Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs have been reported to be spontaneously catching fire, prompting the demand of a recall of 2.9 million vehicles by the non-profit Center for Auto Safety.


The incidents are widespread, with hundreds of cases since 2010 and reports of narrow escapes by drivers and passengers. The cars affected included the 2011-2014 Kia Sorento, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe, and the 2010-2015 Kia Soul models.


If you or a loved one suffered serious injury or death due to one of these vehicles catching fire, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Kline & Specter, PC, with more than 40 attorneys, has had exceptional success litigating vehicle and product liability claims, including numerous cases against major car companies.


Contact us for a free review of your case. Our firm works on a contingent fee basis, which means we only get paid if and when you are financially compensated.


The Hyundai and Kia fires are being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The probe is part of a larger examination into engine failures noted earlier in Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Last year the companies recalled 1.2 million vehicles for engine problems.


Kline & Specter has handled numerous product defect cases against some of the nation’s largest corporations, including many involving car companies. One recent case against a major auto manufacturer resulted in a $30 million settlement for person rendered a paraplegic following a lap belt injury. The same sum, $30 million, was obtained in another settlement from an automaker in a similar case several years ago.


Founding partner Shanin Specter has won verdicts of $153 million, $52 million and $8.75 million against the Ford Motor Co. over defective parking brakes in its popular F-Series pickup truck. Those trials became the subject of a book titled Bad Brake.


The firm has won a litany of other major verdicts and settlements involving auto accidents and other defective products, including, most recently, verdicts of $12 million, $13.5 million, $20 million and $57.1 million against behemoth Johnson & Johnson in cases in which women were seriously injured by defective vaginal mesh products.

FAQ

How Are Burn Injuries Unique to Regular Injuries?

Although both are horrible outcomes, burn injuries can be a lot more severe than regular injuries. Burns have different levels: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree burns are semi-superficial as they only affect the epidermis of the skin. First-degree burns usually cause burning, swelling, and redness. 

Second-degree burns affect both the surface of the skin and the layers underneath it, making them more severe. The symptoms are similar to first-degree burns, except second-degree burns cause blistering and skin discoloration. Third-degree burns destroy both the epidermis and dermis. It is also possible for third-degree burns to affect a person’s bones, muscles, and tendons. If the bones, muscles, and tendons are burned, this is known as a fourth-degree burn. There is no feeling in the surrounding area due to nerve death. Burns of any kind also greatly increase your risk of infection and can change the texture of your skin. 

How Long Does It Take For a Car to Burn Completely?

The time it takes for a car to burn completely depends on the vehicle. On average, a vehicle can take about 45 minutes to an hour to completely burn. When the first fire starts, it can take up to 15 minutes for the fire to reach the engine compartment and the trunk. 

How Do I Know if a Car is Burning?

It is important to know the signs of a burning car, as not every case is the same. In some cases, there may not be a distinct smell or black smoke rising from the engine. 

Here are the signs of a burning car:

  • You noticed sparks.
  • There is a blown fuse.
  • There is a gas leak.
  • The levels of fuel and fluids are rapidly depleting.
  • The temperature of your engine rises very quickly.

If you notice any of these signs off the road, take the vehicle to have it evaluated by a professional. If any of these signs appear while on the road, get out of the car, evacuate any passengers, and call 911 immediately. 


In addition to having among the largest staff of attorneys for a plaintiffs firm, Kline & Specter also has five doctor/lawyers on staff, the most of any firm in America. We handle cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and nationwide. Call today for a free and expert evaluation of your case.

News articles about Hyundai and Kia vehicle car fires: 

NBC Philadelphia: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/investigations/national-investigations/Kias-Hyundais-Fire-Help-Recall-Lawsuit-494859861.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_PHBrand

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2018/10/14/kia-hyundai-demand-for-recall/

United Press International: https://www.upi.com/Auto-safety-group-calls-for-recall-of-29M-Hyundai-Kia-vehicles/6041539541764/