Defective Gas Tank - Kentucky Gas Tank Fire Attorneys
Following the infamous Pinto vehicle cases, Grimshaw v. Ford Motor Company established the legal precedent for consumers to file lawsuits against manufacturers for defective gas tanks, and hold these companies liable for any design flaws or manufacturing defects that lead to serious injury or death. Using product liability law, any manufacturing company that sells a product in the stream of commerce has a legal duty and obligation to provide a safe product that is free from risk or harm for consumers. Unfortunately, although the cases involving the Pinto automobile were decades ago, manufacturers still produce defective gas tanks that lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Types of Gas Tank Defects
There are three types of commonly seen gas tank defects that result in explosions and fires following a car accident.
Gas Tank Placement
When gas tanks are installed in the rear of a vehicle below a rear axle or near certain bolts that protrude, any rear-impact collision can cause an explosion or fuel leakage leading to fires.
Gas Tank Cracks
If a gas tank develops any type of crack, then it can leak when the tank is filled. These are often the cause of a manufacturing error and can cause serious injury if there is a car accident.
Fuel Line Leaks or Separation
If a fuel line has any type of leak or separation, any spark can cause a fire or explosion to occur.
Product Liability Claims for Gas Tank Defects
There are three different ways that a gas tank can be defective giving rise to the possibility of increased danger and harm to a consumer.
Manufacturing Defects
If a manufacturer uses low-quality parts or poor workmanship during the manufacturing process resulting in a sub-standard gas tank, there is a greater risk that this gas tank will suffer explosions or dangers for consumers.
Design Defects
This type of gas tank defect is what the Pinto vehicle case rested upon. A design defect occurs when the inherent product design of the gas tank is inherently dangerous no matter how it is ultimately manufactured or labeled.
Marketing Defects
If a product (in this case a gas tank) has any failure to warn, failure to provide appropriate instructions or labels regarding the dangers involved with the product, and an accident occurs, the victim can pursue a claim due to marketing defects.
Gas Tank Explosions and Fires
Gas tank explosions and fires often happen either during or immediately after a car accident. These explosions and fires can oftentimes result in catastrophic injuries or death. Many drivers simply do not survive the aftermath of a defective gas tank explosion or fire. In some cases, occupants of a vehicle become entrapped and can suffer severe burns or death. Recovery periods for survivors can take years requiring extensive and painful rehabilitation and/or reconstructive surgeries and therapy.
Contact an Experienced Defective Gas Tank Attorney Today
If you were involved in a car accident as a result of a defective gas tank, you are likely facing serious injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the experienced product liability attorneys at Dallas & Turner, PLLC today.
We can help you build a strong case and help you get the justice and the compensation you deserve. We always work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we never get paid unless we win the case on your behalf.
Contact us at 859-630-0666 today, or use our FREE online case submission form to schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced Kentucky defective gas tank attorney today.
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If a loved one has been injured in a semi underride accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Kentucky truck accident lawyers and Kentucky TBI injury attorneys at Dallas & Turner, PLLC.
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