Risk of Big Rig Fire much Higher than Other Vehicles

Last June, a big rig fire shut down both westbound lanes of I-10 near Chiriaco Summit. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the big rig caught fire on I-10 about 30 minutes away from Indio. The driver escaped from the big rig before it became engulfed in flames, which happened within about 10 minutes. 

CHP and CAL FIRE both responded to the incident, but it remains unclear how the big rig fire started. The truck was pulling three John Deere tractors. The left lane was reopened an hour later, but traffic was still slow for several hours after the fire.

How Likely is a Big Rig Fire?

A study by the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) showed that big rigs are more likely to catch fire in higher speed crashes than are light trucks and passenger cars. The study looked at collisions between 2000 and 2009. Researchers determined large trucks caught fire at a rate 113% higher than light trucks and passenger cars.

According to the director of KIPRC, the weight of big rigs might result in greater impact forces during the crashes. This can compromise vulnerable fuel tanks. If fuel is leaking, it is more likely to catch fire. The fuel tanks for big rigs are also more exposed and less protected than those of light trucks and passenger vehicles, leading to a higher risk for a fire in the event of a collision.

“Big rigs are dangerous enough as it is, without the additional risk of a vehicle fire. Truck manufacturers should be more conscious of fuel tank vulnerabilities to prevent these vehicles from catching fire,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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