Why Diesel Explosions Cause Devastating Burns In San Antonio, TX
Truck accidents are always dangerous, but when an 18-wheeler or tanker truck crashes with hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel, the results can be catastrophic. Diesel explosions don’t just cause collisions — they unleash massive fireballs that burn hotter, last longer, and create deadly smoke. These accidents leave victims with life-altering burn injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial costs.
If you or a loved one suffered severe burns in a diesel fire, you need more than a general injury lawyer. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer near me who understands both the science of diesel fires and the law of trucking accidents.
At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, our team fights for burn victims across San Antonio and South Texas, using fire science experts, crash reconstruction specialists, and trial-tested strategies to hold negligent truck companies accountable.
Why Diesel Fires Are More Dangerous Than Gasoline Fires
Diesel fuel behaves differently than gasoline in a crash:
- Higher Flash Point – Diesel requires more heat to ignite, but once it does, the resulting fire is harder to control. A ruptured fuel tank in an 18-wheeler can ignite when sparks from metal scraping or overheated brakes strike.
- Longer, Hotter Flames – Diesel burns with sustained intensity, producing extreme heat that lasts minutes longer than gasoline fires. Victims trapped in vehicles often suffer deeper burns.
- Large Fuel Loads – Semi-trucks frequently carry 100–300 gallons of diesel. A single rupture can engulf multiple cars in flames during a highway pileup.
- Toxic Smoke – Diesel fires create black clouds filled with soot, carbon monoxide, and chemicals. Victims often suffer not only external burns but also lung damage from inhalation injuries.
- Chain-Reaction Risk – In high-traffic areas like I-35 or Loop 410, one truck fire can trigger multi-vehicle explosions, worsening injuries and property damage.
This combination of volume, heat, and toxic output makes diesel explosions some of the deadliest events on Texas highways.
Common Burn Injuries Caused by Diesel Explosions
Burn injuries in truck accidents are rarely minor. Victims often require months or years of treatment:
- Third-degree burns – Full-thickness burns destroying nerves, skin, and tissue.
- Inhalation injuries – Severe damage to the airway and lungs from superheated smoke.
- Skin grafts and surgeries – Victims may need multiple reconstructive operations.
- Permanent disfigurement – Scarring and loss of mobility from destroyed tissue.
- Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression from both the accident and recovery.
This is why victims must seek out a truck injury law firm near me that knows how to calculate lifetime medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, and emotional damages.
Who Is Liable in a Diesel Explosion Case?
Burn victims often ask: Who is responsible for paying when a diesel truck fire causes catastrophic injuries? Liability is complex and may involve multiple parties:
- Truck drivers – Driving under fatigue, speeding, or failing to maintain safe distance.
- Trucking companies – For unsafe equipment, negligent hiring, or poor truck maintenance.
- Manufacturers – If defective fuel tanks, brakes, or electrical systems caused ignition.
- Cargo loaders – If improperly secured or hazardous cargo contributed to the fire.
- Other motorists – In multi-vehicle pileups that triggered ruptures.
An experienced truck accident attorney near me investigates all possible defendants to ensure every negligent party is held accountable.
The Role of a Truck Crash Lawyer Near Me in Fire Cases
Proving liability in a diesel fire accident requires specialized evidence that most personal injury firms don’t have. A skilled truck crash lawyer near me brings in:
- Fire science experts to explain ignition patterns and why diesel fires spread.
- Crash reconstruction engineers to analyze the collision sequence.
- Mechanical experts to identify equipment defects.
- Medical experts to project future burn care costs and rehabilitation needs.
- Federal trucking regulation specialists to expose safety violations (FMCSA rules).
This combination of science + law is what gives burn victims the best chance at justice.
Real Dangers on San Antonio Highways
San Antonio is a trucking hub with major freight routes running through the city:
- I-35 – A north-south corridor crowded with 18-wheelers carrying fuel and cargo.
- I-10 – A major east-west trucking route with high accident rates.
- Loop 410 and Loop 1604 – Frequent pileups with commuter and commercial traffic.
A single truck fire on these highways can shut down lanes for hours, cause multi-vehicle wrecks, and leave dozens injured. That’s why victims should contact a truck wreck lawyer near me with local experience in Bexar County courts.
FAQ: Diesel Explosions in Truck Accidents
Why are diesel truck fires worse than car fires?
Diesel burns longer and hotter, with larger fuel tanks sustaining intense fires.
Can a trucking company be sued for a diesel explosion?
Yes. If poor maintenance or unsafe practices led to the fire, the trucking company may be liable.
What if a defective part caused the fire?
The manufacturer of the truck or component may also be responsible.
Do I need a lawyer experienced in truck fires?
Absolutely. These cases require an experienced truck injury lawyer near me with access to fire science and engineering experts.
Call a San Antonio Truck Injury Law Firm Near Me
If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries in a diesel truck explosion, you need a law firm that understands both fire science and trucking law.
At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we fight aggressively for burn victims across San Antonio and South Texas. Call us today at (210) 893-0000 for a free consultation with a skilled truck crash lawyer near me.
No fees unless we win. Hablamos Español.
