Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 1996 Toyota Corolla

I was in a car accident 10/23/00, in which I hit another vehicle from behind. I was driving at 45mph. My air bags failed to go off. Lukily, I was wearing my seat belt. The estimated damage to my vehicle is over $6,000, which is more than the car is worth. Also, in Feb. Of this year, while at a stop light, another driver informed me my left tail light was on fire. The fire caused my alternator to blow, and the battery to drain. I took my car back to the dealer, they couldn't find the cause. I took my car to a Toyota dealer, and not only could they not find the cause, but they said they had never heard of that happening before. After towing fees, battery, alternator, all new fuses, tail light and wire harness I spent $500.