Been in an accident in your electric vehicle?
Electric cars have hit the mainstream. With over 4 million EVs registered in the US as of the end of 2024, the likelihood of being involved in an EV crash has never been greater.
The problem:
The vast majority of drivers have no idea how to handle an EV accident. EVs introduce unique hazards that gas-powered cars don’t have.
The good news?
Following a few critical steps can help you keep yourself, your passengers, and anyone else at the scene safe.
Let’s break it down:
- Immediate safety steps after an EV accident
- EV-specific hazards to know about
- When to call 911
- Documenting the accident properly
- Why legal help is important
Immediate Safety Steps After an EV Accident
The first few minutes after any vehicle collision are critical. EV crashes are no exception but do require some additional precautions.
Begin with these steps:
Turn off the vehicle. This reduces the risk of electrical fires and malfunctions. Most EVs have a built-in shutdown process so know where that is in your owner’s manual well before you ever need it.
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Don’t move anyone who appears seriously hurt unless there’s an immediate danger like fire or smoke.
Move to a safe distance from the vehicle if possible. This is especially true after EV accidents.
Here’s why…
EV batteries can suffer something called thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery cell overheats and starts a chain reaction. The bad news is this doesn’t always occur right away so you can’t necessarily rely on waiting for a sign before taking action.
Warning signs can include smoke, sparks, hissing sounds, or a strange smell coming from the car. If you notice any of these indicators, move everyone far away immediately.
EV accidents can get complex very quickly, especially when they involve injuries. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer in Denver after an accident that caused injury to someone else can help you protect your rights.
Understanding EV-Specific Hazards
Electric vehicles present a few unique safety concerns in the aftermath of an accident. Awareness of these factors could potentially save lives.
The number one culprit is the battery.
EV batteries are large banks of lithium-ion cells that store energy. When a crash damages the battery, cells can catch fire or explode many hours later.
The good news is EV fires are relatively rare. Electric cars are involved in only about 25 vehicle fires per 100,000 sold, compared to 1,530 fires for gas-powered vehicles.
But when EV fires do occur, they burn hotter and are much more difficult to extinguish. Firefighters often need special training and equipment to battle them.
Other hazards that can occur after an EV accident include:
- High-voltage electrical systems that can cause electric shock
- Damaged cooling systems that may leak hazardous fluids
- Quiet operation, which can play a factor in why the accident occurred
These risks make it critical to let emergency personnel know you were driving an electric vehicle ahead of time. Don’t be shy.
When to Contact Emergency Services
Call 911 after any serious accident. This advice is true regardless of the vehicle type.
What most people don’t know is this…
Minor EV accidents also warrant a call to emergency services. The battery could be compromised with no outward sign. The first responders can then inspect the vehicle and make a determination about its safety.
Alert the dispatcher that an electric vehicle is involved. This will likely dispatch firefighters trained on EVs and with the right equipment.
Don’t leave the scene until:
- Emergency services have arrived
- You’ve exchanged information with any other drivers
- You’ve documented everything properly
Documenting the Accident Properly
Documentation is key after an EV accident. Neglect this step and you may regret it later.
Grab your smartphone and do this:
Take photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles. Close-up shots of any damage are a good idea. If it’s safe and accessible, take a picture of the area around the battery.
Snap pictures of the whole accident scene. Include the road conditions, any traffic signs or signals, and any skid marks.
Get contact information from witnesses if possible. Having a statement from someone who saw the collision could be vital if the other driver later disputes what happened.
Write down everything you can remember while it’s fresh in your mind. The time of day, weather conditions, what you were doing right before impact, or anything out of the ordinary you noticed about the other driver’s behavior.
One thing that’s specific to EVs…
Note your battery charge level if you can safely look at it. Also write down any warning lights or dashboard error messages displayed. This information can help reconstruct exactly what happened.
Dealing With Insurance After an EV Accident
Insurance claims involving EVs are a recipe for headaches.
Repairing electric vehicles is on average 6.7% more expensive than conventional vehicles based on a study in Accident Analysis & Prevention. This is due to their specialized parts and battery systems that only trained technicians can service.
Here’s what to expect:
Your insurer will probably send an adjuster experienced with EVs. If they don’t, request one. Your local auto body shop may not have the necessary experience to adequately assess damage to your EV.
Battery damage can be particularly expensive. Even a minor impact to the battery case may necessitate a full pack replacement, which could cost several thousand dollars.
Document all communication with your insurance company. Keep records of every phone call, email, and letter.
Why Legal Help Matters
Every accident doesn’t require legal representation. But some most certainly do.
If your crash involved these factors, legal help is recommended:
- Serious injuries were involved
- The other driver was clearly at fault but is refusing to accept responsibility
- Your insurance company is being difficult
- You’re being blamed for causing the collision
- The damage to your EV is substantial
Attorneys who specialize in motor vehicle accidents are familiar with the complexities of EV crashes. They know how to deal with insurance companies and can help ensure you receive the maximum available compensation.
Wrapping Things Up
Accidents involving electric vehicles require a few additional steps that most drivers don’t even think about. The presence of lithium-ion batteries and high-voltage systems means you can’t approach these accidents as you would ordinary fender-benders.
Let’s recap in a quick bullet list:
- Turn off the vehicle and move to safety immediately
- Look for signs of battery damage, like smoke or hissing
- Inform emergency services that an EV is involved
- Document everything, including battery specific information
- Consider legal help for serious accidents
The number of EVs on the road continues to increase every year. Having an understanding of what to do after an accident is a good way to stay ahead of the curve.
Stay safe out there.