Vehicle Fire Burn Injury Claims in Georgia & South Carolina
Vehicle fires following car accidents cause some of the most catastrophic burn injuries imaginable. Occupants trapped in burning vehicles — whether due to impact damage preventing escape, jammed doors, or defective seatbelt releases — can suffer full-thickness burns across large portions of their bodies, inhalation injuries from toxic smoke, and permanent disfigurement. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that vehicle fires cause hundreds of civilian deaths and thousands of injuries each year in the United States.
At Roden Law, our vehicle fire burn attorneys represent victims across Georgia and South Carolina in claims against negligent drivers who caused the initial collision, vehicle manufacturers whose design or manufacturing defects contributed to the fire, and auto repair shops whose negligent maintenance created fire hazards.
Common Causes of Vehicle Fires
Vehicle fires can result from collision-related causes and vehicle defects:
- Post-collision fuel system rupture: Ruptured fuel tanks, severed fuel lines, and damaged fuel injectors releasing gasoline near ignition sources
- Defective fuel system design: Inadequately protected fuel tanks prone to rupture in rear-end or side-impact collisions
- Electrical system failures: Short circuits, faulty wiring, and electrical defects igniting flammable materials
- Battery fires: Electric vehicle and hybrid battery thermal runaway events
- Negligent repairs: Improper fuel system work, faulty electrical repairs, and oil leaks left unaddressed by mechanics
- Turbocharger and exhaust heat: Components reaching extreme temperatures near flammable materials
- Recalled vehicles: Manufacturers failing to adequately notify owners of fire-related recalls
Vehicle Manufacturer Liability
Vehicle manufacturers can be held strictly liable under product liability law when design or manufacturing defects cause or worsen vehicle fires. Common product liability claims in vehicle fire cases include fuel tank placement in crash-vulnerable locations, inadequate fuel system crash protection, defective fuel line connections and clamps, electrical system defects causing short circuits, insufficient fire barriers between engine compartment and cabin, and defective seatbelt or door latch mechanisms that trap occupants in burning vehicles.
The NHTSA recall database documents hundreds of vehicle recalls related to fire risks. If your vehicle was subject to a recall that you were not adequately notified about, the manufacturer may face enhanced liability.
Multiple Parties & Insurance Coverage
Vehicle fire burn cases often involve multiple liable parties: the at-fault driver whose negligence caused the initial collision, the vehicle manufacturer responsible for fire-related defects, auto repair shops that performed negligent maintenance, and parts manufacturers whose aftermarket components contributed to the fire. Georgia’s comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows you to recover damages if less than 50% at fault. South Carolina permits recovery if less than 51% at fault.
Compensation for Vehicle Fire Burns
Vehicle fire burn victims may be entitled to compensation for burn unit hospitalization, skin grafts, and reconstructive surgery, inhalation injury treatment, permanent scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, emotional trauma and PTSD, future medical care and rehabilitation, and wrongful death damages if a loved one perished. Our attorneys work with fire investigators, automotive engineers, and burn care specialists to build compelling cases. Punitive damages may be available when manufacturers knowingly sold vehicles with fire-prone defects. Contact Roden Law for a free consultation.