Why Do Cars Catch Fire When Crashing?
Cars can catch fire during or after a crash when the collision damages fuel systems, electrical components, batteries, or other parts of the vehicle. Although most crashes do not result in fires, a severe impact can create both a source of ignition and access to flammable materials.
Vehicle fires can cause devastating burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and other complications beyond the injuries caused by the initial collision. Understanding why these fires happen can also help determine who may be responsible after a serious crash in Dallas, Texas.
How Can a Car Crash Cause a Fire?
A collision can damage multiple vehicle systems at once. When gasoline, oil, or another flammable substance leaks onto a hot surface or comes into contact with a spark, it may ignite.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, many vehicle fires originate in the engine compartment. Crash-related fires may also develop when an impact compromises the fuel system or damages electrical wiring.
The severity and location of the impact can affect whether a fire starts. High-speed crashes, rollovers, and collisions that heavily damage the front or rear of a vehicle may create additional fire hazards.
Can a Damaged Fuel System Start a Fire?
Yes. Gasoline and fuel vapors are highly flammable. A crash may rupture a fuel tank, break a fuel line, or damage connections within the fuel delivery system.
Leaking fuel alone does not necessarily mean that a fire will occur. There generally must also be an ignition source, such as a spark, flame, or extremely hot vehicle component.
Federal vehicle safety standards include requirements intended to reduce the risk of fuel leakage and post-crash fires. However, serious impacts can still cause extensive damage.
Can Electrical Damage Cause a Vehicle Fire?
Electrical systems are another potential source of post-crash fires. A collision can crush wiring, damage a battery, or create short circuits that generate sparks or intense heat.
Modern vehicles contain numerous electrical components, meaning damage can occur in areas throughout the car. In some cases, an electrical fire may begin immediately after the crash. In others, smoke or flames might not become apparent until later.
Because of this risk, occupants should move away from a severely damaged vehicle when they can do so safely and contact emergency services if there are signs of smoke or fire.
Why Can Electric Vehicles Catch Fire After a Crash?
Electric and hybrid vehicles present different fire risks because they use high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Severe physical damage to a battery pack can cause internal failures and potentially lead to a process known as thermal runaway.
Damage to high-voltage batteries can result in the immediate or delayed release of toxic or flammable gases and may cause a fire. A damaged battery can also remain energized after a collision.
Anyone involved in a crash with an electric vehicle should avoid touching exposed high-voltage components and allow trained emergency personnel to assess the vehicle.
Who May Be Liable for a Car Fire After a Crash in Texas?
Liability depends on what caused the collision and why the vehicle caught fire. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, that driver may be responsible for injuries resulting from both the impact and the subsequent fire.
In other situations, evidence may indicate that a defective vehicle component, fuel system, or battery contributed to the fire. A manufacturer, parts company, or another party could potentially share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
Texas follows a modified comparative responsibility system. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, an injured person generally cannot recover damages if they are more than 50% responsible for the harm.
Most Texas personal injury lawsuits must also be filed within two years of the date the claim arises, although exceptions can affect the deadline.
Contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
A crash involving a vehicle fire can result in serious burns, respiratory injuries, permanent scarring, and substantial medical expenses. Determining why the fire started may require examining the damaged vehicle, crash evidence, maintenance records, and potentially defective components.
If you were injured in a fiery crash in Dallas, TX, Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can investigate what happened and identify the parties who may be responsible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas car accident lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
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About the Author
Jeff BentonJeff Benton is the founder of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers in Dallas. He represents clients in claims involving truck accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, workplace accidents, and other forms of negligence. Jeff is known for taking on difficult cases that other firms decline and for fighting aggressively against powerful insurance companies and corporate defendants. He was honored with the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association’s John Howie Award for his pursuit of justice and remains committed to helping injured individuals and families throughout Texas. Click here to see some of his notable case results.
