Handling a Car Fire after a Car Accident in Louisville
Car fires, hundreds of which are reported every day, are frightening and extremely dangerous. They can occur simply while driving on the road, or they can ignite following a car accident. In Louisville, if you or your family has been injured in a car fire, you’ll want to consult a Kentucky personal injury lawyer to determine liability and whether or not you can pursue a claim.
Car Accident in Louisville: Staying Safe in a Car Fire
Car fires make an already scary situation even more hazardous. They can happen anywhere and when you least expect them. They can:
release toxic fumes;
lead to explosions; and
cause horrible burn injuries.
If you ever find yourself in this predicament, it’s important not to let panic take over. Instead, do whatever you need to do to keep yourself (and others on the road) safe. If your car catches on fire, you’ll want to:
shut off the engine if possible (this helps prevent the fire from becoming uncontrollable);
get out of the car straightaway;
move as far away from the vehicle as possible to a safe location;
call 911 and await the emergency crew; and
if possible, attempt to warn bystanders to keep their distance from the vehicle.
You should not try to put out the fire by yourself. Small fire extinguishers likely won’t be able to handle the job, and the risk of explosions and injuries is simply too great. The 911 dispatcher will send a fire crew to douse the flames.
Collecting Information at the Accident Scene
If feasible, you can collect important evidence while at the scene of your car accident in Louisville. Witness information, as well as photos or videos taken with a smartphone could prove very instrumental later if you decide to pursue a claim with an attorney.
Contact a Kentucky personal injury lawyer to help investigate your car fire and the accident, and determine if a manufacturer or another party can be held legally responsible for your injuries.