If you guessed the incidence of gas tank fires…. unfortunately, you’re right. Some say that history is destined to repeat itself and it looks like this year may be the year that DaimlerChrysler publicly admits that there is problem and actually fixes millions of Jeep Libertys and Jeep Grand Cherokees on the road today.
Vehicle Fires and Chrysler Recall
In case this is the first you’ve heard of this, and you wouldn’t be alone, there have been numerous reports of fatal fiery vehicle crashes involving the following Daimler Chrysler models:
- 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee
- 1993-2001 Jeep Cherokee
- 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty
Why are these cars so dangerous? Not unlike the Ford Pinto, the Jeeps listed above have gas tanks that are mounted BEHIND the rear axle and just in front of the rear bumper. To make matters worse, the gas tank is made from a type of plastic that is easily ruptured and there is a bolt a tenth of an inch away from the gas tank that greatly increases the chance of explosion from a ruptured gas tank in the event of a rear end collision.
In June of 2013, Chrysler finally agreed to a safety recall. Keep in mind that was only after 75 people had burned to death in these dangerous vehicles. Chrysler’s fix, however, was to install a trailer hitch to the rear of the vehicles to absorb impact in a rear end collision. And the fix MIGHT work in low speed crashes. Unfortunately, it hasn’t proven effective in all accidents. Since the 2013 recall, 19 more people have needlessly died in Jeep Cherokees and Jeep Libertys. Eleven of those killed were in vehicles that had been recalled.
When questioned about the possibility of recalling affected models again, representatives from Chrysler made it clear that they are not interested in fixing the vehicles, adding that they believe that the “tragic accidents were caused by factors like excessive speed and driver distraction.”
Tragic Loss of Life
A jury in Georgia didn’t see it that way. Last year, the jury ordered Chrysler to pay $150 million dollars to the family of 4 year old Remington Walden, who died while strapped in his car seat in the back of a family member’s 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was originally included in the planned recall, but later excluded even though it shared the same design as the recalled vehicles. Witnesses to the crash testified that the young boy lived for a least a minute while burning to death in the back seat of the vehicle. The driver, the boy’s aunt, escaped through the driver’s side window and was restrained by witnesses at the scene while she fought to save the child. Strangers at the accident scene also tried to save him but to no avail.
Many of the victims have been children, simply because children are more likely to be riding in the back seat. They are also strapped into child restraint seats and cannot get out of the vehicle without help from an adult. But not all of the victims have been children, a couple in their 50’s burned to death while traveling in a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The couple from York, Pennsylvania were hit from behind while stopped on I-78 near Philadelphia in a traffic jam. The vehicle exploded seconds after impact.
Have You or Someone You Love Been Injured in a Jeep Vehicle Fire?
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in one of these defective vehicles, call The Thomson Law Firm today for a free consultation. Paul Thomson, of The Thomson Law Firm has successfully represented victims of product liability in Virginia and West Virginia. DaimlerChrysler’s unwillingness to repair the vehicles and continue to expose millions of men, women, and children to unnecessary risk is inexcusable. Call today (540) 777-4900 and talk with a lawyer about your rights.
