Forensic Investigation Of Vehicle Fires In Structures

Abstract

Cars And Trucks Experience Fires Due To A Variety Of Causes, And The Loss Is Generally Limited To The Value Of The Burned Vehicle. When A Vehicle Defect Or Recent Repair Is Suspected To Be The Cause, The Modest Economic Value Of The Loss Does Not Usually Warrant A Forensic Engineering Investigation And The Expense Of Litigation. However, When Vehicles Burn Inside A Garage Or Other Structure, The Value Of The Loss Can Be Much Greater, And A Thorough Investigation By Fire Investigators And Forensic Engineers Is Often Warranted To Support Potential Litigation. This Paper Will Review Some Cases In Which A Vehicle Burned Within A Garage, Causing Damage To The Structure. In Some Of Those Cases, The Cause Was Clearly Identified And Successfully Litigated. Challenges And Strategies Related To Those Cases Will Be Discussed.