In Baton Rouge, Tiffany Jeff went through something no driver ever wants to experience. On September 20, the car she had worked hard to buy suddenly caught fire while she was driving on I-10.
Related: The Deadliest Road Stretches in Louisiana
Tiffany said she heard a loud boom, pulled over, and watched as flames spread through her car. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the moment was very frightening.
Car explosions are rare, but fires can still happen for different reasons. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:
1. Fuel Leaks
Gasoline can catch fire easily. If the fuel tank or lines leak, fumes can build up near hot parts of the car. A small spark can cause a fire or even an explosion.
2. Electrical Problems
Cars have lots of wires that carry power. If a wire gets damaged or a battery overheats, it can spark and start a fire.
Older cars or used vehicles — especially those sold “as-is” — can sometimes have hidden electrical issues that put drivers at risk.
3. Overheating Engines
When engines get too hot, oil or coolant can leak onto hot metal parts. That heat can easily start a fire under the hood.
If you see your temperature gauge rising, pull over safely and turn off your engine before it gets worse.
Related: Louisiana Car Safety Checklist
4. Flammable Items Inside the Car
Things like aerosol cans, cleaning sprays, or propane tanks can explode if left in a hot car — especially during Louisiana summers.
Even a phone battery can catch fire if it overheats.
How a Car Fire Can Lead to a Wreck on Louisiana Roads
When a car catches fire while driving, the driver might lose control, panic, or have trouble seeing through smoke.
If that happens on a busy highway like I-10, Airline Highway, or Highway 30 in Ascension Parish, it can quickly cause a chain-reaction crash.
Related: How Can Dashcam Footage Impact a Car Accident Claim?
Louisiana law looks at what caused it and who might be responsible. Here’s how it usually works:
If the Car or a Part Was Defective
Sometimes a bad part or design problem in a car can cause a fire — like a leaking fuel line or faulty wiring.
If that happens, the car company, manufacturer, or dealer could be held responsible under the Louisiana Products Liability Act.
That law says companies must make sure their cars and parts are safe to use.
Related: Baton Rouge Product Liability Lawyer
If Another Driver Was Careless
Louisiana uses something called “comparative fault.” That means if another driver’s actions helped cause the crash or made the fire worse, they could share part of the blame. Even if both drivers made mistakes, each person pays for their part of the damage.
If a Used-Car Lot Sold an Unsafe Vehicle
In Louisiana, most used cars are sold “as-is.” That means the dealer isn’t promising the car is perfect.
But there’s an important rule called redhibition — it protects buyers if a car has a hidden problem that makes it unsafe.
If a dealer knew about a dangerous defect and didn’t say anything, the buyer can still take legal action.
Why Legal Help Matters
After a car fire or crash, figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always easy. A lawyer who understands Louisiana’s car and truck laws — like Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys — can help drivers find out what really happened and protect their rights.
📞 If you’re ever hurt in a car or truck wreck in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, or Ascension Parish, call Corzo at 999-1111.