How Electric Vehicles Threaten Buildings and Structures
Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in California, which sells more electric cars than any other state. Although poised for even more growth, these vehicles pose a danger to structures. Spontaneous fires occur while these vehicles are parked or charging. Adding to the risk, the fires caused by electric vehicles burn hotter and are more challenging to put out than those caused by conventional vehicles. They also burn faster, and fire departments may not be prepared to extinguish them.
How Do Electric Vehicles Cause Fires?
The battery in an electric vehicle packs a lot of power in a relatively small space. The chemicals in these lithium-ion batteries are incredibly volatile. In some cases, they may release the energy they store, which gives off heat and could result in a thermal runaway. Thermal runaways could generate heat to the point where the cell emits gas, ultimately erupting into flames. These are other factors that could contribute to electric vehicle fires:
- Charging errors
- Overheating
- Poor design
- Manufacturing defects
Fires caused by electric vehicles require substantially more water to put out. Even then, these fires could reignite days later, sometimes while sitting in a wrecking yard.
Consequences of Building Fires Caused by Electric Vehicles
Fires caused by electric vehicles could have many devastating consequences. Property damage, including damage done to buildings, parking garages, and nearby vehicles, could all result from this type of fire. A fire of this magnitude could also cause the following injuries:
- Respiratory damage
- Scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- PTSD
Who is Liable for an Electric Vehicle Fire?
If you were injured in an electric vehicle fire in Long Beach, there are many parties that could be liable for your injuries. These are some of the parties you could potentially collect damages from:
- The manufacturer of the electric vehicle
- The designer of the electric vehicle
- The distributor of the electric vehicle
- The owner of the charging station
- The property owner who failed to take the necessary precautions
- The owner of the electric vehicle
Forms of Compensation You Could Recover
It is important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to handle your claim if you were injured in a fire caused by an electric vehicle. If successful, you could recover the following forms of compensation:
- Medical expenses: Injuries caused by these fires are often catastrophic. Compensation could cover not only your initial emergency room visit but also reconstructive surgery, doctor’s office visits, future medical care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: Full compensation can be pursued if you cannot work and earn a living for a time or are no longer capable of performing your work duties for a lifetime due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: You could be compensated for the physical pain caused by your injuries and the mental anguish you may experience. PTSD, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life could be sought in a claim or lawsuit.
Discuss the Details of Your Claim with a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney!
The injuries you sustain in an electric vehicle fire could have life-changing results. That is why it is important to retain knowledgeable legal counsel as soon as possible. At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, our experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer, has the skill and compassion to guide you through every step of your claim. We understand your challenges and could help you pursue the compensation you need to get through it. Reach out to our law firm today at (562) 901-0840 to schedule a free consultation to get started on your case.