Causes Of Kansas City Car Fires: Can They Cause Smoke Inhalation Damages?

By Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys | October 22, 2021

There is no doubt that car fire collisions in Kansas City are one of the most potentially severe types of car crashes in Kansas City. They can cause very serious injuries, smoke inhalation and burns, death, and extensive damage to property. Most people don’t know the most likely causes of car fires. Education is important because without that it makes it very hard to prevent car fires. You need to know what to do if your car catches on fire.

What Are The Most Flammable Parts Of A Passenger Vehicle?

  • The engine is usually where most Kansas City car fires begin. That is where most of the power to the vehicle lies. There is a shielding firewall between you and the engine. It gives you a little extra time to get out of the car, but it doesn’t stop you from inhaling the smoke, or defend against explosions.
  • The fire itself can cause the body of the car to catch on fire.
  • There are about 6 flammable fluids in a car including gasoline that can explode.
  • Solid materials inside the car are also flammable. These areas of the vehicle can catch fire during the accident, and also after it.

What Are Other Reasons For Car Fires And Explosions?

  • Sometimes the car fires occur because of a manufacturer’s defect. Many top vehicle manufacturers have had to recall certain cars because they posed a fire threat to consumers. This can be a problem with the design, or simply negligence when the vehicle was being made. These things are actually pretty commonplace, which is unfortunate.
  • If you don’t maintain your car as you should, this increases the risk of a fire and/or explosion. If you were responsible for not maintaining your vehicle, you may be liable for any injuries the other party receives. Also, if you received injuries when a work vehicle caught on fire, you r company may be responsible. This also  would raise workmen’s compensation possibilities.

What Are The Top Two Injuries Received In A Car Fire Accident?

  • Smoke inhalation damage
  • Burn injuries

The most common fatalities occur because of smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation poses a serious threat to car fire victims because of the high risk of brain damage and lung damage. Smoke is made up of materials such as various elements and gases that can hurt the human body. One of these dangerous gases is carbon monoxide. If you are able to get immediately out of the car, it likely won’t be much of an issue. But if you are trapped inside then you have no choice but to inhale the toxic fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning deprives your body of vital oxygen by attaching to the hemoglobin in your bloodstream. Hemoglobin is responsible for delivering oxygen to your body, and the carbon monoxide tricks it into thinking it is oxygen. This is one of the ways that brain damage can occur. Any kind of smoke reduces the oxygen levels available to you.

There are also chemicals in fire that can cause more damage. There is a very real risk of burns to your respiratory system. The most common area of chemical burns include the throat, lungs, and nose.

How Can You Recognize Smoke Inhalation Symptoms?

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car fire accident, please see a doctor immediately. As far as insurance settlements are concerned, it is a good idea to visit the ER even if you think your injury isn’t significant. If you later find out that it is, the insurance company won’t be as likely to compensate you because they will see it as insignificant.

If you or another person inhaled smoke, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Headache
  • Red, irritated eyes that may water excessively
  • Confused mental status
  • Syncope (fainting)
  • A pale appearance to the skin
  • A hoarse voice
  • Rattling in the chest during breathing
  • Excessive amounts of mucus
  • Coughing
  • Throat discomfort and irritation
  • Trouble breathing
  • Shortness of Breath

What Are Common Problems Resulting From Smoke, And How Long Will They Last?

  • One of the serious consequences of smoke inhalation injuries is that they may not heal. You could be left with shortness of breath and lung scars for the remainder of your life.
  • Your voice could be damaged for a long time if your throat was burned, or even permanently.
  • Also, brain damage is a very serious problem after a smoke inhalation occurrence. Damage to the brain can cause many problems in the body. Some of these problems are trouble with cognitive functions, trouble remembering things, and changes in behavior or personality.

Have You Been Injured In A Kansas City Area Car Accident?

From our headquarters in Kansas City, we serve all of Kansas and Missouri. We also have offices in Lee’s Summit, St. Joseph and Parkville, MO as well as Overland Park and Olathe, KS available by appointment. Call our office at 816-471-5111, start a live chat today, or use our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

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