Kia Sportage SUV Fuel Tank Explosion | Accident Lawsuit

On the morning of November 8, 2007, Ryan Prejean, a 52-year-old woman, was driving her Kia Sportage SUV on her way to work in Southern California when she was rear-ended by a Ford Expedition. The Ford SUV suffered little damage. The Kia Sportage, however, to the surprise of both drivers and witnesses, burst into flames upon impact, rolled over, and was quickly engulfed by a massive fuel fed fire.

Ms. Prejean was trapped inside the burning vehicle, screaming for help and attempting to get out. Miraculously, the driver of the Ford SUV and a bystander were able to reach in through the back window of the burning Kia and pull Ms. Prejean, who was on fire, out by her arms. Moving her away from the vehicle, a nurse and other bystanders rushed Ms. Prejean into the emergency room of a community hospital, which was within walking distance of the accident. Absent her immediate proximity to the hospital, Ms. Prejean would likely have died.

Ms. Prejean suffered total body surface burns over at least 70% of her body. The burns included second and third degree burns of the face (including eyelids and right cornea), neck, chest, abdomen, both arms, both hands, both legs, and both feet. Treatments since the accident have included multiple skin grafts, amputation of significant portions of all of the fingers on her left hand, and loss of the first and second toes on her left foot.

Alleged Defect in Kia Sportage Led To Fuel Tank Explosion

Ms. Prejean and her husband filed a personal injury lawsuit against Kia Motors, alleging that a defect in the Kia Sportage was responsible for her injuries. Lieff Cabraser represented Ms. Prejean and her husband. A sharp mounting bracket attached to the Kia Sportage's rear suspension (a part called a "Panhard rod" located on the underside of the rear of the vehicle near the axle) had been pushed forward by the Ford SUV into the rear of the fuel tank, puncturing the tank and causing flaming gasoline to spew into the passenger compartment.

Lieff Cabraser retained automotive safety experts who conducted crash tests of the Kia Sportage and were prepared to testify that the tragedy could have been avoided by simple and cost-effective design changes. The experts concluded that flipping the Panhard rod (so that the end with sharp bracket was not near the fuel tank) would have prevented any explosion. Lieff Cabraser attorneys also traveled to South Korea and deposed Kia engineers on the results and sufficiency of their testing of the crash worthiness of the Kia Sportage fuel system.

In July 2009, the parties entered into a confidential settlement which resolved the litigation.

Contact Car and SUV Fire and Fuel Tank Accident Lawyer | Attorney

If you were personally injured, or a loved one was killed in a vehicle fire, please contact an automotive defect attorney at Lieff Cabraser experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases against auto manufacturers. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.

You may also contact us by telephone toll free at 1-800 541-7358 and request to speak to vehicle fire attorney Fabrice Vincent. We will also investigate vehicles made by other manufacturers that caught fire and led to an injury, death or significant property damage.