Various Bay Area Accidents Highlight Potential Causes of Vehicle Fires
A car could catch fire for many reasons in the Bay Area. Whatever the catalyst might be, these vehicle fires can cause catastrophic injuries. From skin burns to smoke inhalation, car fires can change victims’ lives forever. Perhaps the most serious potential consequence of these vehicle fires is death. Even if someone recovers from a vehicle fire, they might struggle with disfiguring scars and blemishes for the rest of their life. Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for a vehicle fire. Speak with an experienced Bay Area car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
Truck Fires Blamed on Overheating Brakes
High temperatures can increase the chances of vehicle fires for various reasons. If a vehicle begins to overheat, all it takes is a single spark to cause a massive inferno. This issue is especially problematic for semi-trucks, and this was made clear after a truck fire in Death Valley. Temperatures in this area had already reached 120 degrees when the brakes on a semi-truck overheated. This, in turn, caused a serious blaze, although the truck driver was able to escape unharmed. The accident occurred on CA-190.
Overheating brakes tend to cause serious friction and potential sparks. These sparks can ignite flammable materials on a vehicle or truck, including various engine fluids and gas tanks. The consequences can be catastrophic, and the truck driver was lucky to escape with his life in this case.
Car Fire Blamed on Freeway Shooting
Aside from overheating brakes, bullets can also easily ignite fires on California highways. Although a gunfight is a somewhat rare occurrence on the road, the Bay Area is now struggling with increasing violence. This was made clear after a firefight on I-880 sparked a vehicle fire in San Leandro.
The California Highway Patrol states that the incident began as a freeway shooting, and it left a driver and a passenger with gunshot wounds. Both individuals survived, but they crashed their vehicle into the center median after taking fire. This vehicle subsequently caught fire, and the impact caused additional injuries. Both people were lucky to survive, and average motorists could have easily been caught in the crossfire.
Road rage is becoming increasingly common throughout the Bay Area. Unfortunately, the average motorist faces serious threats from not only reckless drivers but also people with guns. Police say they are not sure what motivated the shooting, and no arrests have been made.
Arsonist Causes Forest Fire by Setting Car Ablaze
Unfortunately, some vehicle fires are intentional. In late July of 2024, a man was arrested after setting his car on fire and pushing it into a gully. The vehicle fell 60 feet down the gully, and various witnesses saw the scene unfold.This inferno subsequently spread to Bidwell Park, sparking a much greater wildfire that caused considerable damage.
The suspect then “blended in” with other individuals in the park and calmly walked out of the area while the fire spread behind him. As the days passed, the fire consumed 125,000 acres across two counties. As of this writing, the local authorities have only contained 3% of the inferno. Thousands of people have been evacuated.
What to Do After a Car Fire
The sad truth is that many victims have no choice but to remain trapped within their vehicles after car fires. These crashes often leave people entrapped, and this situation can easily prove fatal. If you do manage to escape, be sure to get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you fail to seek treatment, it might be difficult to prove the extent of your injuries at a later date.
Remember, your fire-related injuries may be worse than you realize. Smoke inhalation can cause serious, permanent damage to your lungs, and this damage may not be easy to detect. Go through the necessary testing and ask your doctor about the extent of your injuries. With this careful approach, you can strive for positive health and legal outcomes.
Find an Experienced Bay Area Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been searching for an experienced Bay Area car accident lawyer, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We know how dangerous vehicle fires can be, and we can guide you toward positive outcomes with confidence. While internet research is a positive first step, no amount of reading can provide you with compensation. A legal professional, on the other hand, can help you cover medical bills, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you were forced to endure. Reach out today to get started.
