This is what happens to electric car batteries in a crash
Car Accident - August 21, 2023 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
EV owners: Be aware and be careful
Electric vehicles (EVs) may be one of the most popular types of cars on the market these days. However, problems with EVs continue to be a serious cause for concern.
The EV problems many motorists experience happen not only when operating the car but when the vehicle is involved in a collision. Fortunately, with help from an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer, injury victims can hold electric vehicle manufacturers accountable.
What happens to electric car batteries in a crash?
One of the biggest problems with electric vehicles is the risk of issues with the battery. An electric car battery explosion could not only destroy your vehicle but could cause severe bodily injury or even death.
Although electric vehicle manufacturers will argue that all types of vehicles carry a fire risk, this risk is dramatically increased due to the EV use of lithium-ion batteries. When the electric vehicle battery short circuits, it can ignite and cause a chain reaction within the entire battery. When this happens, the vehicle can catch fire and subsequently explode.
Many electric vehicle makers such as Nissan or Tesla have built-in fail-safes throughout the circuitry that will shut down the battery when the voltage exceeds a certain limit. However, if these fail-safes are defective or malfunctioning, the electric vehicle could still explode and catch on fire in a collision.
Many emergency responders are being trained on how to handle electric vehicle fires, but since EVs are not as common as traditional motor vehicles, responders may not be sure which areas should be cut, which should not, and which parts of the car have high voltage wires. This means even emergency professionals may not know how to deal with an EV explosion after a car accident.
Other electrical vehicle hazards
It is not only explosions and fires you need to be worried about if you own an electric vehicle or are involved in a collision with one. According to a recent study by Consumer Reports, electric SUVs are some of the least reliable vehicles on the roadways. In fact, some of the newest electric vehicle models have substantially higher internal combustion defect rates than standard motor vehicles.
Some of the most common defects and malfunctions seen in electric vehicles include issues with:
- Battery fires
- Body hardware
- Internal climate systems
- Paint
- Drive systems
- In car electronics
- Navigation systems
- Trim
- Leaks and noises
- Power equipment
Certain types of malfunctions or defects are more likely to cause severe bodily injury or death when the vehicle is involved in a crash. Some of these defects include:
- Engine problems
- Door locks that do not lock or unlock
- Lack of acceleration
- Speedometer failures
- Steering problems
- Brake issues
- Malfunctioning fuel gauges
- Navigation system defects
- Electrical problems
- Transmission malfunctions
If any of the previously mentioned defects are the cause of the injuries you sustained or the collision that caused them, you may have the right to take legal action against the electric vehicle manufacturer or other third parties. An experienced car accident attorney can help guide you through the claims process and determine who should be held accountable for your losses.
What should I do if I was injured in an electric car accident?
If you were injured in an electric vehicle explosion or accident, there are steps you can take to begin building a powerful case against those responsible from the start. These steps include:
- Calling law enforcement officials to the accident scene
- Getting a medical evaluation
- Collecting evidence that the accident scene, including photos of traffic conditions and property damages
- Hiring an electric car accident attorney
- Exploring your legal options
- Calculating the value of your car accident damages
- Filing a claim with the insurance company
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters
- Moving forward with an electric car accident lawsuit
Each person’s case is different. Some parties may be able to avoid going to trial by obtaining a settlement through the insurance company. However, insurance rarely, if ever, covers every loss. You may be limited by the policyholder’s coverage limits. When you go to trial, this is not the case. You have the right to be made whole or compensated for every loss.
This does not only include compensation for your vehicle repairs or replacement fees and healthcare costs. It also includes your loss of income, emotional distress, pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, and other economic and non-economic damages. You can find out how much your car accident case is worth when you discuss the specific details of your case with your personal injury attorney.
Get help from a Chicago car accident lawyer today
If you or someone you love was critically injured in a collision where their EV battery exploded or caught fire, you may have the right to take legal action against the electric vehicle manufacturer or other liable parties.
Explore your legal options further when you contact a trusted Chicago car accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office at (800) 985-1819 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
