Gas Station in Orlando Sold Bad Gas, Caused Damage to Vehicles
In early September, an Orlando motorist received approximately $13,000 in compensation for vehicle repairs after he filled his tank with contaminated diesel fuel. The motorist purchased the damaged fuel from an Orlando gas station and noticed issues with his car shortly after. State inspectors determined that the fuel the motorist had purchased from the gas station contained 99% water.
If you suspect that your vehicle was damaged due to contaminated fuel, it’s essential to get professional advice from a skilled personal injury lawyer. Consulting with an experienced attorney is the best way to determine if you can secure compensation for your vehicle’s damages.
Orlando Gas Station Sold Contaminated Fuel, Causing Damage to a Motorist’s Vehicle
In early September, an Orlando motorist filled up his tank with diesel gas at an Amoco station. Soon after he began fueling his tank, the motorist noticed that the fuel pump became extremely slow. Then, when the driver attempted to leave the gas station, his car stalled close to the gas station. The motorist noted that the car came to a grumbling halt before eventually dying. The motorist’s vehicle was then towed to a local mechanic who determined the car had incurred nearly $13,000 in damages to its fuel system due to contaminated fuel.
With this information, the driver contacted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which is a state agency that looks over fuel quality. The driver relayed the diagnosis provided by the mechanic, and the next day an FDACS inspector went to the Amoco station to collect fuel samples from the same pump the driver used. The inspector found that the pump was dispensing 99% water. FDACS issued a stop-sale order preventing the gas station from selling diesel fuel until the contamination issue is resolved. The gas station owners agreed to cover the driver’s vehicle damage costs.
What to Do If You Suspect Contaminated Fuel Caused Damage to Your Vehicle
If you pump contaminated fuel into your car, you’ll most likely notice pretty quickly. After leaving the station, your car will probably stall, jerk, or break down. If you pumped bad diesel into your car, you could hear explosion-like sounds coming from the engine or see black smoke. If this happens, you should immediately contact FDACS at 1-800-HELP-FLA. If the FDAC representative has reason to believe you purchased contaminated fuel, they will send out an inspector to inspect the fuel pump.
In these situations, it’s ideal to document as much as possible. This includes saving your gas receipt, taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle, and saving any bills for vehicle repairs. The more information you have, the easier it will be to prove your case.
When it comes to getting reimbursed for vehicle damages, you’ll most likely deal with the insurance company of the gas station. It’s always best to have a lawyer as your liaison to deal with the insurance company, as most insurance companies will try to avoid paying out any compensation. A skilled personal injury can look at all the factors surrounding your case and ensure you receive compensation if negligence was at play.
Contact the Skilled Personal Injury Lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm
If you are dealing with vehicle repair costs related to contaminated fuel, it’s a good idea to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer. Many gas stations will attempt to quickly dismiss the situation, paying as little as possible. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for the damages to your vehicle.
At The Umansky Law Firm, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of personal injury cases and situations and have extensive trial experience. When you trust your case with one of our skilled attorneys, they will guide you through the legal process, outlining your rights and options in a clear and compassionate way. We work closely with our clients and communicate with them through every stage of the legal process. To schedule a free consultation, call us today or complete an online contact form for a free consultation.
