Contaminated Gas in Atlanta – What Should You Do?

By Grant Law Office on November 16, 2018

Putting gas contaminated with water into your car may cost you more than vehicle repairs—it could cost you your life. If water gets into your gas tank, your engine will die, and you won’t be able to restart it. This situation can be very dangerous if you’re on a busy highway and are unable to make it to the shoulder.

In early October 2018, a Kroger Fuel Station in Cobb County received a shipment of gas with water in it, which reportedly caused a number of cars to stall. On October 15^th, another gas station in metro Atlanta was “watered down” with contaminated fuel, this time at a Kroger in Covington on GA. 20 South. A number of vehicles broke down after fueling at the station. Kroger has said it will pay for the car repairs. (AJC)

If you’ve gotten contaminated gas, you may not know it right away. Because water is heavier than gas, the water in the gas will accumulate at the bottom of the tank, so your vehicle won’t stall until your fuel level gets low. This could mean stalling in heavy—or fast—traffic.

Hidden Costs of Contaminated Gas

If water gets into your gas tank, it will cost you more than just getting the tank cleaned out. You’ll also need to pay to have the car towed to a mechanic, and possibly pay for a hotel room while the car is being repaired. And if you’re on your way to work, it may cost you a day’s pay. As you can see, the costs of tainted gas can add up quickly.

Important Steps to Take

Getting compensation for water in a gas tank is not easy, but there are a few steps you can take to enhance your chances.

• In the state of Georgia, the first thing you should do is report the station to the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (800) 282-1123.
• You’ll also want to contact the Fuel and Measures Office at (404) 656-3605 during normal business hours.
• Call the station where you purchased the gas. This could save someone else from getting bad gas.
• Also contact the oil company that supplied the station with the gas. This will help narrow down where the contamination took place.
• Have the mechanic document, in writing, that contaminated gas was the cause of your vehicle’s breakdown. It’s also a good idea to get a second mechanic’s opinion.
• Save a sample of the gas for proof and testing.
• Contact your insurance company.

If You Were Injured, Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

In the unfortunate event that tainted gas has caused your vehicle to crash and injured you, contact the experienced legal team at Grant Law Office. For over 30 years, Grant Law Office has been successfully representing Georgia injury victims, getting them the compensation they deserve.

Please note that Grant Law Office is a personal injury law firm and is unable to be of assistance for claims that only involve damage to your vehicle. 

For a free case evaluation with an Atlanta car accident lawyer, call (404) 995-3955 today.