EV Accident Injuries and Battery Fires: What Victims Should Know
On Tuesday, February 17th, firefighters in North Hollywood extinguished a burning vehicle after it slammed into a power pole on Burbank Boulevard. Reports state that the electric car collided with the pole following an accident with another vehicle. A liquor store near the crash was temporarily evacuated.
In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a common type of vehicle for individuals, especially in California. EVs are cost-efficient, contain advanced technology, and have environmental benefits. However, when an individual experiences a crash involving an electric vehicle, significant issues may arise. One of the most pressing issues regarding electric vehicles involves lithium-ion battery fires. These fires may ignite during or even after the initial accident has occurred. Lithium-ion fires cause severe dangers to victims of electric vehicle collisions and can create challenging legal questions.
Why EV Crashes Are Different From Traditional Car Accidents
In a traditional vehicle accident, the primary dangers typically include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Blunt force trauma
- Broken glass
- Fuel leakage
Crashes involving electric vehicles present an additional hazard. These hazards include a high-voltage battery pack that store large amounts of electrical energy in a compact space. These battery packs can become extremely dangerous when damaged in a collision, leading to a condition known as thermal runaway. During thermal runaway, battery cells overheat and begin a chain reaction. As temperatures rise, the battery may:
- Release flammable gases
- Ignite suddenly
- Reignite after being extinguished
- Burn at extremely high temperatures
Unlike gasoline fires, fires involving electric vehicles can be challenging for firefighters to extinguish. In some reported accidents, vehicles have reignited hours or days after the collision while parked in a tow yard or repair facility. This is especially dangerous as individuals can become harmed or injured after the initial vehicle accident occurred.
Types of Injuries Linked to EV Battery Fires
Battery-related fires from electric vehicles can cause individuals to suffer injuries that are widely different from those of a standard collision. Victims may experience the following:
- Severe burns
- Smoke inhalation injuries
- Respiratory complications from toxic fumes
- Neurological symptoms caused by chemical exposure
- Secondary injuries during emergency evacuation
Medical complications can arise from lithium-ion battery fires as they emit dangerous gases, including hydrogen fluoride. Exposure to these toxic gases requires immediate medical attention. Documentation is a crucial component when dealing with lithium-ion battery fires as symptoms from these harmful gases may appear in the future.
Why Determining Responsibility Is More Complicated
Every case is different, and depending on the facts, accountability may involve more than one party, including but not limited to the following:
- Another driver whose actions caused the collision
- The vehicle manufacturer
- Battery manufacturers or component suppliers
- Repair facilities that handled the damaged vehicle
Evidence Challenges Unique to EV Fire Cases
Maintaining and preserving evidence in any case is crucial to ensuring that you have a strong claim. This is particularly challenging after a severe battery fire, as the vehicle itself may be heavily damaged or destroyed. Important evidence to preserve may include the following:
- Event data recorder information
- Battery management system data
- Fire department incident reports
- Thermal damage patterns
- Post-collision storage procedures
Documentation, including photographs, witness statements, and official reports, can help establish the series of events that occurred during the initial crash.
Insurance and Claim Issues
Important questions that may arise during insurance and claim issues include the following:
- Was the fire caused by impact or a product defect?
- Did the ignition occur instantly or later on?
- Did multiple incidents contribute to the injury?
Insurance carriers may conduct their own investigations, and various insurers may become involved when the following are part of the whole picture:
- Commercial storage facilities
- Repair shops
- Manufacturers
Steps to Consider After an EV Collision
After any serious incident has occurred, an individual’s overall safety and medical care are the priority. In EV-related incidents, additional precautions may be relevant. These steps can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Seeking medical evaluation, even if symptoms appear minor
- Following instructions from emergency responders
- Documenting the scene with photos or videos, if safe to do so
- Obtaining a copy of the police report
- Keeping records of medical visits, expenses, and communications
An individual should monitor health changes and report them to a healthcare provider, as symptoms such as smoke inhalation or chemical exposure from toxic gases may appear later in the future, causing further harm and damage.
How Legal Guidance May Help
Electric vehicle battery fire collisions usually involve technical evidence and multiple parties, making the legalities of each case challenging. A legal personal injury attorney can examine available information, help identify responsible parties where appropriate, preserve evidence, and assist with communications related to insurance companies. Seeking legal guidance helps individuals understand the options available to them and allows them to make informed decisions, especially when injuries involve ongoing medical treatment.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
At KAASS LAW, we understand the challenges that can arise from electric vehicle accidents and the dangerous gases lithium-ion battery fires can release into the air. At KAASS LAW, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help guide clients through the legalities of their case and help them focus on recovering from the injuries caused. If you or a loved one has experienced injuries from electric vehicle collisions, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your options.