If you are in a car accident, you may expect to break bones or suffer soft tissue injuries or nerve damage. Because modern vehicles have a variety of safety features, you may not expect to sustain third-degree burns. If your vehicle bursts into flames, though, your accident-related injuries may quickly become catastrophic.
Luckily, motor vehicle fires are comparatively rare in the U.S. Still, according to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an average of approximately 187,000 vehicle fires every single year. Even worse, there is some alarming news about the potential for electric vehicles to ignite after collisions.
Conventional vehicles
Conventional motor vehicles have internal combustion engines that run on gasoline or diesel. Both of these liquids are flammable, of course. Moreover, modern vehicles have dozens of electrical systems, each of which has the potential to cause a fire.
Fortunately, firefighters across the country have extensive experience extinguishing motor vehicle blazes. If first responders arrive quickly, you are likely to have a better chance of remaining burn-free after an accident.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more common on roadways across the country. Recently, news reports have highlighted the combustible nature of these vehicles. That is, the stored energy in lithium-ion batteries can both ignite and reignite after a crash.
Most firefighters have not yet received comprehensive training on extinguishing electric vehicle fires. This fact may cause delays in reaching and freeing trapped drivers. Ultimately, significant financial compensation may be available to help you cope with the aftermath of a fire in either your traditional car or your electric one.