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Firewalls: Will they protect you in an accident?

Auto accidents can be serious, leading to wounds like burns and broken bones. In some instances, a fire wall doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. Sometimes, they break when there is an impact, too, which means that any fire that does take place has the potential to spread into the cabin of the vehicle.

When a fire breaks out in the cabin, there is a serious risk of burns and terrible injuries. Someone who is trapped in the cabin may not be able to escape and could be burned alive.

When the first firewall was made by Henry Ford, the idea was that it would prevent fire, fumes, smoke and gases from entering the cabin, helping the driver stay safer overall. The first firewall worked so well that the other manufacturers in the industry also adopted them.

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a metal plate that separates drivers from the compartment that contains the engine. Mechanics who were surveyed stated that firewalls could help prevent fires from spreading to the cabin, but not indefinitely. After wires, cables and hoses give way to fire, they’ll begin pumping gas into the driver’s compartment. On top of that, the fire may travel through openings in the shifter and steering shaft, leading to the firewall’s failure.

Did you know that there are no standards for firewalls?

No one currently regulates auto firewalls. That means that there is no minimum amount of stopping power required to protect those who are in a crash and exposed to an engine fire.

Interestingly, some of the items that are used to made firestopping walls actually act as accelerants. That means that fires that catch could spread faster and even burn hotter, leading to serious injuries for those inside the vehicle.

What should you do if you’re involved in a car fire?

If you are involved in a car crash caused by another person, that person should be held responsible for any kind of injury you suffer. If you need medical care, you should always seek medical attention immediately. Your attorney can take over the case at that point, helping negotiate for a fair amount of compensation. You deserve to receive the highest quality medical care, including treatment that is specialized for burns. Burns can be debilitating, but with appropriate care, you can begin to recover and receive the acute care you need.

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