Vehicle bursts into flames in Falmouth, injures 1

BARNSTABLE COUNTY, Ma. — A male driver was transported to a trauma center in New Bedford on Jan. 3 after his vehicle erupted into flames on Route 28 in Falmouth.

Falmouth Police Department’s preliminary investigation found that the driver was operating his vehicle at a high rate of speed, crashed into a guardrail, and flipped the vehicle. A person who called 911 for help reportedly told dispatch that the vehicle rolled over on an off-ramp from Route 28 North to Thomas B. Landers Road. 

The driver, who has not been identified by authorities, exited the vehicle before firefighters arrived. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital trauma center with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to the Falmouth Fire-Rescue Department.

Massachusetts State Police are investigating the accident. No additional details about the crash have been released.

Commentary on the fiery rollover accident in Barnstable County, Ma

​I am relieved to learn the man involved in this accident walked away without life-threatening injuries. In my experience, accidents ending with the vehicle erupting into flames usually result in catastrophic injuries. I hope the injured makes a speedy recovery.

A product liability case requires the plaintiff to prove the vehicle was manufactured with a flaw or defect that caused or exasperated the plaintiff’s injury. Given the technical nature of vehicle manufacturing, this is a very difficult area of the law and requires highly trained professionals.

During my 30-year career, my firm has represented several clients against vehicle manufacturers in vehicle-fire cases. Auto manufacturers make considerable effort to prevent vehicles from catching fire following an accident, given the serious risks associated with vehicle fires. When a vehicle erupts into flames, I can’t help but think something went awry in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process. I encourage those involved in this accident to consult trained professionals to determine the integrity of this vehicle. Uncovering latent defects will save innocent victims from serious harm and death in future accidents.

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