Although there are many things that can go wrong when you get behind the wheel of a car in New Jersey, a fire is perhaps one of the most nightmarish scenarios imaginable. Many drivers have lost their lives or suffered serious burns after being trapped inside their vehicles while flames erupt around them. In many cases, drivers fall unconscious after impacts, leaving them unable to escape the blaze until it is too late. New technology seems to be making these fires exceedingly common throughout New Jersey. But is it really possible to pursue compensation after a car fire in New Jersey? Let’s find out:
On October 7, 2023, it was reported that the families of two firefighters in New Jersey were suing an Italian shipping company, alleging that it was to blame for the deaths of their loved ones. These family members are also suing the City of Newark and two stevedore companies associated with the tragic fire that claimed the lives of these firefighters.
The lawsuit revolves around a fire on the Grande d’Avoria – a ship that was at Port Newark when it erupted into flames. The ship was reportedly filled with vehicles, and the fire was apparently started by a faulty Jeep Wrangler. Crews on the ship were using this vehicle to push cargo onto the ship, and the vehicle allegedly started emitting smoke from its engine hours before the blaze began. Despite this serious threat, it seems as though the crew continued to use the Jeep.
The response to the fire has been heavily scrutinized. Apparently, the shipping company made a few mistakes in addressing the fire. One area of particular criticism involves the opening of a door during the fire, which allegedly fueled the blaze with a near-endless supply of oxygen. The crew is also accused of incorrectly using a CO2-based fire suppression system, which apparently was not the best choice. Despite the claims of the lawsuit, it is worth pointing out that the root cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the incident.
The Italian shipping company mentioned above was quick to point out that no electric vehicles were aboard the ship when it caught fire. Why did they go to such lengths to point this out? Probably because of the worrying number of EVs that seem to catch fire for no apparent reason. Such was the case in September of 2023, when a 2022 Tesla Model 3 caught fire in Newark, eventually burning itself to ashes. The vehicle had apparently struck a heavy object on the road before coming to a stop. The driver then exited the vehicle and watched as the battery pack erupted in flames.
As is often the case with electric vehicles, firefighters struggled to extinguish the flames. Unlike normal fires, these EV fires seem to be fueled by highly flammable materials within the battery packs – making them incredibly persistent and resistant to traditional firefighting technology. There is reason to suggest that the battery back ignited after being struck by debris – a problem that has arisen previously with other Tesla models.
On October 6, another Tesla burst into flames while sitting at a salvage yard in Hillsborough. The car was parked when it ignited, and firefighters are not exactly sure what caused the blaze. Needless to say, it is somewhat alarming when even abandoned, parked vehicles have the potential to spontaneously combust in this manner. While there are plenty of hazards associated with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, one can remove the fire risk by simply emptying the tank of fuel.
In contrast, the battery pack of an EV cannot be “removed” in the same manner. One has to wonder whether these vulnerabilities and hazards will lead to serious changes to EV technology. After all, these are very new vehicles – and it may eventually become clear that they are unsafe in their current form.
About The Author - An Experienced Auto Accident Attorney in New Jersey
If you have been searching for an auto accident attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein. With our help, you can pursue compensation for disfigurement, PTSD, medical expenses, missed wages, and any other damages you might have been forced to endure.
Protecting the rights of individuals across New Jersey for more than 20 years, attorney Gabriel Lependorf works in a creative and aggressive fashion to develop and present a solid argument as a strong advocate for his clients - and he stands by his word. Gabe’s critical and unique approach has proved again and again to be a recipe for solving the most complex of problems infringing on the well-being of those injured in serious accidents.As a lawyer, Gabe recognizes that effective legal counsel and representation goes hand in hand with compassion and building trust. He spends a lot of time with clients so that they feel comfortable working with him and sharing the challenges created by an injury or fatal accident. Clients become part of the Lependorf “team”, and all issues that the client must face due to their injury are attacked and solved by the team.Giving Clients a Fresh StartGabe takes pride in the fact that successfully handling a client’s case means a better future for his injured client. It’s personally rewarding for him to take a difficult case and prove to a jury, defense attorney, or insurance company that his position is correct.Gabe acts as a pillar of strength for his clients as they work to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives. His strong, confident nature shines through as he takes a tenacious stand for his clients. With decades of legal experience on his side, Gabe knows what his clients are struggling with, and he comes through... View full business profile here: Gabriel R. Lependorf
