Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Deadlier Than Car Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are deadlier than car accidents because a motorcycle provides very little protection to the rider in a crash. The California Office of Traffic Safety reported that in 2023, there were 583 motorcycle accident deaths statewide. While motorcycles are less common than passenger cars and there are fewer motorcycle accidents each year, the risk of fatal injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident.

What Is the 12-Second Rule on a Motorcycle?

The 12-second rule on a motorcycle is a general piece of advice to all riders to be alert for the traffic conditions around them and to anticipate any potential road hazards within 12 seconds ahead of them. This amount of time is usually enough for a motorcyclist to identify a potential hazard and take appropriate action to avoid it.

Is a Motorcyclist at Fault for a Lane Splitting Accident?

A motorcyclist could be at fault for a lane splitting accident if they were negligent in their attempt to split a lane. While California law allows lane splitting for motorcyclists, the law advises that this should not be attempted by inexperienced riders, and that any rider who attempts to split a lane must do so carefully, and only when traffic conditions allow them to complete the maneuver safely and without endangering others.

What Damages Can I Claim in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

The damages you can claim in a motorcycle accident case depend on the nature and severity of the injuries you suffered. If you can prove another driver caused the accident, you may have grounds to claim compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Your California motorcycle accident attorney can estimate the full potential value of your case.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have a better chance of proving fault for your accident and recovering compensation for your damages. Your attorney will know how to secure the evidence needed to prove fault, and they can help you pursue as much compensation as state law allows for your damages. You significantly increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case with an attorney representing you.

Electric Vehicle Battery Fires and Explosion Injuries: What California Accident Victims Need to Know

Why Electric Vehicle Battery Fires Are Different

As more people switch to driving electric, California residents should know about EV battery fires and explosions. Not only can it help motorists keep themselves safe, but it could also allow car accident victims to make informed decisions if they are involved in a collision. When most people think of vehicle fires, they think of gasoline-powered cars. Electric vehicles don’t use gasoline to power their engine, which means they use lithium- ion batteries to store power.

Electric vehicles contain large amounts of stored energy in a small space, which can lead to various problems if someone is in an accident. Damage to an electric vehicle can cause what is called a thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is when damage, overheating, or a defect causes battery cells to heat up and produce more heat. Once a certain temperature is met, the battery can catch fire, emit flammable gases, and even explode. If someone is fortunate enough to put out an EV battery fire, it can reignite hours or even days later. This makes electric vehicle fires hard to manage for first responders and recovery teams.

Lithium-ion batteries burn differently than a traditional vehicle fire. Fires may require more water and different techniques to extinguish. Since 2011, there have been approximately 198,000 lithium-ion battery fires in 5,718 fires involving electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Fires from plug-in electric vehicles are increasing at a rate of roughly 45% annually.

Common Causes of Electric Vehicle Battery Fires

Electric vehicle issues do not always result in fire or explosion. However, there are times when certain factors can increase the risk. An electric vehicle catching fire is most frequently due to damage to its battery cells, leading to a blaze. Severe impacts can cause damage to the vehicle and battery protection systems that prevent the battery from overheating.

Sometimes serious crashes can leave the outside of the vehicle intact while the battery suffers severe damage. Other causes can include:

Battery defect
Charging system malfunction
Electrical system defect
Faulty repair
Extreme heat exposure
Flood water damage

In some explosion cases, vehicles have caught fire without being in an accident. During these investigations, professionals look into whether a defect in the battery design, manufacturing process, or malfunctioning equipment caused the fire.

Steps to Take After Your Vehicle Battery Catches Fire

You’re never truly prepared when your car ignites, especially if you suffered serious injuries in the crash. Seeking medical treatment should be your first concern. Some injuries can take days or weeks to show symptoms. If you were injured in a crash that caused your EV battery to catch fire, be sure to:

Document the scene
Save pictures
Get witness information
Save all medical bills and information related to the crash
Do not try to clean your vehicle

Like with any vehicle, electric vehicles are constantly changing and improving. As technology advances, there may be safety concerns, electric vehicle problems, and legal issues that we haven’t even thought of. While electric vehicles are great for our economy and the environment, drivers should always be aware of the danger that batteries pose.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If your electric vehicle catches fire, you may want to hire a car accident lawyer. Fires involving electric vehicles can be complicated and require knowledge of batteries and electricity. Cars these days are very technical and require investigation to determine if there was a defect in the battery design, manufacturing process, or if a part was recalled that may have caused the fire.

There can be multiple parties that could be held liable in these types of accidents, from other drivers to car manufacturers, repair shops, and parts suppliers. A California car accident attorney can help you understand the many legal claims you may have after your electric vehicle catches fire.

FAQs

Are Electric Vehicles More Likely to Catch Fire in an Accident?

According to research done so far, EVs are not more prone to catching fire than conventional cars with gasoline engines. Fires in EV batteries present different challenges because lithium-ion batteries burn at higher temperatures and can reignite. Fires can occur depending on the damage to the battery and surrounding systems after a crash.

What Are Most Car Accidents Caused By?

Many studies reveal that driver error causes most motor vehicle accidents. Some examples of driver-related accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while sleepy, tailgating, and failing to yield right-of-way. Roadway conditions and vehicle defects may contribute to some accidents but are not typically considered to be the primary cause.

What Happens to Electric Car Batteries in an Accident?

Electric vehicle batteries are normally encased in reinforced materials with additional safety precautions to help avoid damage. In severe crashes, battery cells can be damaged, leading to electrical shorts, melted batteries, or thermal events. Some damage may not be visible to the naked eye. For that reason, electric vehicles require extra inspection after a collision if the battery may have sustained damage.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Vehicle Fires, Electrical Failure, Collisions, and Mechanical Failure?

Mechanical breakdown and malfunction are thought to be responsible for the majority of vehicle fires. Engine fires, fuel system problems, overheated parts, and maintenance failures can lead to thousands of vehicle fires annually. Short circuits and failed components also commonly start fires. Electrical problems cause thousands of fires each year.

Take Action Today

Electric vehicle laws and safety concerns change as technology develops, especially with regard to battery systems. While electric vehicles have many benefits, it is important to know your risks if your battery were to fail or explode.

Understanding electric vehicle battery fires and explosion injuries empowers California drivers to enhance their safety and make informed choices during significant incidents. Contact Bentley & More LLP to begin advocating for your rights.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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