Earlier this week, one person was killed in a fiery one-car crash in Baylor County. According to the Times Record News, the wreck happened at about 3:30 p.m., on U.S. 283. The vehicle’s OnStar system alerted first responders, who rushed to the scene. Emergency responders arrived on the scene to find the car had left the roadway and caught fire. Paul Stephen McKeller, 68 years old of Midland, was killed in the wreck. This also happens to be the same area where two other wrecks have occurred within the last month.
Fiery Baylor County Crash
At this time, very few details about the fatal car crash have been released. We do not know what caused the crash or why the vehicle caught fire. Even in rollover crashes, it is unusual for a vehicle to just catch fire and burn. It may be necessary to conduct additional investigative efforts to determine what happened in this particular wreck. Cars and trucks are not supposed to just catch fire and burn, even if a vehicle overturns during the accident.
Jeep and Chrysler Safety Concerns
Although there has been no mention of the make or model car involved in the recent fatal crash in Baylor County, there have been safety concerns over Jeep and Chrysler vehicles exploding and catching fire recently. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported on the nearly 2.7 million Jeeps under recall for faulty gas tank design. At least 56 deaths have been linked with the exploding Jeep gas tanks. Currently, Fiat Chrysler has acknowledged settling more than 30 lawsuits involving exploding Jeep gas tanks. Concerns have also been raised about whether or not they are doing enough to make sure all of the defective Jeeps are getting repaired, and promptly.
Faulty and Defective Auto Parts
If you suspect a faulty or defective vehicle part caused your accident, you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer immediately. It’s also important to report any complaints or suspicions you might have to manufacturers and to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so they can keep track of it. Don’t think that a defective part wasn’t to blame, just because your vehicle isn’t currently under recall. It can take months or years for recalls to be announced.
The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Paul Stephen McKeller.