Premier Car Accident Lawyers in Florida

Vehicle fires are among the most harmful results of a car crash or automotive defect. Engines are powerful machines, and for the most part, they’re designed to remain safely inert. But when fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source intersect, the safest car can quickly turn into a dangerous cage.

If you or a loved one was severely injured or burned as a result of a car fire, you may be entitled to a car defect lawsuit. While maintenance issues can lead to fires, cars should be designed to never catch fire. Unfortunately, manufacturers make mistakes—mistakes our clients have had to pay for. The law firm of Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman fights for clients to receive the medical support and financial security they deserve from the carmakers who took it from them.

Common Causes Of Vehicle Fires

In order for a fire to happen, there must be three things present: oxygen, fuel, and an igniter. Car makers purposefully make it difficult for these things to be present together. However, leaking fuel lines and defective O-rings (which seal fuel tanks) can lead to fuel leakage. When combined with frayed electrical wiring, this can lead to a devastating car fire.

Other possible causes of car fires include:

Electrical System Failures

• Faulty Wiring: Loose connections, frayed wires, or corrosion can create electrical arcs that ignite fires.
• Short Circuits: When wires touch accidentally or come into contact with metal, they can create excessive heat and cause fires.
• Damaged Batteries: Defective batteries, especially those that are old or improperly maintained, can leak acid or overheat, leading to fires.
• Aftermarket Electronics: Poorly installed or incompatible aftermarket electronics can overload the electrical system and cause fires.

Fuel System Leaks

• Fuel Line Corrosion: Over time, fuel lines can corrode, leading to leaks that can ignite when exposed to hot surfaces or sparks.
• Fuel Pump Failures: Faulty fuel pumps can leak fuel, especially when they are damaged or worn out.
• Loose Connections: Loose or damaged fuel line connections can allow fuel to leak.

Overheated Engines

• Cooling System Failures: When the cooling system malfunctions, the engine can overheat, causing components to fail or ignite flammable fluids.
• Excessive Load: Overloading the engine, such as towing heavy loads or driving at high speeds for extended periods, can cause overheating.
• Ignition System Problems: Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or distributors can cause the engine to run hot.

Collisions

• Fuel Line Ruptures: Accidents can cause fuel lines to rupture, allowing fuel to leak and ignite.
• Electrical System Damage: Collisions can damage electrical wiring, causing short circuits or sparks.
• Battery Terminals: Impact can cause battery terminals to short circuit, leading to fires.

Mechanical Failures

• Overheated Brakes: Excessive braking can cause the brakes to overheat and ignite.
• Faulty Bearings: Overheated or seized bearings can cause fires.
• Exhaust System Leaks: Leaks in the exhaust system can allow hot gases to come into contact with flammable materials.

Manufacturing Defects

• Wiring Problems: Faulty wiring harnesses or connectors can cause fires.
• Fuel System Defects: Design flaws or manufacturing defects in the fuel system can lead to leaks.
• Electrical Component Failures: Defective alternators, starters, or other electrical components can cause fires.

Nissan & Mazda Fuel System Issues

Nissan and Mazda both have issued massive recalls on their vehicles for fuel system issues. Mazda recalled their Mazda6 model from multiple years because the fuel lines are prone to clogging, creating dangerous pressures that can crack the fuel tank. Nissan’s Altima and Maxima 2016 models had a defective O-ring prone to leakage and creating the possibility of combustion on impact.

How Clark Fountain Can Help After a Car Fire

Our firm is one of the most highly-renowned car accident firms in south Florida because we believe in justice, in passionately fighting for fairness to the fullest extent of the law. People who suffer severe burns from car fires often don’t have the money to pay for their medical treatment and long-term care, their emotional trauma, or even for legal representation. Clark Fountain can help with all of that.

Clients turn to Clark Fountain because we:

• Have secured more than over a Billion dollars
• Take on highly complex and difficult cases
• Continue fighting for you through the appeals process
• Are award-winning, highly-rated attorneys

We allow all clients to have access to high-quality representation because our firm covers the cost of your case upfront, and we don’t collect a fee unless you receive compensation. Our work has allowed our clients to have the financial security and closure they need after a tragic vehicle fire. Let’s see what our Florida car accident attorneys can do for you—contact us as soon as possible.

Get the counsel you need in a free legal consult by calling  561-899-2100. Our vehicle fire injury attorneys fight for you.

Significant Case Results