Texas Accident & Injury News
Fires can quickly get out of control after a motorcycle accident.
Motorcyclist Escapes With Non-Life-Threatening Injuries After Motorcycle Crashes, Bursts Into Flames on the Far West Side
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a motorcyclist was injured after crashing his bike, which then burst into flames last Thursday.¹
Police say the accident happened around 4:30 p.m. on April 2nd at the intersection of Oakwood and Wooden Fox in the Stonecreek subdivision on the Far West Side.
A nearby resident’s security camera captured the motorcyclist losing control while navigating a slight curve. The rider fell from the bike, which continued forward and struck a curb near where children were standing.
The motorcycle then caught fire, and the flames spread to the rider. He ran to a nearby park and extinguished the flames by rolling on the ground.
The children were not injured. The rider later told News4SanAntonio that his injuries required surgery, but he is expected to recover. A nearby homeowner used a garden hose to help contain the fire before emergency crews arrived.
The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Highway vehicle fires account for 91% of all vehicle fires, 90% of vehicle fire deaths, and 87% of vehicle fire injuries, according to NFPA data.
Motorcycle Fires: Why They Happen, What to Do, and How to Recover Injury Compensation
One of the worst things that can happen after a motorcycle crash is a fire.
A motorcycle crash is already dangerous, but when fire is involved, the risk of severe injury increases significantly.
Motorcycles expose critical components like fuel systems and electrical wiring. When those systems are damaged in a crash, ignition can happen within seconds.
Why Do Motorcycles Catch Fire?
Motorcycle fires are most often caused by fuel ignition after impact. When a crash damages the fuel tank or lines, gasoline can spill and ignite from sparks, heat, or electrical failure.
Common causes include:
- Fuel leaks igniting after impact
- Electrical system failures or exposed wiring
- Sparks created by metal scraping against pavement
- Defective parts or poor mechanical maintenance
Unlike enclosed vehicles, motorcycles offer little protection between the rider and these hazards, which increases the risk of burn injuries.
What to Do If Your Motorcycle Catches Fire
You only have seconds to react to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If your motorcycle catches fire, follow these steps:
- Dismount — Pull over to a safe spot and dismount as quickly as possible. If you were in a crash and your motorcycle is away from you, don’t try to approach it. This is the best way to protect yourself in case the fire gets bigger or the bike explodes.
- Call 9-1-1 — Call for help as soon as you make it to safety. Motorcycle fires can get out of control in seconds, and have an elevated risk of explosion. Even if you have fire prevetion gear, make sure professional help is on the way.
- Evacuate — Once the fire is out of control, there’s nothing you can do but wait for emergency services to arrive. Get yourself and others to a safe distance.
Burn Injuries After Motorcycle Fires
Fires introduce a second layer of injury beyond the crash itself. Burn injuries from vehicle fires are often severe and require immediate and ongoing medical care.
These injuries commonly include:
- First-, second-, or third-degree burns
- Nerve damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Respiratory injuries from smoke inhalation
Burn injuries often involve long recovery periods, multiple procedures, and lasting physical and emotional effects.
Recovering Compensation
If you were hurt in a motorcycle fire becuase of faulty parts or an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.
In Texas, you’re legally entitled to compensation from the responsible party if you can prove:
- You were owed a duty of care
- Another party (i.e. a driver, a manufacturer, a mechanic) breached that duty
- That breach of duty directly caused the motorcycle fire
- You were suffered losses (injuries/property damage) as a result
A motorcycle injury lawyer can help you determine exactly what you’re entitiled to under these rules. At the Carabin Shaw law firm, we offer free initial consultations to help you understand your rights and decide if you want to pursue compensation from the responsible party.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Fire in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash involving fire, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical bills and burn treatment
- Pain, suffering, and long-term injuries
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- And more.
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.