Individuals recently identified three teenagers killed in a crash on Highway 395 close to Loon Lake. At the time of the accident, the three individuals were traveling from Spokane to Kettle Falls. The Stevens County Fire District reports that the teenager's car entered the oncoming lane of traffic south of Loon Lake and struck a fire truck in a head-on collision. The teens' vehicle then exploded and caught fire, leading to all three individuals passing away at the scene of the crash. Two firefighters who were in the fire truck at the time of the accident incurred minor injuries. 

Summer months are believed to be the time of year for the highest number of motorcycle accidents. The National Fire Protection Agency reports that there were over a million fires reported in the United States. Among these million fires, 172,450 of these accidents involved vehicle fires that led to $1.3 billion in property damage. 

What Causes Engine Fires

Even though car fires are often caused by collisions, they can also be caused by difficulties with a vehicle's electrical system, fuel system, or sometimes even cigarettes left inside a vehicle. Have your vehicle's various systems inspected during every service call. If you want to avoid a vehicle fire, some of the helpful steps that you can take include:

• Avoid reckless driving 
• Avoid smoking in your vehicle
• Carry a fire extinguisher in your trunk or the back of your vehicle 
• If you smell smoke or something burning, you should promptly take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic 
• Inspect for damaged wiring and fuel or oil leaks 
• Never leave flammable material inside your vehicle 
• Properly maintain your vehicle's battery 
• Scan the area for fire hazards, such as downed power lines.

How to Respond if Your Vehicle Catches Fire 

If you notice that your vehicle is on fire, you should remember to follow several important steps which include:

• Move your vehicle to the first possible safe place, which might include a shoulder of the road. This means do not try to get to your destination first before dealing with the situation. 
• Turn off your vehicle's engine if you can do so. This prevents the flow of fuel, which can prevent a full-blown fire. 
• Exit the vehicle and stay away from it. Make sure to get both yourself and all passengers out of the vehicle. 
• Warn others to stay away from your vehicle
• Contact emergency services so firefighters can deal with the vehicle
• If you can do so, alert other drivers to avoid your stopped vehicle 

Contact an Experienced Spokane Car Crash Attorney

If you recently lost a loved one in a car crash and someone else was responsible for causing the accident, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact West Law Office today to schedule a free case evaluation.