One of the most terrifying experiences for a car accident victim is for the fuel tank to explode. Though car manufacturers have designed them with increasingly safer measures, there is still the risk that the fuel tank can suffer damage in a crash, which could cause it to explode.

Fuel tank explosions are much less likely today than they used to be, thanks in part to improved manufacturing design. However, post-collision fires and explosions may occur due to defects in the tanks or in the gas lines running to them. Those explosions and fires can lead to serious injury to victims. Talk to an experienced explosion injury lawyer from The Doan Law Firm today.

The Science Behind Fuel Tank Explosions

Fuel tanks are filled with combustible material, which means they are likely to explode or catch fire in the right environment. If the fuel tank experiences a high level of pressure within it and a small compromise of the fuel line occurs, that can cause serious risk. The fuel can escape from the fuel system, and as it does, the risk of fire increases substantially.

A mixture of oxygen and fuel vapor can cause an explosion to occur. This is rare in vehicles, though.

Common Reasons for Fuel Tank Explosions

Fuel tank explosions should not happen in most cases. Though they can occur if just the right impact occurs to the vehicle, the more common reason for this to happen is a tank or fuel line that is compromised.

A defective gas tank is one of the most common causes of an explosion. Most of these fires occur because the tank ruptures upon impact. This leads to the fuel escaping the tank and pooling under the car. Then, a fire can spark and cause an explosion. Most vehicles no longer have fuel tanks positioned at vulnerable areas, though, and that means the impact itself is less likely to be the cause of the accident. If the tank is not sealed, not properly designed, or otherwise compromised, that can lead to an increased risk of any damage to the vehicle causing serious injury.

A fuel line itself can also be a concern. Fuel line corrosion or damage, even a small amount, can increase the risk of the fuel igniting without a collision even occurring. Fuel lines can break down over time, and that can be a concern if they are not removed and replaced. Poor maintenance and repair of a vehicle can cause this to happen.

What to Do After a Fuel Tank Explosion

There are various instances in which a fuel line or fuel tank explosion can cause serious injury. If this happened to you, contact a car accident attorney to investigate the incident fully. They will determine if the damage was due to the vehicle’s design, poor maintenance, a recalled component, or a damaged tank from a previous incident.

Contacting an attorney in a case like this is critical. If it happened to you, it could happen to others. That information could help you build a case to seek out compensation from those responsible.