Can I Sue if My Car Catches on Fire?

A car fire is one of the most terrifying experiences a driver can face. One moment, you're going about your day, and the next, your vehicle is engulfed in flames. 

Whether it happens on the road, in a parking lot, or even while parked in your garage, a car fire can cause devastating property damage, serious injuries, or even death.

One of the first questions victims may have is: Can I sue if my car catches on fire? 

The short answer is yes, but liability depends on the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped countless individuals who suffered from car-related injuries or damages due to the negligence of manufacturers, service providers, and others. If your car caught fire and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more.

Common Causes of Car Fires

Before exploring liability, it’s important to understand how and why cars catch fire. These incidents can result from a variety of issues, some involving negligence or product defects. Common causes include:

Manufacturing Defects

Auto manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for consumers. Sometimes, a faulty component, such as a defective fuel system, battery, or wiring, can spark a fire. If your car fire was caused by a design flaw or defective part, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the automaker or parts manufacturer.

Electrical System Failures

Modern cars are packed with sophisticated electronics. Faulty wiring, short circuits, or problems with the battery, especially in hybrid or electric vehicles, can ignite fires.

Fuel System Leaks

Gasoline is highly flammable. If there’s a leak in the fuel tank, fuel line, or fuel injector, even a small spark can result in a fire or explosion. These leaks may result from poor maintenance or defective parts.

Overheating Engines

If an engine overheats due to coolant issues, low oil, or mechanical failure, it may ignite flammable materials such as plastic components, oil, or transmission fluid.

Improper Repairs or Maintenance

Sometimes, a car fire stems from poor workmanship. An improperly installed battery, loose oil filter, or pinched wire during repair can lead to disaster. In these cases, mechanics or auto repair shops may be held responsible.

Accidents

Car crashes can cause fires when fuel systems rupture, batteries explode, or electrical components short out. If another driver caused the crash, they may also be liable for the resulting fire.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

If your car caught fire, liability depends on the specific facts of your case. In general, the following parties could be held responsible:

Vehicle Manufacturer

If your vehicle or one of its components was inherently dangerous due to a design or manufacturing defect, you may be able to sue the automaker. This is known as a product liability claim.

For example, Ford, Hyundai, BMW, and other companies have issued recalls over the years related to spontaneous fires. If your car was part of such a recall—or should have been—you may have a strong case.

Parts Manufacturer

In some cases, the defective part is not made by the automaker but by a third-party supplier. A defective battery, fuel pump, or wire harness could spark a fire. A supplier or subcontractor may be liable under product liability law.

Auto Repair Shop or Mechanic

A mechanic or repair technician owes you a duty of care when servicing your vehicle. If they made an error that led to a fire, such as failing to tighten a fuel line or misrouting a wire, they may be liable for negligence.

Other Drivers

If a car crash caused your fire, and the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages through their insurance or via a personal injury lawsuit.

Vehicle Owner (if not you)

If you were driving someone else’s car that caught fire due to their failure to maintain it properly, you may have a claim against them for negligent entrustment or failure to warn of a known defect.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Victims of car fires may be entitled to significant compensation depending on the severity of the incident. Recoverable damages can include:

Medical Expenses

Burn injuries and smoke inhalation are common in car fires and often require emergency care, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries
• Medication and medical devices
• Physical therapy and counseling
• Future medical care

Property Damage

You can pursue compensation for the value of your vehicle and any personal belongings destroyed in the fire (phones, laptops, tools, etc.).

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for:

• Time missed from work
• Reduced earning capacity
• Permanent disability
  
   

Pain and Suffering

This includes both physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the incident. Burn injuries are among the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can suffer.

Punitive Damages

If the defendant acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety, such as ignoring known defects or skipping safety tests, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish and deter reckless conduct.

How Product Liability Laws Apply

Product liability laws allow consumers to sue manufacturers for injuries or damages caused by defective products. In car fire cases, these claims often fall into one of three categories:

Design Defect

The vehicle or part was inherently dangerous due to its design. For example, a battery placement that makes it vulnerable to minor collisions.

Manufacturing Defect

The design was safe, but something went wrong in production, like faulty insulation or missing safety features.

Failure to Warn

The manufacturer failed to warn consumers about a known fire risk or failed to issue a timely recall.

You don’t need to prove negligence in a product liability case. You only need to show that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injuries or damage.

The Importance of Recalls

Vehicle recalls play a significant role in car fire lawsuits. If your car caught fire and there was a recall related to the defect that caused it, this can be powerful evidence in your case.

However, even if your vehicle wasn’t recalled, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t defective. Manufacturers don’t always catch every problem, and a fire can uncover issues that should have been addressed.

At Morgan & Morgan, we investigate vehicle fires thoroughly to determine whether your car or others like it should have been recalled.

What to Do if Your Car Catches Fire

If your car caught fire, your actions in the aftermath can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here are the steps to take:

1. Get to Safety

Your health and safety come first. Exit the vehicle, move away from the fire, and call 911. If you’re injured, seek immediate medical attention.

2. Preserve Evidence

If it’s safe to do so, take photos or video of the fire, damage, and surrounding area. Try to document:

• Flames and smoke
• Where the fire started
• Any unusual sounds or smells beforehand
• Firefighters’ actions or statements 

3. Report the Fire

Report the incident to:

• Your local fire department
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Your vehicle’s manufacturer 

These reports can help document your claim and may trigger broader investigations or recalls.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

You’ll want to file a claim for the property loss, but be cautious with your statements, especially if the insurer tries to shift blame or downplay your injuries.

5. Speak With an Attorney at Morgan & Morgan

Contacting an experienced product liability or personal injury attorney is crucial. At Morgan & Morgan, we can help you:

• Investigate the fire
• Preserve key evidence
• Consult fire experts and engineers
• Determine liability
• Fight for the compensation you deserve
   

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

A car fire can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Whether you suffered serious injuries, lost your vehicle, or are simply left wondering how this could happen, you deserve clear answers and a path toward justice.

You may be able to sue the manufacturer, mechanic, or another responsible party, but time is of the essence, as evidence can disappear quickly after a fire.

Let us help you find out what went wrong and make it right.

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car fire, you need a legal team that knows how to go up against major automakers, insurance companies, and parts manufacturers. With over $25 billion recovered for our clients and a nationwide team of over 1,000 attorneys, Morgan & Morgan is equipped to handle the most complex fire and product liability cases.

Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. That’s right—the Fee Is Free®, and we only get paid if we win.

Our attorneys can investigate whether your vehicle was defective, uncover evidence of corporate negligence, and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

If your car caught fire and you’re wondering whether you can sue, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.