PCFFF (post collision fuel-fed fire) is a common acronym used within the personal injury law community. It stands for “post collision fuel-fed fire.” The US Fire Administration cites post collision fuel-fed fires as the number one cause of car deaths.
Car fires can happen for a multitude of reasons, ranging from manufacturing defects like the improper placement of a fuel tank to problems with transmission fluids. The majority of car fires are not fatal – unless there is a burn injury involved.
Since most fire injuries occur because of manufacturing issues and are not the victim’s fault, personal injury victims are entitled to hold the manufacturers of motor vehicles accountable. Wilshire Law Firm can get you the financial compensation you deserve!
How Common Are Car Accident Fires?
Car accident fires are relatively rare. However, the impact of severe burns to an injury victim can be scarring in more ways than one. Those with medical bills from any smoke inhalation that occurred, chemical burns, or any other injuries from their accident may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were a total of 212,500 vehicle fires in 2019. Of those 212,500 vehicle fires, 49% were caused by mechanical malfunctions! Only a small 3% were caused by the crash itself. That is why it is so important to recognize and be aware of the potential causes of a car fire accident – to prevent injuries and fatalities.
Causes of Car Crash Fires
Several components can lead to a car fire accident, and it is incredibly important that drivers are aware of these factors so that they can do their part in preventing a car accident fire. Very rarely is the cause of the fire the actual crash!
The top four causes of car accident fires are:
- Mechanical Malfunctions
- Spilled Fluids
- Electrical Failures
- Car Crash or Rollover Accident
Levels of Burn Injuries
A burn is medically defined as damage to the skin caused by extreme heat, flame, contact with chemicals, or hot surfaces. There are several “levels” of serious burn injury, categorized from least severe to most severe.
- First degree burns These affect the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). The burn site is colored red and may be painful and blistered. There is a very small likelihood of any long-term damage. These types of burns can usually be treated with easy over-the-counter healing treatment.
- Second degree burns (“partial thickness burns”) This occurs when the burn affects both the epidermis and the lower layer of skin, the dermis. The burn is generally extremely painful, blistered, and has white and red splotches.
- Third degree burns (“full-thickness burns”) A burn is considered to be a third degree burn when it not only completely burns the epidermis and dermis, but also burns the innermost layer of skin. This type of burn is considered to be very severe and the burn site is likely to appear blackened or completely white and may result in permanent scarring.
- Fourth degree burns This is considered the most dangerous level of a severe burn. This type of burn means every single layer of skin is damaged, as well as the bones and muscles underneath. Due to severe nerve damage, there is likely to be almost no pain associated with the immediate aftermath of this burn. You would likely need to get some form of skin graft if you experienced this level of burn.
Burn injuries that lead to personal injury lawsuits often result in scarring and/or disfigurement to the burn victim. This type of injury is far from being just a simple surface wound and can even permanently change a victim’s life.
Can I File a Fire Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. If you believe that your burn injury is even partially due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the degree of injury suffered by the affected party and the cost of future medical treatment, the value of each case may fluctuate.
To determine the value of your personal injury case, we will need to examine the extent of injuries received, as well as future medical expenses. Most law firms do not have the extensive experience and knowledge necessary to get you the compensation you deserve and maximize the value of your claim.
With special legal cases like car accident burn injuries, you need an injury lawyer you can trust. Contact Wilshire Law Firm immediately for an absolutely free case evaluation with no obligation. We will give you our opinion as to the value and liability.
Who is Held Accountable?
Identifying defendants in a burn injury compensation lawsuit might not be obvious. Your injury lawyer can review your case and determine who should be held at fault or otherwise be found negligent for your injuries.
In most cases, there can be both direct and indirect liability in your case. There are likely multiple separate defendants in your case; ranging from property owners to the electrical company. That is exactly why it is so essential to talk to an injury lawyer as soon as possible after experiencing a serious injury in a burn accident.
Consulting an Attorney
If you are an accident victim, you have the right to seek complete justice for the pain and suffering you have experienced. It is important that you take action right away if you believe that you may be entitled to financial compensation. In California, the statute of limitations gives an individual with a personal injury case two years from the date of the injury to go to court and file a lawsuit.
Don’t wait; call Wilshire Law Firm today! Our trial attorneys are known for their fearless advocacy and willingness to fight for our clients and their unique situations. We have a reputation for obtaining maximum value for our personal injury lawsuits and making sure that our clients get the justice they deserve.
Wilshire Law Firm is a premier personal injury law firm with extensive experience fighting big manufacturing and insurance companies to get our clients the maximum compensation for their car fire injury.
Our law firm will hold people and institutions accountable for the injuries they have caused.
We can all help make our communities safer when we pursue the justice we deserve.
Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today for a FREE case consultation! Call 1-(800)-522-7274.
