As more electric vehicles (EVs) hit the streets of Chicago, concerns are rising about how these high-voltage machines behave in a collision. Do electric vehicles pose additional hazards in a crash? Are there steps people can take to make them safer and reduce the risk of injuries?
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While EVs offer environmental and fuel-saving advantages, they also introduce new crash hazards, including battery fires and electric shock risks. Additionally, their silent operation can increase the risk of an accident if other drivers and pedestrians don’t hear EVs coming.
If you were injured in a car accident involving an EV, a Chicago accident lawyer at Ankin Law can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys handle complex electric vehicle accident cases involving burns, electrocution, delayed toxic exposure, and fire-related injuries. Call now. 312-600-0000.
Electric Vehicle Use Surges—Alongside New Crash Risks
As consumers look for ways to save on fuel costs and promote green energy for a cleaner environment, electric vehicle sales continue to rise. In just the first quarter of 2025, nearly 300,000 EVs were sold in the U.S., representing over 7.5% of all new car sales. In Illinois, EV registrations have grown at a rate four times faster than the national average.
By the end of 2024, more than 20,000 electric vehicles were registered in the City of Chicago alone—a dramatic increase from just a few thousand in recent years. As more residents switch to cleaner energy alternatives and lower fuel costs, electric vehicles are flooding city streets, parking lots, and expressways.
But this surge in popularity hasn’t erased safety concerns. While EVs may reduce environmental impact and certain types of mechanical failures, they pose unique risks in the event of a crash.
Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicle Accidents
Most electric vehicles are powered by high-voltage lithium-ion battery packs made up of hundreds—or even thousands—of individual battery cells. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a compact space and use flammable liquid electrolytes. That combination can be dangerous in a collision.
Common EV Crash Hazards:
- Battery fires that ignite or reignite hours after impact
- Explosions caused by compromised battery cells
- Electric shock risks to occupants or first responders
- Toxic chemical exposure from leaking battery fluid
- Delayed burn injuries from overheating battery systems
Even when precautions are in place, a serious crash can rupture the battery pack and trigger a chain reaction. In high-speed impacts or side collisions, fire can spread rapidly—especially if firefighters are unaware the vehicle is electric.
Safety Tips for Electric Vehicle Owners in a Crash
To prevent additional hazards and risk of serious injuries, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following safety tips for drivers and passengers involved in electric motor vehicle accidents:
- Inform all emergency responders that the vehicle is electric
- Assume the vehicle is fully powered, even after a crash
- Roll down the windows before shutting off the engine
- Remove the ignition key, and keep in at least 16 feet away from the vehicle
- Do not touch the engine compartment, battery, exposed electrical components, or any wiring under the hood that can cause electrical shock
- Maintain a safe distance from any electric vehicle that has suffered extensive damage
Electric vehicles must pass inspections and undergo the same rigorous safety testing as gasoline-powered vehicles in the U.S. They must also pass safety standards specific to EVs that secure batteries in a crash, limit chemical spills from batteries, and isolate the chassis from the high-voltage system to prevent electric shock.
For electric vehicles that have been involved in a crash, but not yet repaired, additional safety tips are recommended to prevent accidents and injuries:
- Contact an authorized service provider or vehicle manufacturer for repairs. Individuals should not attempt to repair a damaged electric vehicle.
- Report any leaking fluids, bubbling, sparks, or smoke coming from the car’s high voltage battery.
- Do not store a severely damaged electric vehicle inside a building, or within 50 feet of any combustible materials.
- Note that damage to the high voltage system in an electric vehicle can result in a delayed release of toxic fumes or flammable gasses.
Chicago first responders are trained to deal with EV accidents, but extra caution is always warranted. If you’re not sure whether the vehicle is safe to touch or move, don’t risk it.
Noiseless Operation Increases Crash Risks for Pedestrians
While much of the focus is on battery risks post-crash, it’s also important to consider how EVs contribute to accidents in the first place. One of the lesser-known dangers of electric cars is their silent operation at low speeds.
In a city like Chicago—crowded with pedestrians, cyclists, and distracted drivers—this can be a serious problem. Pedestrians, especially children and elderly individuals, may not hear an approaching EV, increasing the risk of being hit. Chicago accident lawyers frequently handle cases where electric vehicles struck pedestrians who didn’t hear them coming.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is addressing this issue with new rules requiring EVs to emit artificial sounds at low speeds—but many vehicles on the road today don’t yet have this technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Hazards in a Crash
Do electric vehicles catch fire more easily than gas cars in a crash?
Electric vehicles don’t necessarily catch fire more easily than gas-powered cars, but when they do, the fires can be harder to control. Lithium-ion battery packs used in most EVs can ignite, explode, or reignite hours after a crash due to thermal runaway. In a high-impact collision, the risk of a delayed or secondary fire increases significantly.
What injuries are common in electric vehicle accidents?
Injuries from EV crashes often include:
- Burn injuries from battery fires or explosions
- Electric shock from exposed high-voltage systems
- Toxic exposure to leaking battery chemicals
- Traumatic injuries like fractures, head trauma, or internal bleeding from the impact
Can I sue if I was injured in an EV fire or battery explosion?
Yes. If your injuries were caused by a defective battery, negligent vehicle design, or a preventable crash involving an electric vehicle, you may have grounds for a personal injury or product liability claim. A Chicago accident lawyer can investigate your case and help determine whether the automaker, battery manufacturer, or another party may be liable.
If you were injured in an EV accident in Chicago, an experienced injury attorney at Ankin Law can help identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation. Call 312-600-0000 to get started with your claim.
