Friday, March 4, 2011

Possible Causes of Car Fire Accidents


Car collisions or crashes often lead to more devastating results, aside from the injuries or death that affect the people involved or the damage to property. For example, when a van overturns, it can either end up resting on the road, or it can also fall down an embankment or into a river. The victims may need to get legal help from a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney because of its severe effects.

There is also the possibility of an explosion or the car ending up in flames. A vehicle fire or car fire is the uncontrollable burning of a motor vehicle and it can happen whether or not there is a car accident prior to the explosion. In the United States, a vehicle fire happens every two minutes on the average.

Cars are vulnerable to explosion mainly because its many of its equipment consists of potentially flammable materials. Gasoline, oil, and fuel are just some of the fluids that can combust, or leak out and ignite a fire. Also, there are also electrical devices that can short circuit, hot exhaust systems, and even air bag detonators that can cause fires. Car batteries have hydrogen gases that have been involved in electrolysis reaction which can also be ignited and even cause an explosion of battery acid.

Electric and hybrid cars’ large batteries can also be dangerous. Li-on batteries can explode rapidly in chain reaction. Lead-acid and Ni-MH, meanwhile, release hydrogen and also leak sulfuric acid and other chemicals. But these hazards are considered less severe because the cars have built-in safety features that prevent fires, like smoke detectors, temperature sensors, and overcharge protection.

Other reasons for car fires include:

  • Deliberate car fires or arson by vandals or joyriders, usually on abandoned or stolen cars
  • Poor maintenance of the engine
  • Accumulated debris around hot areas on the vehicle
  • Driver or occupant error (e.g. playing fireworks around the car or dropping lighted cigarettes)
Here are some steps in dealing with car fires:

  • Signal and move to the side if the car is moving.
  • Shut off engine.
  • Get out of the car immediately and move far away from it.
  • Notify authorities or call 911.
  • Do not attempt to put the fire out.

Victims of severe injuries from car fires should get help from a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney to have an idea of what to do next. Call Mesriani Law Group at (310) 826-6300 and talk to a lawyer now.

3 comments:

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  2. The majority of car fires begin in the engine compartment - where most of the working parts of the car are. Although there is a firewall between the engine and the passengers in the car, this protective barrier only allows the vehicle's occupants a little time to escape to safety.

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