As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, people wonder about their safety in accidents. We’ve all heard the news about electric car fires that are difficult to control, sparking important questions like are EVs more dangerous in a crash? At Zweben Law Group, we’re here to shed light on these safety concerns, and with over 25 years in personal injury law we can offer guidance on this hot-button issue.
Electric Car Safety Features
When it comes to safety, electric vehicles bring some unique features to the table. These cars are designed with advanced technology to protect passengers in a crash, often earning them high safety ratings. Let’s take a closer look at how electric cars offer enhanced protection for those inside.
Enhanced Protection for Occupants
Electric vehicles generally earn high marks when it comes to crash safety. Thanks to innovative designs and advanced technology, EVs often perform well in crash tests, with strong ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is partly because the battery packs in EVs are designed to add rigidity to the vehicle’s frame, giving occupants more protection.
Lower Center of Gravity
One of the key safety features unique to electric vehicles is their low center of gravity, a benefit that comes from having heavy battery packs mounted low in the chassis. This design makes electric cars less likely to roll over in an accident, adding an extra layer of safety for occupants.
Advanced Safety Tech
Modern EVs are packed with safety technology aimed at preventing accidents. Features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control can help prevent crashes before they happen.
These tools are becoming more common across all types of vehicles, but they’re often more advanced in electric models due to their newer tech platforms.
Structural Design Considerations
Electric cars use energy-absorbing materials to help protect occupants in a collision. They also come with upgraded seatbelt systems and airbags, which work together with the low center of gravity to provide superior safety in many crash scenarios.
Unique Risks of Electric Cars in Accidents
While electric cars offer strong safety benefits, they also come with their own set of risks in accidents. One of these is the increased weight of EVs, which can impact not only the car’s handling but also the safety of other vehicles on the road. Here’s how the weight factor plays a role in crash scenarios.
Increased Vehicle Weight
Electric cars tend to be heavier than traditional gas-powered vehicles. This extra weight can make them safer for occupants inside the EV, but it can increase the impact force on smaller, lighter vehicles involved in the crash. While EVs often keep their own passengers safe, their extra weight can pose risks to others on the road.
Battery Fire Risks
One of the more talked-about risks with electric cars is battery fires. When damaged in a crash, the lithium-ion batteries in EVs can catch fire—and these fires can be harder to extinguish than gasoline fires. Putting out battery fires often requires special firefighting methods, and these fires can take hours to control, creating serious risks in major crashes.
Electrocution Concerns
Electric cars run on high-voltage systems, which, if damaged in a crash, can pose electrocution risks to both passengers and first responders. Although EV manufacturers have created safety features to lower this risk, everyone should be cautious around a damaged EV, especially if there’s visible battery damage or exposed wiring.
High Voltage Systems
Along with the electrocution risk, high-voltage systems in EVs require trained technicians for repairs after an accident. These systems are complex, and working safely with the vehicle’s electrical parts often requires specialized training.
Other Concerns About Electric Cars
Aside from crash-related risks, electric cars raise a few other safety concerns that are worth noting. Pedestrian safety is an important concern because EVs run more quietly than traditional cars, which can make it harder for people nearby to notice them. Let’s look at how this quieter operation affects pedestrian awareness.
Pedestrian Safety
Electric cars are quieter than gas-powered ones, especially at lower speeds, which can make it harder for pedestrians to hear coming. To help with this, rules now require EVs to make artificial sounds at low speeds so they’re easier for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to notice.
Rapid Acceleration Risks
Another unique characteristic of electric cars is their rapid acceleration. EVs can go from zero to sixty in seconds, which some drivers might find exhilarating—but it can also lead to accidents if drivers aren’t prepared.
For less experienced drivers, this kind of acceleration can cause unexpected handling issues, leading to more single-vehicle crashes or loss of control in tight situations.
Electric vs. Gasoline Car Safety: How Do They Compare?
Comparing the safety of electric and gasoline cars involves looking at various factors, including crash performance. Crash test results show how well different types of cars protect people in an accident. Let’s look at the data to see how electric cars compare.
Crash Test Results
Organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA offer crash test data for both electric and gasoline cars, and many EVs receive comparable or even higher ratings.
While electric cars come with unique challenges, they’re not necessarily less safe in a crash when it comes to protecting their occupants. The main differences lie in specific risks, like battery fires and the effects of increased weight on other vehicles involved in an accident.
Overall Accident Data
Accident statistics comparing EVs and gasoline vehicles are still evolving, as EVs are relatively new to the market. However, early data suggests that while electric cars may be involved in a higher number of single-vehicle crashes due to rapid acceleration, they’re not necessarily more dangerous in general. The unique risks tied to EVs, like battery fires, do call for more specialized handling after a crash, though.
What to Do After an Electric Car Accident
If you’re involved in an electric car accident, there are a few unique precautions to keep in mind. Specific safety measures can help protect you from potential hazards related to the vehicle’s battery and electrical systems. Here’s what to consider to stay safe.
Specific Safety Measures
If you’re ever in an accident involving an electric car, it’s essential to approach the vehicle with caution. Damaged batteries can release toxic fumes, and there’s a risk of electrical shock. If you see smoke or smell something unusual, it’s safest to stay away from the vehicle until emergency responders arrive and can assess the scene.
Getting Medical Help
Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to get medical help after any accident, especially when there are risks like battery fires or exposure to high-voltage systems. Electric car accidents can pose hidden health risks, and a medical professional can help you identify any injuries early on.
Legal Support
Electric car accident cases can be complex, especially when it comes to determining liability or dealing with insurance claims. That’s where we come in.
At Zweben Law Group, we’re committed to helping you protect your rights, understand your options, and pursue fair compensation if you’ve been injured in an EV accident. With our experience handling personal injury cases across Florida, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are electric cars more likely to catch fire than gasoline cars in an accident?
While electric car fires are rarer overall, they can be harder to control and extinguish when they do occur, requiring specialized firefighting approaches.
What should I do if I’m involved in an electric car accident?
If you’re involved in an accident with an EV, it’s important to stay clear of the vehicle if there’s visible battery damage, smoke, or unusual sounds, and wait for first responders.
How do electric car accidents affect insurance claims?
Electric car accidents can involve unique factors that may complicate insurance claims, such as battery fire risks and high repair costs. Having a lawyer who understands these issues can make a big difference.
Injured in an Electric Car Accident? Zweben Law Group Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of an electric car accident can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in an EV crash, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. At Zweben Law Group, we’re dedicated to treating each case with the care and attention it deserves. From helping you understand the unique risks to working with you to secure fair compensation, we’re here to help. Contact us today at 722-223-5454 for a free consultation, and let’s see how we can support you.