A car battery can explode in a Fort Lauderdale car crash due to a manufacturing defect, faulty connection, or high-speed collision. If a battery explosion caused severe chemical or contact burns, you could face long-term, extensive medical expenses. These and other accident-related expenses and losses are recoverable from the battery’s manufacturer.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you recover damages. They will investigate your accident, consult car battery experts, and document the cause of the accident and your subsequent injuries. Your lawyer can also help you build a comprehensive case file and fight hard for maximum financial recovery.
How an Attorney Proves the Cause of Your Car Battery Explosion and Injuries
An electric vehicle relies on its battery for much or all of its power while starting and driving. Similarly, a gasoline-reliant vehicle relies on its battery to start. If the battery is defective, liability for the accident could fall to the battery’s manufacturer.
To find out what would cause a car battery to explode, your lawyer will:
- Obtain physical evidence for testing and inspection
- Consult an accident reconstruction professional
- Obtain your police report and eyewitness statements
- Identify any related vehicle or battery recall notices
Your lawyer will build a strong case file and deal with the claim-filing process from start to finish. They can focus on the manufacturing process, identify known defects in the battery, and document the battery’s design and development.
In building your case, the attorney may also request expert analysis from forensic engineers who specialize in battery failure. These experts examine whether overheating, overcharging, or a short circuit occurred within the battery. They also inspect for signs of poor assembly, such as missing vent caps or weak seals, which could allow flammable gases to accumulate.
Additionally, your lawyer may compare your battery model to others of the same make and year to identify any pattern of similar incidents. If several explosions or fires have been reported with the same battery, it can strengthen the claim of a widespread defect. This information may come from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or similar regulatory agencies.
Your legal team can also issue subpoenas for internal manufacturer communications that discuss safety concerns, production flaws, or failed tests. These internal documents can serve as powerful evidence if they show the company was aware of potential issues and failed to act.
In more complex cases, the attorney might work with crash data retrieval specialists to analyze the car’s onboard computer. This data can reveal battery voltage spikes or fault codes prior to or during the crash, helping to determine if the battery malfunctioned at a critical time.
These steps require a legal team familiar with product liability claims and the technical nuances of automotive components. Their ability to collect, preserve, and interpret technical evidence is vital for proving fault and securing rightful compensation for your injuries.
A Car Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale Can Document Your Injuries
Can a car battery explode during a collision? Yes, and it can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening injuries, including the following:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Multiple puncture wounds
- Chemical and electrical burns
- Battery acid burns
- Injuries due to shrapnel
Your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can document your injuries from accident to diagnosis to the prescribed treatment plan. They can include all medical records and bills to date and a clear prognosis that details your required future care and anticipated specialized needs.
Recoverable Damages After a Defective Battery Explosion in Fort Lauderdale
Car batteries can explode due to a manufacturing flaw or defect. When that happens, a car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you recover the following damages:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Disfiguring or disabling injuries
- Current and future lost wages
- Property repair or replacement
Your lawyer will manage all the details of your insurance claim. They will also file your lawsuit within the allotted deadline, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Common Mechanical Failures That Can Lead to Battery Explosions
Aside from manufacturing defects, other vehicle-related failures can contribute to a car battery explosion:
- Faulty alternator overcharging the battery
- Loose or corroded battery terminals
- Cracks in the battery casing allowing gas buildup
- Electrical shorts from damaged cables
These mechanical issues may result from poor maintenance or substandard replacement parts. Your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can collaborate with mechanics and engineers to trace the source of failure.
Chemical Composition and Volatility of Car Batteries
Car batteries, particularly those of the lead-acid type, contain sulfuric acid and hydrogen gas. During regular charging and discharging, hydrogen gas is emitted. If the gas is not vented correctly, it can accumulate and ignite under high temperatures or when exposed to sparks.
Explosions are more likely in high-speed collisions where vehicle components rupture and generate heat and sparks. Understanding this chemistry can be key to proving manufacturer negligence or installation errors.
Legal Responsibilities of Manufacturers and Installers
If your lawyer determines the battery was installed incorrectly, the mechanic or shop may be partially liable. Product liability law covers:
- Design defects
- Manufacturing defects
- Failure to warn (lack of safety instructions)
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will evaluate these legal standards to assign responsibility appropriately and pursue the liable parties.
Real-World Incidents of Car Battery Explosions
Several high-profile cases show the danger of battery explosions. In one instance, a Florida driver suffered severe facial burns after a standard battery exploded during a crash. Another case involved a hybrid vehicle in which a damaged lithium-ion battery ignited after the collision.
These examples highlight the volatility of batteries when stressed or impacted. They also emphasize the importance of rigorous safety standards from manufacturers.
What to Do if You Suspect a Battery Malfunction Caused Your Injury
If you were in an accident and suspect the battery contributed to your injuries:
- Preserve the vehicle and battery for inspection.
- Take detailed photos of the damage.
- Seek medical care immediately.
- Request a copy of the crash report.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale.
Timely documentation helps your legal team investigate quickly and establish liability.
Explore Your Compensation Options After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
If a car accident left you injured and facing hefty medical bills, we can help. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our lawyers know how to prove the negligence that caused a car battery to explode in a Fort Lauderdale car crash.
Find out how hard we work for you and the compensation we can help you recover. Call (954) 633-8270 to reach one of our client-focused consultation team members today.
