Tesla makes a very popular car that is seen on many roads in Florida. Part of that popularity is its electrically powered engine, an incredible technological advancement. However, this technology is not without its dangers, especially when the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery is punctured in a car accident. A punctured battery can lead to what is known as thermal runaway, an extremely high-temperature fire that is difficult to extinguish by conventional means.
If you have suffered injuries in a Tesla battery fire crash, our Tesla battery fire lawyers in Florida may be able to help. Below, thecar accident attorneys with our Florida Tesla accident law firm explain your rights and compensation options.
What Causes Tesla Battery Fires in Car Crashes?
Lithium-ion batteries allow electric vehicles to deliver high power and longer driving range. In comparison to other energy-storage options, they are a lighter, more efficient option. However, the lithium-ion battery on a Tesla can weigh upwards of 1,500 pounds.
If a battery cell is damaged in a collision, which causes the battery cell to generate heat faster than it can dissipate the energy, this can lead to a chain reaction with other cells and cause a fire known as a thermal runaway. The heat of a lithium-ion battery fire can reach over 3,000°F, in comparison to a gas fire, which can reach 1,500°F.
This greater heat, and the cascading nature of a thermal runaway, can make it incredibly difficult to extinguish.
Your Legal Rights After a Tesla Battery Fire Crash in Florida
The best Tesla battery fire accident attorneys in Florida will inform you that you do have rights to fair compensation, but your first option will be through yourpersonal injury protection (PIP) policy. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, you can seek medical and disability benefits from your PIP, but there are limits.
If you sustainedserious injuries, though, you could step outside the limits of that system and file a lawsuit, but there are also legal deadlines known as thestatute of limitations. Typically, you would have between two years (for a personal injury lawsuit) and four years (for a product liability lawsuit) from the accident date to file, or you could lose the opportunity to seek a fair settlement. Our Tesla battery malfunction injury lawyers can examine your case and explain which deadline applies to you.
To ensure your legal rights, you must preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed, such as vehicle crash data and an analysis of the battery components. Vehicle data could be overwritten within days or lost permanently during an improper power down.
To protect your rights and secure evidence, we advise speaking with a Tesla explosion accident attorney near you as soon as possible.
Common Injuries in Florida Tesla Battery Fire Accidents
Due to the high heat involved, victims of a Tesla battery fire may experience severe burns and smoke inhalation. The collision itself could also lead to such injuries as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
The best electric vehicle fire attorneys in Florida will review your medical records with your doctors and determine your immediate needs as well as any long-term impact on your life. This information will be a part of the damages they will seek on your behalf.
Compensation Options for Tesla Battery Fire Victims
Your Tesla battery fire compensation claim should account for your current losses and long-term needs. It should reflect your economic damages (your financial losses) and non-economic damages (the impact on your quality of life).
Our Tesla battery fire lawsuit lawyers will compile a complete list of your damages, such as:
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
For families who have lost a loved one,our accident attorneys can help you seekwrongful death damages for your family, such as loss of companionship and guidance, prior medical bills, lost income, and funeral and burial expenses.
Who May Be Liable in a Florida Tesla Battery Fire Crash?
Following any car accident, the negligent driver who caused the collision is typically the liable party. However, the top Tesla burn injury attorneys in Florida will investigate the accident and identify all parties who may have contributed to the accident.
Other liable parties could include:
- Tesla or the battery manufacturer for a defective battery
- Auto suppliers for failing to pull a recalled part
- Vehicle maintenance providers for improper repairs
- Government entities, due to dangerous road design or poor maintenance
UnderFlorida’s comparative negligence rules, each liable party would be assigned a degree of fault. Any party whose fault is greater than 50% would be unable to collect compensation if they were injured in the accident.
Why You Should Contact a Florida Attorney Experienced in Tesla Fire Cases
Tesla fire accident legal help is available. Most law firms provide free case consultations. More than that, though, a Tesla car accident lawyer:
- Understands the complexity of electric vehicle and battery fire investigations
- Has access to accident reconstruction and engineering experts
- Knows how to deal with large corporations and their insurers
- Can protect your rights against blame-shifting tactics
Also, many personal injury law firms offer legal representation on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and they only receive payment when you win.
Reach Out to a Tesla Product Liability Lawyer in Florida Today
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (844) 643-7200 today. During your free consultation with a member of our legal team, we can explain your legal rights and the compensation options that may be available to you after a Tesla battery fire.