1998 Cadillac Catera Fire

[dano1979]

State: Maine
Car : 1998 Cadillac Catera

I'm basically wondering if my girlfriend should peruse the advice of a lawyer. About 2 weeks ago she was eating dinner across from her place of employment and noticed flames coming from a car in the parking lot. She didn't know it was her car until she went back to work to verify it was hers.

So basically the car caught on fire with out her in it, the fire according to the Fire Department was electrical related. The adjuster totaled the car. My concern is the car was sitting for well over 5 hours with out being driven and the engine ignites into flames? Seems odd to me. I did some research and found a few cases where a generator in the car was staying regardless if the car was on or not. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Dan

 

[teflon_jones]

And by pursuing this, what would your girlfriend be looking to get? Her insurance company is already compensating her for the value of the car.

 

[dano1979]

It's just strange that a car would catch on fire all by it self. I'm just trying to if she has a case at all. She bought the car 4 months ago with 40,000 miles on it. Granted the car will be paid off now she's with out a car and out her 2,000 dollar down payment. Help from the dealer ship getting a different car? I'm looking for advice. I know I'd be pretty angry if a car I bought caught on fire for no reason. I guess my main concern is if it was an existing issue before she got the car and progressively getting worse, would the dealer be at fault?

 

[teflon_jones]

It's just strange that a car would catch on fire all by it self. I'm just trying to if she has a case at all.

A case for what?

She bought the car 4 months ago with 40,000 miles on it. Granted the car will be paid off now she's with out a car and out her 2,000 dollar down payment.

You're conflicting yourself in this sentence. How can she be out her down payment if the car will be paid off?

Help from the dealer ship getting a different car?

I'm sure they'll be happy to sell her another car.

I'm looking for advice. I know I'd be pretty angry if a car I bought caught on fire for no reason.

It didn't catch on fire for no reason, it caught on fire due to an electrical problem. This happens all the time.

I guess my main concern is if it was an existing issue before she got the car and progressively getting worse, would the dealer be at fault?

No, they would not. It was your girlfriend's responsibility to have the vehicle inspected for any problems before purchasing it.

Your girlfriend is getting exactly what she deserves: The value of the car reimbursed from her insurance company. That's it.