It has recently come to the attention of attorneys that the dangerous placement of diesel fuel tanks along the side of vehicles could lead to side saddle diesel fuel tank explosions if these objects were to be hit in a collision or accident.
If you or someone you love have been injured in side saddle diesel fuel tank explosions and you are unsure of your legal rights, contact an experienced attorney to learn more about filing a claim and holding the manufacturer responsible for your injuries. You may be entitled to seek compensation for damages, medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
What are Side Saddle Diesel Fuel Tank Explosions?
For over three decades, studies, government reports and lawsuits have allegedly noted the potentially dangerous design of side saddle diesel fuel tanks. While there are safer alternatives available, many manufacturers insist on using this design in the transportation of products.
Manufacturers have the responsibility to produce safe vehicles and ensure that the fuel tank is not so damaged or punctured during an accident that it causes side saddle diesel fuel tank explosions or unnecessary fires that could injure passengers or drivers. SUVs, cars and pickup trucks with fuel systems vulnerable to exploding in a collision may likely result in severe burns, devastating damages and fatalities for occupants and drivers.
Additionally, these cases may also involve vehicles other than those operated by large manufacturers or companies. For instance, pickup trucks produced by General Motors (GM) between 1973 and 1987 were allegedly equipped with fuel tanks that were mounted in the outside of the frame of the vehicle, known as saddlebag or side saddle fuel tanks. According to court documents, numerous lawsuits against GM allege that these vehicles were defectively manufactured because the fuel tanks could potentially catch fire or explode during a side crash.
Why are Plaintiffs Filing Lawsuits?
According to product liability attorneys, plaintiffs may consider filing lawsuits against heavy truck manufacturers. Allegations may include the dangerous placement of side saddle diesel fuel tanks that could potentially lead to explosions as the unprotected lightweight tanks used by many companies may fail in foreseeable collisions and cause countless unnecessary fires.
Injured passengers and drivers as well as the surviving families of loved ones who have died in pickup truck, SUV, car or other vehicle accidents may be entitled to bring claims against the manufacturers for producing vehicles with an allegedly unreasonable risk of catching fire or exploding in a collision or accident.
Plaintiffs may be entitled to receive damages including:
- Punitive damages
- Past and future loss of earning capacity and earnings
- Past and future incidental, medical and hospital expenses
- Past and future mental anguish, pain and suffering and physical impairment
Additionally, in cases of fatalities following side saddle fuel tank explosions, the surviving family may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Injured in Side Saddle Diesel Fuel Tank Explosions?
Both Attorney Group and our experienced affiliated attorneys are committed to providing the best representation and support possible for our clients. If you or someone you love have been injured in side saddle diesel fuel tank explosions, the time to act is now. We will answer your questions and concerns to the best of our ability and connect you with our professional affiliated attorneys who will handle your claim throughout the legal process.
