Fiery accidents have the potential to affect motorists in unique ways. First, the presence of fire makes a traffic collision in Cobb County much more dangerous – and fatalities become more likely. Survivors of fiery crashes are also likely to encounter distinct health challenges – including burn-related disfigurement. A recent fiery crash in Georgia involving an electric vehicle (EV) highlights just how dangerous these incidents can be.
One Person Hospitalized After Fiery EV Crash in Georgia
On October 31, 2024, authorities reported that an electric vehicle had veered off the road before crashing down a ravine. After the vehicle had come to a halt, it burst into flames. Police aren’t sure what caused the car to veer off the road initially, but they say that EV battery fires have become common.
Traffic authorities revealed that they already have an established technique when dealing with these EV fires, which are known to create stubborn, billowing flames. The battery packs are so hot that they can cause fires to continuously reignite after dying down. According to Atlanta News First, it can take up to 4,000 gallons of water to extinguish an EV battery fire.
This can pose serious challenges for first responders, especially if the crashed vehicle is stuck in a difficult-to-access location (such as a ravine). This might explain why one person was hospitalized as a result of this EV fire, and it might have been difficult to extricate the individual from the crash during the fire. There was no word on the exact nature or extent of this victim’s injuries.
While the exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined, many questions have been raised in recent years about self-driving technology. Many EVs are equipped with this software, and some crashes have been attributed to errors. The fact that this car seems to have veered off the road for no reason may cause investigators to consider whether the driver had Autopilot or a similar feature activated at the time of the crash.
Although many say that EV fires are rare, these battery packs seem to be catching fire fairly frequently. It is worth noting that even when EVs are not operating on roads, they can still catch fire when parked. Many house fires have been attributed to faulty lithium-ion batteries, which can burst into flames even when not being charged.
Burn Victims Face Distinct Damages
Burn victims face serious health consequences. A serious traffic fire in Marietta can leave a victim with burns across their body. These burns are not only incredibly painful, but they can also be difficult to treat effectively. Reconstructive surgery may only provide limited results.
Disfigurement is legitimate non-economic damage in Georgia, and victims may be able to pursue additional compensation for the psychological challenges associated with serious burns.
We can only hope that auto manufacturers, first responders, and local governments take steps to address new threats – including EV battery fires. First responders may need to develop new techniques for fighting these fires, and governments may need to subject EVs to tighter regulations.