Do You Know About Dangerous Vehicle Fires?
Last month Las Vegas fire officials said a person was found dead inside a vehicle that caught fire. It was reported that the car was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Vehicle fires are a common occurrence. Below we will discuss the dangers of vehicle fires and provide vehicle fire safety tips.
We hope these tips help you stay safe. If a driver injures you in a Las Vegas area car accident, contact the experienced personal injury legal team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. We do not charge for initial consultations and will travel to you at home or in the hospital if necessary. Leave the complexities of dealing with insurance companies and the details of handling your case to our experienced Las Vegas lawyers and staff. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation. Don’t wait: it’s vital that we use time wisely to follow through on your car accident case and put you in position to win. Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers offer you the best opportunity to gain the compensation you deserve as an accident victim.
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Are Vehicle Fires Dangerous?
A vehicle fire is extremely dangerous and can have deadly consequences. Why are vehicle fires so dangerous? Many reasons including the following:
- Vehicle fires can produce toxic gases. The materials used to make motor vehicles can emit harmful, and even deadly gases when they burn.
- Fires can cause fatal or debilitating burn injuries. A vehicle fire can generate heat upward of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Burning vehicles can emit flames and parts of the vehicle can burst. Flames and debris can shoot great distances, injuring all in their path. Although not as common as in the movies, vehicle fires can cause gas tanks to explode. Other hazardous materials can cause additional injury upon contact.
If a Nevada car fire injures you, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Now is the best time to have our car accident lawyers fight to secure maximum compensation for you. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
How Common Are Vehicle Fires?
In 2019, there were around 189,500 highway vehicle fires reported in the United States. In 2019, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.3 million fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), vehicle fires accounted for:
- 17 percent of the fires and civilian deaths
- 12 percent of civilian injuries
From 2014 to 2016, the U.S. Fire Administration reported the following:
- Approximately one in eight fires responded to by fire departments across the nation was a highway vehicle fire.
- An estimated 171,500 highway vehicle fires occurred in the United States. Causing an annual average of 345 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property loss.
- These highway vehicle fires accounted for 13 percent of fires responded to by fire departments across the nation.
Vehicle Safety Issues
Vehicle fires can have many causes, including vehicle safety issues. Fire risk investigations and recalls do occur for vehicles. The following are recent issues:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating allegations of non-crash fires in certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
- In 2020, the NHTSA issued a consumer alert: Important Chevrolet Bolt Recall for Fire Risk. The alert warned owners of select model year 2017 to 2019 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles. It said owners should park their cars outside and away from homes until their vehicles have been repaired. Due to a new recall for the risk of fire.
- In 2019, the NHTSA made inquiries to Tesla regarding non-crash battery fires in the Model S and Model X.
If a vehicle fire injures you, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront fees. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada, and we work with clients in Las Vegas and vicinity. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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How Can You Prevent Vehicle Fires?
Now that you know vehicle fires are dangerous, you may be wondering if you can prevent vehicle fires. Rest assured, you can take steps to prevent vehicle fires. The NFPA provides the following tips to prevent vehicle fires:
- Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot leaks or your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.
- Know the warning signs that a vehicle is vulnerable to fire. Warning signs include leaks, cracked or loose wiring, and electrical problems. Other warning signs include rapid changes in fuel level, fluid level, or engine temperature.
- If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.
- Never transport gas cans and propane cylinders in the passenger compartment.
- Never park a car where flammables are touching the catalytic converter. This includes grass.
- Always drive with caution. Drive safely to avoid an accident.
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What Should You Do if Your Car Is on Fire?
Even if you use the above safety tips, your car can still catch on fire. A car fire is dangerous and can be deadly. It can be even more dangerous if you are driving your vehicle when it catches fire. If you are driving your vehicle and it catches fire you should pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so. Once you are safely stopped, turn off the engine. Next you should get everyone out and away from the car. Immediately call 911.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you should do the following if your vehicle is on fire:
- Remain away from the vehicle.
- Do not attempt to get back into a burning vehicle to retrieve personal property.
- If you choose to use a fire extinguisher, only do so from a safe distance and always have a means to get away. Use a fire extinguisher approved for use on class B and class C fires.
- Do not open the hood or trunk if you suspect a fire under it. Air could rush in, enlarging the fire and leading to injury.
- Be aware that alternative fuel vehicles can present special hazards. Do not approach such a fire.
The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers understands that even the most cautious driver can be injured in a car accident. If another driver has injured you, it is important that you seek experienced legal representation. Our car accident lawyers serve the Las Vegas area with the knowledge and expertise to help you gain maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t let others keep you from pursuing your Las Vegas car accident case. Our top legal team brings considerable experience and knowledge to bear to win compensation for you. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Have you been injured in a Las Vegas area car accident? You should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers based in Henderson, Nevada. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims, including complex car accidents. Let us take on the insurance company and others who are not motivated to pay you what you deserve for your Las Vegas car accident injuries. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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