A man died recently on Interstate 94 in Detroit after an accident resulted in his vehicle catching fire. Michigan State Police officers were later dispatched to the scene of the accident to investigate the crash, which occurred when the vehicle struck a pole. Law enforcement has yet to issue a statement regarding exactly how the accident occurred. In the case of vehicle fires, it is common to feel uncertain about how to proceed. The following will review some of the important steps that you should take if a vehicle fire occurs.
Decrease the Risk of Mechanical Failure
Unfortunately, no number of precautionary measures can help you entirely avoid the risk of being injured in a car. There are some precautions that you can take to avoid being involved in a car accident, however. For example, many vehicles suffer from poor maintenance, which is why you should make sure to have fuel lines inspected regularly. Also, if you happen to smell fuel while driving your vehicle, it is important to have the source of the smell investigated by a mechanic.
Decrease Patterns That Cause Vehicle Fires
A large number of vehicle fires are caused by human error. When a person spills oil while repairing an engine, this also increases the risk that an engine will catch on fire. It is important to make sure that your vehicle is repaired by a person who has a history of properly repairing vehicles.
What To Do When Cars Catch Fire
If your car catches fire, remain calm. Signal and immediately move over to either the shoulder of the road or another safe stopping place. Place the car in park and turn off the ignition. Because these situations are often overwhelming, many people forget to take these vital steps and as a result, end up making the situation much worse. Make sure that everyone is out of the vehicle and away from the flames. The next important step is to call 911. If the fire is under the vehicle’s hood, you should under all circumstances avoid opening the hood because this will add oxygen and make the fire worse.
Can An Attorney Help?
It is important to remember that no possession is worth your life. Make sure to safely exit your vehicle as soon as possible if your car catches on fire. If you are injured in a car fire and another party is responsible, you need to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney in Flint, MI immediately. Contact Jay Trucks & Associates to schedule an initial free case evaluation during which time we will discuss your various available options to obtain compensation for your injuries and suffering. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our Michigan injury lawyers will help you get all of the compensation you deserve from the insurance company.
