Car manufacturers are obligated to create vehicles that are safely designed and suitable for consumer use. Regrettably, some companies place profit above safety, leading to tragic outcomes. Defects in the gas tank or fuel line can lead to particularly devastating incidents.
Should you be harmed due to a vehicle defect, or if such a defect results in injuries that could have been prevented, our experienced attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm can help you navigate your product liability claim against the manufacturer.
How The Callahan Law Firm Can Help
At The Callahan Law Firm, our team of experienced trial attorneys bring over 25 years of experience to support everyday individuals facing off against major corporations such as vehicle manufacturers. We take the utmost pride in carrying the responsibility of representing individuals and families in serious injury and wrongful death cases.
Car manufacturers are large multinational companies that boast tremendous legal resources; thus, only the best will suffice when meeting them in court. With the skilled auto defect attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm in your corner, you can trust that you will receive top-notch representation when confronting powerful corporate legal teams. Don’t compromise by choosing a personal injury attorney who may not have the necessary experience, skill or resources. Rely on The Callahan Law Firm’s auto defect lawyers to be there for you and your family during this difficult time.
What are the Causes of a Defective Fuel System?
Vehicles with faulty or defectively designed fuel systems are at an increased risk of fuel-fed fires, especially during and immediately after a collision. Vehicle fires are fairly uncommon; however, even a minor leak in the fuel tank or line can be disastrous. Defects in gas tanks or fuel lines can lead to post-crash fires or explosions, putting occupants in danger of serious injury, catastrophic burns or death.
Most vehicle fires originate in the engine, running gear, or wheel areas. Fires involving the fuel tank and fuel lines lead to a strikingly high number of deaths. Between 2008 and 2010, the U.S. Fire Administration reported that highway vehicle fires resulted in an average of 300 fatalities and 1,250 injuries each year. Although these types of fires represent just 2% of all automobile fires, they were responsible for 15% of the total fatalities.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a fire caused by a defective fuel system, contact The Callahan Law Firm to initiate your product liability claim.
What is a Fuel System?
Vehicular fuel systems consist of the following parts:
- Fuel injectors: Atomize a fuel-air mixture into the engine.
- Fuel lines: Pathway for fuel to move from the tank, through filters, to the injectors.
- Fuel pump: Transfers fuel from the tank through fuel lines.
- Fuel tank: Holds gasoline or diesel.
Most Common Types of Fuel System Defects
A flaw or defect in a vehicle’s fuel system may arise from its position in the vehicle (such as behind the rear axle) and damage sustained in an accident. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of fuel system defects:
Fuel Line Defects
Due to the high pressure within fuel systems, gasoline that leaks from a fuel line becomes atomized, forming fine mist-like droplets that are more easily ignited, regardless of whether there’s a collision. Once the fuel line catches fire, the blaze can rapidly intensify, potentially resulting in an explosion.
Defective Gas Tanks
Gas tanks serve as the primary reservoir for fuel in a vehicle. Most explosions or fires associated with fuel tanks happen when the tank breaks upon impact, leading to fuel leaking and accumulating beneath the vehicle. These leaks can ignite, resulting in devastating fires and explosions that pose serious risks to those inside the vehicle.
Following the Ford Pinto tragedy in the 1970s, automakers started redesigning vehicles to place fuel tanks in safer locations. Despite these efforts, issues with defective fuel tanks persist. In 2013, Chrysler recalled 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokees and Liberty SUVs after 51 fatalities occurred due to post-crash fires caused by ruptured gas tanks.
Common Injuries
The most common injury associated with defective fuel systems is burn injuries. Defective fuel tanks rarely cause accidents, but if a fuel tank or fuel line were to rupture in a collision, the resulting fuel leakage could ignite, causing catastrophic injuries, including burns and fatalities.
Who Is Liable for a Defective Vehicle Injury?
Vehicle manufacturing is a complex process. Most vehicle components are produced by external parts manufacturers rather than the primary vehicle manufacturers themselves. As a result, establishing liability in the event of an accident necessitates a comprehensive investigation.
Our attorneys will work to identify the defect, of which there are two primary categories in this type case: design defects and manufacturing defects. Design defects exist when the design of the product renders the product in a defective condition and unreasonably dangerous. In contrast, manufacturing errors arise when the design is sound, but there is an error or mistake during manufacture.
After identifying the nature of the defect—with the assistance of engineering experts—our legal team can gain a clearer understanding of who is responsible. It’s possible that the vehicle defect originated somewhere in the supply chain, which could mean that a shipper, car dealership, or supply shop might be liable for the defective product and resulting damages.
Get in Touch With a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Now
Given the complexities of product liability claims and the willingness of corporations to invest heavily in defending their product from scrutiny, anyone affected by accidents involving a defective automobile partners with an experienced attorney who can advocate for their rights. At The Callahan Law firm, our Houston car accident attorneys are relentless in seeking full compensation for clients who are harmed by defective vehicles.
