The Dangers of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles, also known as EVs, are everywhere these days. You can see them traveling down the road in complete silence. EVs are known to be sleek, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. There’s no doubt that EVs are changing the way we drive, but they also come with risks which many people, including the insurance companies, aren’t fully prepared for. EVs can present a new set of challenges compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles, ranging from battery fires to charging station mishaps.

The Tulsa accident lawyers at Biby Law Firm have seen firsthand how EV crashes and injuries can catch people off guard. We’re here to walk you through the risks of electric vehicles, how these risks can affect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, and help you with your personal injury claim.

Electric vehicles are growing quickly

Electric vehicles aren’t just a trend. According to the US Energy Information Administration, there were more than two million light-duty EVs on our roads in 2021, and that number continues to grow, including in Oklahoma, which has seen a big jump in EV ownership over the past few years. Because of tax incentives, rising fuel costs, and a growing charging infrastructure, more and more people are making the switch.

However, as EV adoption increases, so do accidents, injuries, and lawsuits involving electric vehicles. While EVs do eliminate some dangers, like gas tank explosions, they also involve characteristics or scenarios which create new ones, including:

• High-voltage electrical systems
• Thermal runaway battery fires
• Charging station defects
• Extremely quiet operation
• Rapid acceleration and torque

Let’s take a look at these in more detail.

Battery fires and thermal runaway

The lithium-ion battery pack in EVs is one of the most dangerous things about them. These batteries hold a lot of energy, and if they get damaged, overheated, or put in the wrong place, they can catch fire. EV battery fires are even worse than regular car fires. They can burn hotter and longer, reignite hours or even days later, and are very hard to put out with normal methods. This is called thermal runaway, and it happens when the battery gets too hot, catches fire, and quickly spreads from one cell to the next.

For example, in 2022, a Tesla Model S burst into flames on the side of a California highway after the battery ignited. Firefighters used over 6,000 gallons of water to put out the blaze, which is more than a typical building fire.

Battery fires can also cause severe burns, smoke inhalation, and traumatic injuries, especially in multi-vehicle accidents or when first responders aren’t equipped to handle an EV blaze. If a battery defect or poor crash design contributed to the fire, you may have a product liability claim against the EV manufacturer.

High-voltage electric shock

Most light-duty electric vehicles use high-voltage systems that often range from 400 to 1000 volts to power their motors and batteries. When a crash exposes internal wiring or battery components, drivers, passengers, and even emergency responders run the risk of electric shock hazards. These shock incidents can prove to be fatal. Even in less severe cases, victims may still suffer near-fatal injuries like cardiac arrest, neurological damage, and severe burns from internal arcing.

OSHA has published warnings for mechanics and first responders, urging them to de-energize and safely isolate EV systems before beginning rescue or repair work on machines or equipment. However, in the chaos of a car accident, this is not always possible.

Suppose an electric shock happens because of a defective battery design, lack of insulation or shielding, poorly marked wiring, or charging station defects. In that case, you may be able to file a negligence or product liability claim against the carmaker, parts supplier, or charging station owner.

Quiet operation can lead to pedestrian accidents

You often don’t hear electric vehicles coming because they are so quiet at low speeds. This is especially true in parking lots, school zones, and neighborhoods. This is good for drivers, but it’s very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, who often use engine noise as an indication that a car is nearby or accelerating. A recent study found that pedestrians are more likely to be hit by an electric or hybrid vehicle than a regular one. To fix this problem, federal law now says that new electric vehicles (EVs) must make an artificial pedestrian alert sound when they go slowly. However, not all EVs do this, especially older models, and many people still don’t hear them in time.

Even though the usual rules for car accidents still apply, the silent danger of EVs could be important in figuring out who was at fault, especially if the car didn’t have a federally required pedestrian alert system. We are experienced accident lawyers at Biby Law Firm, and we know how to look into these details and hold careless drivers and manufacturers responsible.

Charging-station hazards

Charging station safety and reliability vary by site and operator, and are another potential source of danger. Faulty wiring, overheating equipment, or improper installation can result in electric shock injuries, fire hazards, and trip-and-fall accidents from loose cords. Oklahoma has seen a rise in new charging stations popping up at stores, parking garages, and along highways. However, not all of them are up to code, properly maintained, or user-friendly.

Imagine a driver attempts to unplug their EV at a public charging station in Oklahoma City when the cord snaps back and hits them in the face, causing a serious eye injury. An investigation reveals that the charging station was missing a retraction lock mechanism, and several prior complaints were filed. In a case like this, you may have a premises liability claim against the charging station operator, or even a product liability case against the equipment manufacturer.

Complicated insurance and repair issues

EVs are more expensive to repair after a crash, not just because of the parts, but because of the specialized knowledge needed to work on them safely. This means the following:

• Limited number of qualified repairmen, leading to longer repair timelines.
• Total losses are more common.
• Insurance companies may dispute liability to avoid high payouts.

In some cases, insurance adjusters may undervalue your claim or deny compensation based on complicated technical arguments, especially if the accident involves battery damage, autopilot features, or charging errors. This is why having experienced accident lawyers on your side is so important. At Biby Law Firm, we know how to push back against unfair denials and work with experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Autonomous features and shared fault

Many EVs have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like Tesla’s Autopilot. While these features are marketed as “self-driving,” they often require constant driver supervision. Unfortunately, too many drivers become overly reliant on these systems, leading to serious crashes.

If a driver fails to take control in time or misunderstands how the system works, who’s responsible? The driver? The carmaker? The software company? These are the types of questions that often arise in EV crashes, and the answers aren’t always clear-cut. As injury and accident lawyers, we examine the following:

• System logs and black box data
• Software updates and recall notices
• Manufacturer warnings and training materials

We work to show who should be held accountable when technology fails or is misused.

What should I do if I’m injured in an electric vehicle accident?

Here’s what to do if you were injured in an EV accident, whether you were driving the EV, were hit by one, or were injured at a charging station.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. EV injuries can be more severe due to fire, electric shock, or battery chemicals.
• Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, charging equipment, or any visible hazards.
• Get witness information and contact details. These types of cases often involve technical arguments, and independent witnesses can help establish fault.
• Do not tamper with the vehicle. EVs can remain “live” long after a crash and still pose a risk of electrical shock or fire.
• Contact an experienced accident lawyer. EV cases require knowledge of both personal injury law and advanced automotive technology. Don’t try to handle it alone.

How can your Tulsa accident lawyers help with my case?

Here at Biby Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of injured Oklahomans recover compensation in a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving electric vehicles. As EV technology evolves, so do the legal issues that come with it.

Whether you’re dealing with burn injuries from a battery fire, shock injuries at a charging station, a pedestrian accident involving an EV, or product defects tied to a major manufacturer, our team of qualified accident lawyers is ready to fight for your rights.

We know what evidence to look for, which experts to bring in, and how to go up against the deep-pocketed automakers and insurers. Most importantly, we treat every client like family, giving you the time, attention, and support you need and deserve during this difficult time.

Electric vehicles can offer some incredible benefits, but they’re not without risk. If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving an EV, it’s important to work with accident lawyers who understand both the technology and the law. Injuries can be severe, the companies involved are powerful, and the legal process can be anything but simple. Let Biby Law Firm help you level the playing field. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced accident lawyer. We can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and losses.