Exploding Automobile Fuel Tanks

The design of an automobile is a tricky and complex process. There are a great many safety considerations to keep in mind. Numerous protection measures should be in place in order to protect the vehicle’s passengers in the case of an accident. One factor that has often been overlooked is the design, manufacture, and placement of the fuel tank. If this feature is made poorly or is left unprotected, then it could create a serious fire or explosion hazard.

Though the exploding car fuel tank is not an issue in modern automobiles, it was a serious problem in several popular vehicles in existence prior to the 1980s. The Ford Pinto and the Ford Crown Victoria both exhibited dangerous gas tank locations – behind the rear axles, in the crumple zone of the cars, where they could ignite upon impact. In 1980, Ford fixed this danger, but earlier models of these vehicles still possess the gas tank hazard.

Certain GM pickup trucks from the same era were also designed with very risky fuel tank placement – on the exterior of the vehicle. Though it increased the fuel capacity of the vehicle, it also created a fire hazard. As a result, over 725 people have died in fires caused by the ignition of these dangerously located gas tanks.

Contact Us

If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident because the fuel tank unexpectedly and dangerously exploded, then you have the right to recover compensation. The fire and explosion lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® can help you claim damages. To learn more, contact us today by calling 800-242-2874.