Burn Injuries from Vehicle Fires in Tennessee

Legal Advocacy by The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

Burn injuries sustained in vehicle fires are among the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can endure. These injuries frequently result from car, truck, or motorcycle accidents and often require prolonged medical care, repeated surgeries, emotional support, and lifelong adjustments. For Tennesseans suffering these types of injuries, the road to recovery can be long and uncertain. However, experienced legal support can help ease the financial and emotional burdens by pursuing justice and compensation on the victim’s behalf.

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we are proud to advocate for injury victims across Nashville, Davidson County, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and throughout Middle Tennessee. Our team, led by attorney John Day, works diligently to help individuals and families assert their legal rights and obtain the financial resources they need to move forward after catastrophic burn injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered burn injuries as a result of a vehicle fire, we are here to guide and support you through the legal process. Call us today at (615) 742-4880 or visit www.johndaylegal.com to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Vehicle Fires and Burn Injuries

Vehicle fires may erupt during a collision or immediately afterward. While some fires stem directly from the impact of the crash, others are caused by underlying mechanical defects or dangerous vehicle conditions. The result is often the same—sudden and violent flames, severe injuries, and long-term suffering.

Common Causes of Vehicle Fires

There are several ways a vehicle fire may start, many of which involve highly combustible materials, electrical systems, or structural flaws. A common cause is fuel system damage. When a collision ruptures a fuel tank or fuel line, gasoline or diesel may spray across hot engine surfaces, causing an explosive fire. Likewise, lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries—especially in electric or hybrid vehicles—can combust under high-impact conditions. These battery explosions often occur in high-speed crashes and are increasingly seen in modern vehicles.

Other fires begin before a collision takes place. Overheated engines or brakes, often due to mechanical failure or inadequate maintenance, may lead to spontaneous combustion. Defective parts such as faulty wiring, malfunctioning sensors, or poorly designed fuel systems may also cause a vehicle to catch fire. In some incidents, the vehicle’s structural integrity fails to contain a small fire, allowing it to spread and intensify. Whether the fire is the initial source of injury or a secondary factor after a crash, its consequences can be devastating.

Types and Degrees of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified into four major categories, each defined by the severity and depth of tissue damage. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. These injuries usually result in redness, mild swelling, and pain, but generally heal without long-term complications. Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the dermis and can cause blistering, significant pain, and scarring. These injuries often require medical intervention and carry a risk of infection.

Third-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and can extend into the underlying fat and muscle tissue. Victims of these burns may experience charring, nerve damage, and numbness due to destroyed nerve endings. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and may involve damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These burns are typically life-threatening and often necessitate amputation, extensive surgeries, and long-term hospitalization.

Victims with third- and fourth-degree burns typically require intensive and prolonged care, including multiple skin grafts, reconstructive procedures, and physical therapy. Recovery is not only medically complex but also psychologically and emotionally taxing.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

The aftermath of a severe burn injury extends far beyond the initial trauma. Physically, victims may be left with permanent disfigurement, restricted mobility, or functional loss in affected limbs. These limitations may impact their ability to work, care for themselves, or engage in daily activities. Skin grafting and reconstructive surgeries may continue for years, and many individuals will require ongoing treatment to manage chronic pain, nerve damage, and scar tissue buildup.

Burn injuries also commonly involve respiratory damage, particularly if smoke or toxic fumes were inhaled during the fire. This can lead to long-term lung conditions or the need for breathing assistance. Psychologically, many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These emotional wounds often arise from the traumatic nature of the incident, physical disfigurement, and lifestyle changes imposed by the injury.

The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. partners with medical professionals, mental health providers, and vocational experts to ensure that every aspect of a victim’s suffering is accurately assessed and presented in legal claims. A full recovery—financially and emotionally—requires a comprehensive legal strategy.

Liability for Vehicle Fire Injuries

Establishing liability for injuries sustained in a vehicle fire can be a complex process. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on how the fire started and whether additional negligence contributed to its severity. Potentially liable parties include negligent drivers who caused the crash through reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired operation. Their actions may be the direct catalyst for the fire.

In cases involving mechanical or design failures, vehicle manufacturers may be held accountable through product liability claims. If a defect such as an improperly shielded fuel tank, faulty electrical wiring, or an unstable battery pack caused or worsened the fire, the manufacturer or component supplier may be liable. Repair shops and service centers may also bear responsibility if a botched repair introduced fire hazards. Government agencies could be liable in rare instances where poor road design, faulty traffic signals, or neglected maintenance contributed to the accident.

Tennessee law allows injury victims to pursue compensation from all parties whose actions or omissions played a role in their harm. A detailed investigation is critical to identifying all potential sources of liability.

Tennessee Legal Framework for Burn Injury Claims

Statute of Limitations

In Tennessee, the timeline for filing a personal injury claim is governed by T.C.A. § 28-3-104, which sets a one-year deadline from the date of the incident. This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country, and failing to file within this timeframe typically bars recovery, regardless of the merits of the case. Prompt legal consultation is essential for preserving your right to seek compensation.

If the burns result in death, a wrongful death suit must be filed within one year of the date of the incident. 

Comparative Fault in Tennessee

Tennessee adheres to the modified comparative fault doctrine under the landmark case McIntyre v. Balentine, 833 S.W.2d 52. This rule states that a plaintiff may only recover damages if they are less than 50 percent at fault for the incident. If the injured party is found to bear partial responsibility, their damages are reduced by that percentage. For instance, if you are found 20 percent at fault for the crash, your total award will be reduced by 20 percent. Thorough evidence collection, expert analysis, and legal representation are vital to minimizing assigned fault and maximizing recovery.

Damage Caps

Tennessee limits certain types of damages under T.C.A. § 29-39-102. Non-economic damages—those related to pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life—are capped at $750,000 in most personal injury cases. However, for catastrophic injuries, including severe burns that cover more than 40 percent of the body or 40% of the face, the cap increases to $1,000,000. There are no caps on economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and other measurable financial losses.

Product Liability in Vehicle Fire Cases

In many vehicle fire cases, the underlying cause is not driver error but a defect in the car’s design or manufacturing. When a defect directly contributes to a fire or worsens its effects, the injured party may bring a product liability claim. Examples of dangerous defects include poorly placed or inadequately shielded fuel tanks, defective wiring, or malfunctioning battery systems in electric vehicles. A lack of proper fire suppression mechanisms or airbags that fail to deploy can also result in increased injury.

Under Tennessee’s product liability laws, manufacturers can be held strictly liable if their vehicles or components are shown to be defective and unreasonably dangerous. These claims often require expert testimony, technical inspections, and an in-depth understanding of vehicle design. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we work with engineering consultants and safety specialists to hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe products.

How The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. Helps Burn Victims

Case Investigation

Our legal team launches a thorough investigation at the outset of each case. In appropriate cases we partner with accident reconstructionists, fire origin experts, and mechanical engineers to determine how the fire began and whether any product defects were involved. In product liability cases, we prioritize early inspections and discovery efforts to preserve vital evidence.

Medical Coordination

We collaborate closely with your treating physicians and medical specialists to document the full extent of your injuries. This includes not only physical damage but also long-term treatment plans, disability projections, and the psychological impact of the trauma. A well-documented medical record strengthens your claim and ensures all damages are properly valued.

Life Care Planning

For victims facing long-term or permanent disability, we work with certified life care planners to calculate future care needs. These plans may include home health aides, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, ongoing surgical care, and emotional counseling. A robust life care plan helps juries and insurers understand the full financial impact of your injuries.

Litigation and Trial Readiness

Although many cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as though it will go before a jury. This thorough preparation positions us to negotiate from strength and ensures that insurers take your case seriously. If trial becomes necessary, our litigation team is fully prepared to present your case and seek a just verdict.

Recoverable Damages in a Tennessee Burn Injury Case

A complete legal claim for burn injuries may include:

Economic Damages
These address direct financial losses, including emergency transportation, hospital stays, ICU and burn center care, surgeries, medications, physical and occupational therapy, durable medical equipment, lost wages, and reduced future earning potential.

Non-Economic Damages
These address the human toll of the injury: physical pain, mental anguish, emotional suffering, scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship for family members.

Punitive Damages
In cases involving recklessness  or intentional misconduct—such as drunk driving or knowingly selling a defective product—Tennessee courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter harmful behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Tennessee?
You have one year from the date of the incident. Failing to file within that timeframe can permanently bar your claim.

Can I file a claim if the fire was caused by a vehicle defect?
Yes. If a defective design or component contributed to the fire or worsened your injuries, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, designer, or supplier.

What if I was partially at fault?
Tennessee allows partial fault recovery. As long as you were less than 50 percent responsible, you can still recover damages—though they will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case for trial to ensure the strongest possible negotiating position and are always ready to present your case in court if needed.

Our Offices Are Ready to Help

The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. has offices conveniently located in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, allowing us to serve clients throughout Davidson County, Williamson County, Rutherford County, and surrounding communities. Our deep knowledge of local courts and insurance practices enables us to provide highly effective, tailored representation.

We offer confidential consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries from a vehicle fire in Tennessee, you do not have to face the legal or recovery process alone. Contact The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 or visit www.johndaylegal.com to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice, financial support, and peace of mind you deserve.