If you’ve ever had your vehicle catch on fire, you probably didn’t expect to get reimbursed for the damage. But according to some experts, you might be able to sue your car company for negligence.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4 million vehicles are damaged each year due to fires caused by faulty or defective parts.
In fact, fires account for almost half of all auto accidents. The NHTSA estimates that these fires cost consumers $1 billion in repair costs and lost wages every year.
The good news is that most insurance companies will cover the damages if it was a defect with a manufacturer’s part. However, there are exceptions.
For example, an engine manufacturer may not have liability because they’re considered an “innocent party.”
An innocent party is one who has no control over their product and cannot prevent its use from causing harm.
If you’re thinking about suing, there are several things you need to know before filing suit. First, you’ll want to make sure the person responsible for the fire is insured.
You also need to determine whether the person who sold you the vehicle is covered under his/her own policy. Finally, you should check to see if the vehicle itself is covered under another policy.
Keep on reading to find out more!
Why Would My Car Catch On Fire?
There are many reasons why your car could catch on fire. Some common causes include:
Faulty Battery
A faulty battery can cause your car to catch fire. Battery terminals will corrode and become very dangerous if there are manufacturing defects. Airbags may explode due to manufacturing defects.
A Short Circuit In The Electrical System/Failure Of Electrics
Electrical fires usually start in the dashboard or near it. Car accidents cause extensive damages to electrical wires. Severe collisions can cause cable severing and spark ignitions.
Engine failure may cause car fires.
Malfunctioning Fuel Injectors/Fuel Lines
Leaking gas causes fires. A car with faulty fuel lines may cause a fire when a small amount of gasoline leaks. Cars contain flammable materials other than gasoline.
Gasoline ignites easily and spreads rapidly.
Other reasons for car fires may include:
Overheating brakes
Improper maintenance
Excessive heat buildup inside the engine compartment
Faulty ignition switch
Poorly installed accessories
Improper installation of aftermarket equipment
How Can I Sue My Auto Company?
You can file a lawsuit against your auto company for any of the above-mentioned reasons. To do so, you must first prove that the company was negligent.
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care toward you. It doesn’t matter if the company knew about the problem; it only matters if they failed to fix it.
Once negligence has been proven, you can sue them for compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are money that you need to replace what was destroyed.
They can be monetary or non-monetary. Monetary compensatory damages include medical bills, property damage, and lost income.
Non-Monetary compensatory damages are awarded to compensate you for the emotional distress you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
This includes stress, anxiety, fear, humiliation, and embarrassment. If you were injured in the accident, you can also recover punitive damages.
How Can I Prevent My Car From Catching Fire?
The best way to avoid catching on fire is by keeping your car well maintained. Regular inspections and routine service visits help ensure that your car is safe.
Make sure that all parts are working properly. Check fluid levels regularly. Also, keep your tires inflated. Inflated tires reduce the risk of tire blowouts.
If your car catches on fire, get out immediately. If possible, pull over onto the shoulder and call 911.
Do not try to put out the flames yourself. Instead, wait for emergency services to arrive.
If your car does catch on fire, don’t panic. Take deep breaths and stay calm. Get away from the vehicle and move slowly.
Do Cars Catch On Fire After A Crash
Yes! Cars often catch on fire after an accident. The most common reason for this is because of defective wiring. Wires break, causing sparks which ignite nearby objects.
Other reasons for a car fire after an accident include:
Fuel leaking into the engine compartment
Defective battery terminals
Leaks in the cooling system
Who Do I Sue If My Car Sets On Fire?
Your auto insurance policy will likely cover the cost of repairing your car. You should contact your insurer right away.
Your insurer will decide whether to pay for repairs or provide coverage for replacement vehicles.
In some cases, your auto insurance company may deny coverage for your claim. This could happen if your car is considered “uninsured.”
Uninsured drivers are those who have no liability insurance.
Can A Stationary Car Catch Fire?
No. A stationary car cannot start a fire very easily. The only case in which it could be is if there’s a spark caused by faulty electrical work.
Circuit damage can be caused by too much voltage.
Overheating can occur when there is an excess of electricity. A fire could start if there is enough heat created by the over-current.
How Do I Deal With Insurance If My Car Catches On Fire
You’ll want to file a claim with your auto insurance provider. Your insurer will evaluate your claim and determine how much they’re willing to pay.
Your auto collision insurance covers most of your claims after an auto collision.
Can I Sue The Car Manufacturer If My Car Catches On Fire?
Yes. If you believe that your car manufacturer is responsible for your injuries, you can sue them. You must prove that the manufacturer failed to use reasonable care in designing their product.
It is important to note that manufacturers are not liable for defects in products that occurred before they were manufactured.
What Are Some Of The Most Common Causes For An Auto Accident
There are many causes of auto accidents. These include:
Poor road conditions
Drunk driving
Speeding
Distracted driving
Failure to yield
Improper lane changes
Driving under the influence
Road rage
Reckless driving
Lack of seat belts
Excessive speed
Can Electric Cars Catch Fire?
Electric cars do not usually catch fire. However, electric cars are more prone to overheating than gasoline powered ones.
This happens because electric motors are less efficient at converting energy into motion. They also produce more heat as a result.
Electric cars are safer than gas powered ones because there are fewer chances of catching fire. However, if an electric car catches fire, it is harder to put it out. Lithium-ion batteries are very hard to cool down.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you need to know what your rights are. You can’t afford to take any risks. This is especially true in the serious event of a car fire.
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Last summer there was a fire in the building.
That was what spurred my idea for Can I Sue, an online source to find out whether you have the grounds to sue or not, as well as helpful tips that you might need during the process.
