Car Accidents Involving Electric Vehicles: Unique Challenges and Safety Concerns

Electronic vehicles have grown rapidly in popularity. The lower cost of daily operation, environmental benefits, and cutting-edge technology all make them very appealing to drivers. However, any change in technology brings its own challenges and downsides, and electric vehicles are no different. Their characteristics and technology can impact crash rates and how car accidents are handled. If you’re involved in a crash with an electric vehicle, it’s important to work with an attorney in this specific type of claim.

Have you been hurt by a reckless EV driver? Let the team at Reeves & Mestayer advocate for you. Call us at 228-374-5151 to set up a time to talk now.

Challenges With Technology

Electric vehicles have truly pushed the limits of technological advancement, and many of the upgrades they offer have had a positive effect on road and driver safety. These upgrades can also create unusual challenges in car accidents. These challenges include:

  • Silent operation: Across the board, electric vehicles are far quieter than conventional vehicles. This is often beneficial, as the whines and grumbles of a car can be annoying and distracting while driving. When a car is too quiet, though, others may not even realize it’s there. If a pedestrian or bicyclist relies on sound to know when a vehicle is getting close, they may take unnecessary risks around electric vehicles.
  • Energy storage: An electric vehicle’s battery stores an enormous amount of energy. This energy must be carefully handled and managed to avoid serious issues. Should an EV crash, there is a risk of the battery rupturing or catching fire. It’s important for effective safety protocols that get occupants out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
  • High-voltage battery systems: An EV’s high-voltage battery system is a huge danger to vehicle occupants and others in the area when an accident occurs. If the battery gets damaged in a crash, it can lead to electric shocks, fires, and thermal runaway events. If the battery system and other components aren’t handled promptly and appropriately after a crash, anyone in the area could be in danger.
  • Access to passengers: When accidents happen, first responders must be able to reach injured and trapped vehicle occupants immediately. This can be hard in electric vehicles since EVs often have reinforced frames. In these types of collisions, the equipment and techniques that first responders rely on may not be enough.

Safety Concerns Posed by Electric Vehicles

The challenges discussed above lead to major safety concerns. Many EV owners understand these risks and have accounted for them while deciding on a vehicle—but those who drive standard vehicles may not know these dangers or how to handle them. If you’re involved in an accident with an EV, safety concerns that may affect you include:

  • Thermal runaway: Thermal runaway events are one of the biggest dangers in an accident. Thermal runaway is a chain reaction in a battery cell. It starts when the temperature of the battery gets so high that it causes an internal chemical reaction. Once a thermal runaway has started, it is very challenging to stop.
  • Electrical hazards: Components found in electric vehicles put occupants and first responders at risk of electric shock.
  • Fire: The use of lithium-ion batteries may lead to fires after collisions. These fires are often harder to put out, putting others in the area in immediate danger.

First Responder Training

One of the main reasons that these issues exist is the slow response in first responder training. First responders are required to know an incredible amount of information and how to apply it in high-stress scenarios when seconds matter. The rise in electric vehicles has added a whole new list of techniques, strategies, and dangers they are required to learn. This type of education takes time and practice, and in the meantime, you never know if a first responder at your crash is ready to jump in and handle an EV collision.

Injured in a Car Crash? Call Reeves & Mestayer

When you’re ready to move forward with your personal injury claim, the team at Reeves & Mestayer is here to help. Let’s talk about how you can fight for the compensation you deserve—contact us online or call us at 228-374-5151.