Helping You Get the Money You Need to Recover from Tesla Fire Injuries
Electric cars are the wave of the future. Concerns about the role that automobile emissions play in global warming have prompted many consumers to choose electric cars, and the demand continues to grow. And California has spurred demand for electric vehicles (EVs) by requiring that 100 percent of new light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in the state must be zero emission vehicles (ZEV) by 2035.
Tesla sales have surged, making it the leading manufacturer of EVs in the United States. As this new technology has been rushed to the market, many design flaws have emerged. A serious concern is the risk of fire in EV batteries.
Battery fires in Tesla cars and other types of EVs may be triggered by a collision, but they have also occurred spontaneously. These fires cause serious safety issues, and they are much more difficult to extinguish than fires involving vehicles with traditional internal combustion engines.
If you were harmed in a vehicle fire, contact the Dallas exploding battery fire attorneys at The Lenahan Law Firm. We have the resources to handle all types of cases, and we aren’t afraid to take on large organizations.
Call (214) 295-1008 to learn more today. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
What Causes Tesla Fires?
It takes a significant amount of energy to power a motor vehicle. To be a feasible alternative to gasoline powered cars, EVs require batteries that can store a tremendous amount of energy in a very small space.
EV batteries contain highly flammable chemicals known as electrolytes. These chemicals are subject to fire if the battery isn’t functioning properly, if it gets too hot, or if the battery is physically damaged.
When heat generated by these batteries exceeds the amount of heat dissipated by its surroundings, fire will result. This situation, known as thermal runaway, triggers an uncontrollable, self-heating fire that’s very difficult to contain.
Factors that contribute to EV battery fires include:
- Manufacturing errors
- Design flaws
- Collisions
- Water damage
- Cooling system malfunction
Why Tesla Fires Are So Dangerous
Once an EV battery catches fire, it’s incredibly difficult to put it out. And Tesla battery fires can even reignite days later when the vehicle is in the wrecking yard. NBC News reports that while a typical vehicle fire requires around 300 gallons to extinguish, in can take 25,000 gallons or more to put out a Tesla fire.
When a Tesla 2021 Model S Plaid caught fire in Haverford, Pennsylvania, two fire crews had to work the scene for over 3 hours before it was safe for other drivers. The heat was so intense that it melted the asphalt underneath the vehicle.
According to a firefighter who battled a Tesla fire in Wakefield, MA, these fires “don’t go out. They reignite. And they release tremendously toxic gasses.”
EV Fires Are a Growing Concern
There have been over 60 Tesla fires since these vehicles were introduced to the roadways. The automaker boasts that a recent switch from lithium-ion batteries to lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) will solve the problem.
Even though LFP batteries are promoted by automakers as a safer alternative, LFP batteries are not exempt from thermal runaway. They contain the same flammable electrolytes as lithium-ion batteries. Spontaneous LFP battery fires have been reported in Chinese Tang EVs.
Tesla is not the only EV manufacturer that faces serious concerns about the risk of fire. Volkswagen was forced to recall over 100,000 vehicles due to fire concerns. In fact, the list of manufacturers who have had to recall or redesign their vehicles to prevent fires includes:
- GM
- Hyundai
- BMW
- Lucid
- Rivian
- Tesla
How Your Dallas Tesla Fire Attorney Can Help
Car fires cause severe burns that require prolonged medical treatment. And because EV fires burn so hot and they’re so difficult to control, they can lead to devastating injuries, which may include internal organ damage, loss of limb, and disfigurement.
The insurance companies that represent large companies will do anything to save money. They may even try to blame others for injuries caused by their client. If the insurance company offers you a payment, it will be inadequate to cover the long-term damage that results from severe burns.
Our team at The Lenahan Law Firm will investigate the accident and file claims against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries. Car fire injury claims include the following types of expenses:
- Current and future medical bills
- Plastic surgery and reconstruction
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning potential
- Assisted living care
- Wrongful death
We Aren’t Intimidated by Anybody
At The Lenahan Law Firm, we stand up for people who have been harmed by the careless actions of others. We believe that the people who hurt you should have to pay for your medical expenses.
Our firm has a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, and Super Lawyers has recognized us for providing outstanding service.
Call (214) 295-1008 to schedule a FREE case evaluation today.
Additional Information
- Tesla Recalls Two Million Vehicles Due To Safety Concerns
- How Electric Vehicles Can Cause Building Fires
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