Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Blog

One of the fundamental aspects of car safety design is to assume that accidents can and will happen. So when taking into consideration the design and placement of the most dangerous part of the car, the fuel system and fuel tank, it is important that it is properly placed and protected so as not to burst into flame, particularly following an accident. A single gallon of gasoline explodes with the same amount of force as eight (8) sticks of dynamite.

Despite this common sense logic it is alarming to know that there are millions of cars on our nation's highways and roads that have unsafe and defective gas tanks with fuel systems which are unable to endure even the slightest rear impact collision without bursting into flames. This well-known automobile phenomenon known as post collision fuel-fed fires (PCFFF) have the potential to cause severe burns, agonizing pain, and death, which can easily be avoided if manufacturer had designed the vehicle properly.

What constitutes unsafe fuel systems?

• Fuel tanks placed on the side or in the rear where they can be easily punctured during a collision.
• Placing fuel lines in positions where they can be ruptured during a crash.
• The use of inexpensive and weak materials to connect the fuel tank to where the fuel is inserted into the vehicle (the fuel filler neck) causing the two to separate and fuel to pour out during a collision.
• The use of unsafe materials to manufacture fuel lines, causing lines to decay or break during a crash.

An evasive maneuver triggered this rollover of a small SUV. The driver turned from the left hand lane into the right hand lane to avoid the car in front of him, then he turned back into the left hand lane. This classic double lane change maneuver was too much for the physics of the vehicle, the design of which features a short wheelbase. The driver was unable to maintain control, and even though he was driving the speed limit and wearing his seat belt, he suffered fatal injuries when the SUV rolled over. His passenger survived but sustained permanent injuries. This SUV rollover lawsuit recently settled. If you are interested in learning more about SUV rollover lawsuits, contact the attorneys of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, and Jeck. P.C.

Why does this happen?

Companies have been known to cut corners and costs by choosing fuel tank and fuel system designs which are less expensive. These designs often sacrifice safety for corporate profit. Despite the fact that for the past thirty years there have been safer fuel system designs (that have been tested to withstand crashes at speeds of 70mph) automobile manufacturers stubbornly refuse to incorporate proper safety measures into their designs.

These companies feel that it is more cost effective to come to court to defend themselves in lawsuits rather then making the needed safety improvements in their vehicles.

Car Fuel Fire

In terms of crashworthiness, a fuel fire, such as that seen in Ford Crown Victoria fires, refers to a car fire that is fed by fuel leaking from the gas tank of a vehicle. While some car fires can be caused by wear and tear or design defects, most result from accidents. A car that sustains a significant impact may have the structural integrity of its fuel system damaged. If the gas tank or any of its hoses, connectors, or seals is damaged, fuel can spill and potentially ignite. The fuel fire produced can be very intense and may cause an explosion or vehicle fire.

A fuel-fed vehicle fire can cause serious injury or death to vehicle occupants. It is for these reasons that automobile manufacturers must follow certain safety regulations. Automakers who are negligent in their duties to protect consumers can be held liable for the damage done by defective products. If your loved one was seriously injured in a Ford vehicle fire or fuel fire, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Contact the lawyers of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, and Jeck. P.C. today.

Van Fire

Similar to a car fire, a van fire is generally caused by the ignition of fuel leaked from a gas tank damaged in an accident. Of course vans usually carry more passengers than cars, and one would think that they are safer. One van in particular, the Ford Econoline has shown that this is not necessarily the case. The Econoline van has a defect in the fuel system whereby the dual gas tank under the vehicle tends to overheat. This can cause the gasoline to boil, which cause vapor lock and fuel expulsion. If the expelled fuel is ignited, a van fire ensues. Learn from the lawyers of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, and Jeck. P.C. about your van fire lawsuit.

Injuries associated with unsafe fuel systems

Tragically, every year hundreds of individuals lose their lives in fuel-fed fires and explosions. However, if someone survives an explosion and the ensuing fire caused by an unsafe fuel system, they will likely suffer from severe, disabling and disfiguring thermal third degree burns. A full description of burn categories, burn severity, and the extensive treatment and costs associated with burn victims may be viewed by clicking on this link.