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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated there were 212,500 vehicle fires in the U.S. in 2018. These fires caused 560 civilian deaths, 1,500 civilian injuries, and $1.9 billion in direct property damage.

A Fort Myers personal injury attorney said the NFPA report titled Vehicle Fires by Marty Ahrens attributed the leading cause of vehicle fires to mechanical failures or malfunctions and electrical failures or malfunctions, and older vehicles accounted for three-quarters of the highway vehicle fires caused by mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions.  

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) encourages drivers to prevent vehicle fires by:

• Having your car serviced regularly by a trained mechanic.
• Keeping gas cans or propane tanks away from passengers. Tightly seal and place them on a flat surface to make sure they stay upright.
• Keeping windows open to stop fumes from building up if you must put gas cans or propane tanks inside your vehicle.
• Driving safely to avoid an accident.

Vehicle fires can cause thermal burns that result from external heat sources, including hot metal, steam, or scalding liquids, and can cause deep tissue damage. Recovery from these burns may bring years of treatment and prevent victims from working, according to Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

If you or a loved one is involved in a vehicle fire accident, FEMA recommends that you

• Pull over as quickly as you can when it is safe.
• Once you have stopped, turn off the engine.
• Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.
• If you think there is a fire under the hood or trunk, do not open it. This could cause the fire to grow.
• Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.
• Call 911.

“Victims of vehicle accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for their losses, including damages, such as medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. Please contact our experienced car accident team after seeking medical assistance. We are always available to assist you, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Personal 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 percent (1%) 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  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 at 239.793.7748.