Recently, a serious accident involving a semi truck occurred that resulted in the temporary closure of I-696 near Woodward because part of the road was damaged. There were three motor vehicles involved in the accident, including a tractor trailer. A motor vehicle operator who was traveling westbound reported large clouds of smoke and intense flames coming from the accident scene. While it remains uncertain exactly how the accident occurred, one of the motor vehicles ended up on its side by a guardrail, and one or more of the vehicles caught fire. Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries or fatalities reported as a result of the accident.
Each year, a large number of individuals are seriously burned or even killed in car fires resulting from car accidents. In some cases, motor vehicle drivers and passengers might survive an accident intact but are significantly endangered if the vehicle later catches fire. Statistics reveal that there are about 280,000 motor vehicle fires each year in the United States resulting in approximately 480 deaths.
The Causes of Vehicle Fires
Motor vehicles contain many different types of flammable materials including gasoline and oil. Vehicles also have many potential ways for ignition to occur, including short circuits and overheating systems. As a result, there are many reasons why vehicle accidents can result in fire or smoke. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
- Collisions with other motor vehicles carrying flammable liquids.
- Defectively designed or manufactured motor vehicles.
- Exhaust system defects.
- Faulty wiring.
- Fluid leaks.
- Puncture gas tanks.
- Ruptured fuel lines.
Injuries Caused by Vehicle Fires
Burns are one of the most serious types of injury that an individual can receive. Burns are classified as first, second, third or fourth degree in terms of severity. Fourth degree burns are the most serious and can result in many deadly complications. Many people who receive serious burns as the result of a car accident face life-changing obstacles that can result in difficulties with employment and lead to substantial medical bills.
If Your Motor Vehicle Catches Fire
There are some recommended steps that individuals should follow in the event that their motor vehicle catches on fire. The steps include the following:
- If the vehicle moving, pull over at the closest safe location and turn off the engine.
- Make sure everyone in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle moves away.
- Avoid standing downwind from the motor vehicle because this can result in the inhalation of deadly fumes and smoke.
- Avoid standing directly in front of the motor vehicle because projectiles exploded from the vehicle can seriously harm a person.
- Notify emergency services.
Motor vehicle accidents involving fire and smoke frequently result in the death and injury of individuals. If you have been harmed in one of these accidents, contact an accident attorney who knows what it to takes to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. The legal counsel at Jay Trucks and Associates PLC is waiting to help you with your case today.
