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On Monday, March 2, 2015 four members of one Arkansas family died as the result of a vehicle fire following an accident in the Jacksonville, Florida area.  The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident, but it is reported that the SUV carrying the four people was slowing down when a tractor-trailer rear-ended it. Another vehicle crashed into the tractor-trailer. The SUV caught fire.  

On the same day in Utah a man died after a crash and car fire. Sgt. Royce of the Department of Public Safety said the motorist swerved and hit a concrete wall which divided the north and southbound traffic. Hitting the wall caused the vehicle to burst into flames.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) September 2012 report by Marty Ahrens "Automobile Fire in the U.S.: 2006-2010" reports that:

• Automobile fires were involved in 10 percent of reported U.S. fires, 6 percent of U.S. fire deaths.
• On average, 17 automobile fires were reported per hour. These fires killed an average of four people every week.
• Mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in roughly two-thirds of the automobile fires.
• Collisions and overturns were factors in only 4 percent of highway vehicle fires, but these incidents accounted for three of every five (60 percent) automobile fire deaths.
• Only 2 percent of automobile fires began in fuel tanks or fuel lines, but these incidents caused 15 percent of the automobile fire deaths.
• Although collisions or overturns were factors in only 3 percent of the fires, 58 percent of the deaths resulted from these incidents. Older vehicles were more likely to have a fire caused by mechanical or electrical failures.
• According to the U.S Federal Highway Administration data, roughly 2,980 billion miles were driven, on average, per year on U.S. roads during this period. Roughly 90 highway vehicle fires and 0.15 highway vehicle fire deaths were reported per billion miles driven.

What are the leading causes of automobile fires?

Mr. Ahrens' report says, "Some type of mechanical failure or malfunction was a factor on almost half (45 percent) of automobile fires and 11% of the associated deaths. Mechanical failures may be due to leaks or breaks, worn out parts, backfires, or similar issues. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in one-quarter (24 percent) of the fires, but only 1percent of the deaths. While collisions or overturns were factors in only 4 percent of the automobile fires, these incidents caused three of every five (60 percent) of automobile fire deaths. More than half (57 percent) of the automobile collision fire deaths resulted from fires on highways or divided highways, suggesting that these situations are more like to occur where travel speeds are higher."

Vehicle Recalls for Fire Hazards

There have also been vehicle recalls in 2015 because of potential fire hazards. For example, on January 27 Volkswagen issued a recall for 26,008 U. S. vehicles because of reported small fuel leaks in a number of models. The affect models included the 2012 model year Audi A6 and Volkswagen Touareg hybrid, model year 2012 to 2013 Audi A7 and the model year 2011 to 2012 Audi Q7, S4 and S5.

One day later, on January 28 Nissan recalled almost 469 thousand vehicles 2008-2013 Rogue models (a small sport utility vehicle) for potential fire hazard according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)

Also on January 28, Toyota recalled about 52 thousand 2011-2012 Avalon sedans because a wire in the trunk for the stereo system could short circuit and cause a fire. In their news release, Toyota said it was not aware of any fires or accidents related to the problem at this time.

"Vehicle fires are dangerous and costly in terms of potential loss of life and permanent injury. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle fire, seek legal advice," said Fort Myers Vehicle Injury Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Vehicle Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.