Videos of electric vehicle fires amid the Hurricane Milton storm surges have spread across social media.
Tesla, a clean-energy company, sent advisories to customers urging them to move their cars to higher ground ahead of Hurricane Milton. Various insurance carriers also alerted electric vehicle owners to make storage arrangements ahead of the storm, suggesting that people park their cars in protected garages and on higher ground to ward against fires and other damage caused by flooding.
And it’s not just cars. The Florida Fire Marshal has called the vehicles and other products “ticking time bombs” due to their lithium-ion batteries.
At least 11 electric vehicles caught fire when Hurricane Helene hit Florida on Sept. 26, according to reporting from local news outlets. And 48 other lithium-ion battery products that caught fire were directly linked to flooding from the storm.
One home in Davis Islands allegedly burned down following Hurricane Helene because of a vehicle fire, according to reporting from local news outlets.
Past Issues
Electric vehicle fires are a long-standing issue. Firefighters will respond to these types of fires, however, they do present several challenges. The chemistry involved with these battery types can make them harder to control and have the possibility of reigniting once the initial fire has been extinguished. The risk window of reignition can last anywhere between several hours and several days, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. In some cases, fires have reignited weeks later. This is because there is no way of knowing the amount of energy still trapped in the vehicle’s damaged battery. Some dangers specific to these types of fires include hotter temperatures, toxic gas released from the batteries, and explosions.
In addition to cars, other products that can contain these batteries include hoverboards, scooters, children’s toys and
Leesfield & Partners
Leesfield & Partners attorneys have built a strong reputation of tenacity when it comes to recovering the best possible outcome for injured clients and their families. The firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, Ira Leesfield, was involved in passing legislation for necessary carbon monoxide and other safety tools in homes. These detectors have saved countless lives over the years and show the dedication our attorneys have to the safety and well-being of clients.
An explosion causing severe burns to a Leesfield & Partners client resulted in a $3,250,000 settlement.
A nightmare unfolded for one couple vacationing in the Dominican Republic on their honeymoon after an improperly capped pipe caused an explosion at their accommodation. Both suffered third-degree burns as a result and the wife later died from her injuries.
Leesfield & Partners attorneys were able to prove that the resort was negligent and breached their duty to care for their patrons including by not properly inspecting and repairing the cause of the explosion despite previous knowledge that there was an issue. The law firm was able to secure a multi-million dollar award for the husband in that case.
More recently, Leesfield & Partners obtained the maximum insurance policy amount of $2 million after a Cape Coral man was burned in an explosion. The defendant held liable in that case was a cleaning company hired to come out to the man’s house. The company cleaned the home twice a month, including a propane gas grill on the patio. Attorneys were able to prove that the company was liable after a knob was left turned on by an employee, allowing gas propane to build up resulting in the explosion.
Another case of a fire involved a TV set that caught fire in the family’s home. What ensued was a nightmare for a young family after the father desperately tried to rescue his 13-year-old daughter in the incident. The child was killed and her father was burned over 30% of his body.
The manufacturer of the defective television set was named as a defendant in the lawsuit along with the distributor of a defective smoke alarm and the family’s condominium association for safety violations. Attorneys with the firm secured $2,950,000 for the victim’s family.
Safety Tips
Below are several safety tips instructing drivers on what to do if their electric vehicle has been exposed to flood waters.
- Electric vehicle drivers should always consult with the manufacturer of their vehicle and be apprised of what to do in case of an emergency.
- If your car catches fire while you are driving, you are instructed to pull over to a safe spot and exit the vehicle immediately, putting a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle. If you are traveling with others, make sure everyone gets out of the car as safely and quickly as possible.
- Potentially flammable gases could be released into the car’s passenger cabin. Leave all windows and or doors open to allow for ventilation. This should be done outside or, if your vehicle is stored in an indoor space, like a garage, make sure that area is open and well-ventilated.
- Unplug the vehicle immediately if it has been charging.
- Do not try to charge the vehicle.
- Remove the keys from the car or disconnect the 12V battery, Additionally, wedges should be placed under the wheels to prevent the car from accidentally rolling or moving.
- Do not touch the high-voltage battery, especially if it is showing signs of overheating or if it appears damaged.