensuring you stay at least 100 feet away.
• If possible, alert oncoming vehicles of the danger ahead.
• Do not open the boot/bonnet. If you open the boot/bonnet, the flames might flare up, and you might get burnt.
• Contact the fire department. It is generally advisable that if you are not trained to put out a car fire, you don’t attempt to do so. It is best that you leave that work to the trained professionals.
• Contact traffic police. The police can help with informing the oncoming traffic about the danger ahead.

If your car catches fire while parked or stopped in traffic,

• Turn off the ignition
• Move away from the car
• If possible, alert oncoming vehicles of the danger ahead
• Contact the fire department and traffic police

Finally, if your vehicle catches fire after an accident,

• Get out of the car as fast as possible and help other occupants get out of the car
• Try to move as far away as possible from the car
• Contact emergency services and the police

Legal Help Is Available

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here to help you in the event that you suffer injuries in a car fire because of another party’s negligence. You can reach us by calling 844-200-0000 or filling out our online contact form.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Ocala, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Naples, Miami, Melbourne, Tampa, and Jacksonville areas.

Source:

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