How Does a Vehicle Catching Fire Affect Liability in an Illinois Car Crash?

 Posted on March 12, 2026 in I-90 crashes

News agencies reported a deadly crash on the Kennedy Expressway in March of 2026 that left one person dead after five vehicles collided near the Natoma Avenue overpass. Three of those cars went off the road, struck a light pole, and caught fire. Besides the deceased, one other person was hospitalized. Three others refused treatment.

Car wrecks like this can be even more dangerous than typical crashes because of the added possibility of burns, suffocation from fumes, and explosions. They also raise a question that many people have never considered: if a vehicle catches fire after a crash, does that change who is legally responsible for the injuries?

If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in a crash and a vehicle fire, a Des Plaines car accident attorney can help you pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.

Why Do Some Cars Catch Fire After a Crash and Others Do Not?

Certain conditions make vehicle fires much more likely. The most common cause of a post-crash fire is damage to the fuel system. When a collision ruptures a gas tank or fuel line, gasoline can leak out and come into contact with a hot engine, exhaust parts, or sparks. Gasoline vapors ignite very quickly when exposed to enough heat.

Other factors that can lead to a car fire include:

• Crashes that involve a fixed object (like a barrier or, in the above case, a light pole) that cause severe damage to vehicles
• High-speed impacts
• Electrical system failures after the collision
• External flammable materials igniting on impact
• Older vehicles or vehicles in poor mechanical condition

Electric vehicles (EVs) can also catch fire after a crash, often caused by damage to the battery pack. According to the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services, fires from EVs can take upwards of 150,000 gallons of water to extinguish. They can also reignite if not fully put out.

Some vehicles are also simply more fire-prone than others due to design. In some cases, this matters a great deal for liability.

Who Can Be Held Liable When a Car Fire Causes Injuries in Illinois?

When a vehicle fire happens, Illinois law may allow you to seek compensation from more than one party.

The At-Fault Driver

If another driver caused the crash, they may be responsible for all of the harm that followed, including injuries caused by the fire.

The Vehicle Manufacturer

If a design flaw or manufacturing defect caused the vehicle to catch fire, the automaker may share in the liability. This is called a product liability claim.

A Mechanic or Repair Shop

If a recent repair was done improperly and contributed to the fire, the shop that did the work may also be liable.

Other Parties

Depending on the crash, outside parties that contributed to unsafe conditions could be responsible. A government entity responsible for road conditions, for example, might be partly responsible if debris in the road caused or worsened the crash.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Your compensation is reduced based on your share of fault.

Am I Liable if My Car Caught Fire After Another Driver Caused an Accident?

You are not automatically responsible for a fire that followed another driver’s negligence. There are situations in which even a car in good working order with no defects can combust. Investigators will look at crash data, maintenance records, fire investigation reports, and witness accounts to build a full picture of what happened and who bears responsibility.

If your own liability becomes an issue, it will almost certainly be because of your driving – not because your car caught on fire. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. That doesn’t mean that it’s not worth pursuing compensation at all, though. For this reason, it’s a very good idea to speak to a personal injury lawyer after an event as traumatic as an accident-induced car fire.

Call a Park Ridge, IL Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were in a car accident that resulted in a fire, especially if you didn’t cause the accident, it’s worth taking a look at your legal options. Our Des Plaines car accident lawyer at Quinn Law Group, LLC can help you understand possible routes for compensation. Contact Quinn Law Group, LLC at 847-232-7180 to schedule your free consultation.