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As hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity across Philadelphia, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, and beyond, so do concerns about their safety, legal implications, and accident risks. Whether you’re driving a Tesla, a hybrid commercial vehicle, or renting an electric scooter through a ridesharing company, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers and legal responsibilities involved. Our law firm, which handles a wide range of cases—including Philadelphia wrongful death, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, faulty home appliances, and various vehicle collisions—has observed an increasing number of legal claims related to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Rising Popularity, Rising Concerns: Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

People choose hybrid and electric vehicles for various reasons: they are eco-friendly, cost-effective in the long run, beneficial for urban areas, and attractive to taxi and rideshare drivers. However, myths and misinformation about their safety persist. Some believe that hybrid vehicles combine the risks of both traditional gasoline-powered engines and electric cars, leading to concerns over increased risks of combustion, electrocution, and severe burn injuries. Others wonder whether lithium-ion batteries used in these vehicles are more prone to catching fire compared to conventional fuel tanks.

What Happens When an Electric or Hybrid Car Crashes?

In any accident—be it a Philadelphia electric car accident, an Allentown hybrid vehicle accident, or an Allentown truck accident—the potential for injuries, fatalities, and property damage exists. However, electric and hybrid vehicles introduce additional complexities and concerns:

• Lithium-ion battery fires: Are they more combustible than gasoline engines? What happens if an accident leads to a car fire due to electric engine combustion?
• Electrocution risks: Are passengers, first responders, or mechanics at risk of electrocution when dealing with damaged EVs?
• Multiple liable parties: Who can be sued in a Philadelphia ridesharing accident involving a hybrid Uber or an electric Lyft vehicle?
• E-scooter accidents: Can minors be held liable for a Philadelphia e-scooter collision?
• Defective vehicle claims: When can manufacturers be held accountable for flaws in hybrid and electric vehicles, from faulty wiring to battery malfunctions?

Legal Implications: Who Is Liable in an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle Accident?

One of the most pressing questions in a Philadelphia hybrid and electric car lawsuit is determining liability. In traditional car accidents, liability often falls on the at-fault driver. However, hybrid and electric vehicle crashes introduce additional complexities, such as:

• Manufacturer liability: When defective batteries, faulty wiring, or misleading advertising contribute to accidents, manufacturers and distributors can be held accountable for design flaws, failure to recall hazardous products, or false advertising.
• Ridesharing company responsibility: When Uber, Lyft, or e-scooter rental services fail to ensure the safety of their electric vehicles, who is responsible for injuries or wrongful deaths?
• Product recalls and class action lawsuits: Are hybrid and electric vehicles more prone to recalls due to safety defects? How do these recalls compare to traditional vehicle recalls, such as the infamous Ford Pinto case?

Combustion, Electrocution, and the Future of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

A common fear is that hybrid and electric cars are more likely to catch fire or explode than gasoline-powered cars. While studies suggest that EV fires are less frequent than gasoline vehicle fires, they are often harder to extinguish and may require special procedures. Similarly, concerns about electrocution risks for passengers, mechanics, and emergency responders raise important legal and safety questions.

Debunking Myths and Fighting Misinformation about Philadelphia Hybrid Cars Crashes

Misinformation about hybrid and electric vehicles can be dangerous. Fake news, exaggerated risks, and sensationalized stories about combustion and electrocution may discourage people from making informed decisions. Our law firm is committed to providing trustworthy information to help individuals understand their rights, legal options, and safety measures when dealing with Philadelphia burn injuries, Allentown electric car combustion, and other hazards linked to EVs and hybrids.

Understanding the Risks and Legal Rights

As the automotive industry rapidly evolves, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians must stay informed about the risks, responsibilities, and legal avenues available to them. Whether you are a victim of a Philadelphia hybrid car accident, an Allentown electrocution case, or a Lehigh Valley personal injury lawsuit resulting from an accident, our experienced legal team is here to help. We fight misinformation, hold negligent parties accountable, and ensure that accident victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hybrid or electric vehicle accident, contact our Philadelphia hybrid car crash accident lawyer today to explore your legal options. Understanding your rights is the first step in protecting yourself and your future.

Are Electric and Hybrid Vehicles More Prone to Fires and Explosions?

As electric and hybrid vehicles become increasingly common on the roads of Philadelphia and Allentown, questions arise about their safety compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Concerns particularly focus on the flammability of lithium-ion batteries and the potential risks of combustion and explosion during accidents. Let’s explore these issues in detail.​

Flammability of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, which power electric and hybrid vehicles, are known for their high energy density, making them efficient for automotive use. However, this efficiency comes with inherent risks. Under certain conditions—such as manufacturing defects, physical damage, or exposure to high temperatures—these batteries can experience thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction that leads to rapid temperature increases and potential fires.

A study by the Centre National de Prévention et de Protection (CNPP) found that lithium-ion battery fires can reach temperatures as high as 800 degrees Celsius (1,472 degrees Fahrenheit), making them difficult to extinguish and posing serious safety risks. While these incidents remain relatively rare, they often stem from preventable issues, such as design flaws or manufacturing defects. In such cases, victims may have legal grounds to pursue compensation. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or property damage due to a defective lithium-ion battery, an experienced product liability attorney can help you explore your legal options.

Failure to Follow Safety Measures Can Lead to Liability

Given their flammable nature—like many other automotive components and systems—lithium-ion batteries require strict safety protocols to prevent dangerous incidents such as electrocution, burns, and vehicle fires. Proper handling, storage, and charging are essential, especially for high-risk applications like e-scooters, electric vehicles, and commercial +fleets. These batteries should be kept away from open flames and high-temperature environments to reduce the risk of combustion. Fire and Rescue NSW advises using only reputable brands, avoiding charging on flammable surfaces, and never leaving batteries to charge overnight to prevent overheating.

However, when manufacturers, distributors, commercial vehicle owners, ridesharing companies, and employers who manage electric vehicle fleets fail to maintain proper safety measures, they may be breaching their duty of care. This duty exists to protect customers, employees, and the general public from preventable harm. When a party responsible for ensuring safety neglects this duty—whether by failing to implement proper maintenance procedures, disregarding known risks, or selling defective batteries—victims and their loved ones may have grounds for lawsuits. If you or a family member suffered serious injuries, including electrocution or burns, due to an electric vehicle or lithium-ion battery fire, you may be eligible to file a Philadelphia electric vehicle injury lawsuit or even a Philadelphia wrongful death lawsuit. Consulting our experienced attorney can help determine your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

 

Comparative Risk of Combustion in Vehicles

When comparing the risk of combustion during accidents, studies indicate that electric vehicles (EVs) are less likely to catch fire than their gasoline-powered counterparts. According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board, EVs experienced approximately 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, whereas gasoline vehicles had about 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold. Hybrid vehicles reported the highest rate, with approximately 3,475 fires per 100,000 sold. 

Risk of Explosion in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

While the risk of fire in EVs is lower, the nature of lithium-ion battery fires can be more severe due to the potential for thermal runaway, leading to intense fires and, in rare cases, explosions. However, advancements in battery technology and vehicle design are continually improving safety measures to mitigate these risks. It’s also noteworthy that gasoline vehicles, by their nature, carry combustible fuel, which poses its own explosion risks during severe collisions.​

The Deadly Legacy of the Ford Pinto: Explosions, Fires, and Fatal Flaws

With growing concerns about explosions, combustions, burns, and electrocution linked to hybrid and electric vehicles, many people are reminded of one of the most infamous automotive disasters in history—the Ford Pinto. This vehicle, released in the 1970s, was so dangerously flawed that it literally killed numerous people, causing deadly fires and fuel tank explosions in crashes.

While modern cars—whether traditional, hybrid, or fully electric—are built with far stricter safety regulations and advanced technology, the Pinto remains a haunting reminder of what happens when a manufacturer ignores safety in favor of cutting costs. Fortunately, today’s legal and regulatory safeguards make it nearly impossible for a vehicle with such terrifying flaws to be released. However, the Ford Pinto’s reputation endures, serving as a cautionary tale of corporate negligence.

Let’s take a closer look at why the Ford Pinto is still discussed today, despite having been on the roads more than 50 years ago, and what made it one of the most dangerous cars in history.

Why Was the Ford Pinto So Dangerous?

One of the Pinto’s most notorious flaws was its highly flammable fuel tank placement. The car’s design placed the gas tank directly behind the rear axle, making it extremely vulnerable in rear-end collisions. When struck from behind, even at moderate speeds, the tank could rupture, leaking gasoline and leading to devastating fires and explosions. To make matters worse, Ford omitted crucial safety reinforcements, such as a protective bladder or a stronger rear structure, in an effort to keep costs low.

Another critical flaw was the lack of reinforced rear bumpers. Without proper protection, the Pinto’s fuel tank was exposed to direct impact, increasing the likelihood of ruptures, fuel leaks, and deadly fireballs upon impact. Even minor crashes could result in fatal burns and electrocution risks for passengers.

How Many People Died Due to the Ford Pinto?

While exact numbers vary, studies estimate that at least 500 to 900 deaths resulted from the Ford Pinto’s fuel tank explosions and fire-related accidents. Additionally, countless injuries were reported, many of which involved severe burns, permanent disabilities, and tragic fatalities. In 1978, after significant public outcry and legal action, Ford finally recalled 1.5 million Pintos—but only after years of knowingly endangering drivers.

Could the Ford Pinto Happen Again Today?

The Ford Pinto was released over 50 years ago, and since then, automotive technology and safety regulations have improved dramatically. Today’s manufacturers must comply with strict crash safety requirements, rigorous testing standards, and government regulations that would have immediately flagged the Pinto’s fatal flaws. If a car today posed similar risks of combustion, explosion, or safety hazards, it would be swiftly recalled, redesigned, and repaired before causing widespread harm.

However, product liability still exists, and when manufacturers release defective or dangerous vehicles, they can be held accountable. Victims of design flaws, manufacturing defects, or safety failures—whether in traditional, hybrid, or electric vehicles—may have the right to file Allentown personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death lawsuits if they lost a loved one due to a preventable automotive disaster. While modern cars are far safer than the Pinto, holding manufacturers accountable ensures that dangerous vehicles never make it onto the roads without proper safeguards.

Hybrid Vehicles: Combining Risks?

Hybrid vehicles incorporate both internal combustion engines and electric powertrains, leading to concerns that they might combine the risks associated with both systems. Indeed, statistics show that hybrid vehicles have a higher incidence of fires compared to both purely electric and purely gasoline vehicles. This increased risk is likely due to the presence of both a gasoline engine and a high-voltage battery system, each with its own set of vulnerabilities.​

Philadelphia Hybrid and Electric Cars Accident Statistics

Understanding the safety dynamics of electric and hybrid vehicles is crucial for making informed decisions. Below, we present compelling statistics related to electric and hybrid cars, lithium-ion battery incidents, and associated risks. These insights will help demystify common perceptions and provide a clearer picture of the current landscape.

Statistics on Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle Fire Rates:

• Electric vehicles: Approximately 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.​

• Gasoline vehicles: Approximately 1,530 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.​

• Hybrid vehicles: Approximately 3,475 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.

Fatalities from Vehicle Fires:

• In 2018, vehicle fires resulted in an estimated 560 deaths in the U.S., with collisions being the primary cause of fatal fires. ​

Electric Vehicle Fire Incidents:

• Since 2010, there have been approximately 200 recorded electric vehicle fire incidents.

E-Scooter and Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents:

• In 2024, there were 275 battery-related incidents involving devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, surpassing previous records.

Recalls Due to Fire Risks:

• Jeep recalled over 194,000 plug-in hybrid SUVs worldwide due to fire risks, advising owners to stop charging and park outdoors until repairs are made. 

These statistics underscore the importance of understanding the specific risks associated with different vehicle types and the need for continued advancements in safety protocols and technologies.​

When Can You Sue for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Accidents? Possible Scenarios 

Victims of Philadelphia hybrid car accidents, and Lehigh Valley electric car accidents may have grounds to file lawsuits against multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. If a faulty vehicle, design flaw, or manufacturing flaw in a hybrid or electric car contributed to an accident, the manufacturer and distributor could be held accountable through a Philadelphia product liability lawsuit. For example, if a hybrid vehicle’s faulty components cause Philadelphia hybrid car combustion, resulting in severe burns or fatalities, the injured party or their family may sue the carmaker.

Commercial fleets using hybrid and electric vehicles must ensure proper maintenance. If an electric delivery van’s battery explodes due to improper servicing, leading to an Allentown car fire, the fleet management company may be sued for breaching the duty of care. Similarly, if a company fails to inspect and maintain e-scooters, causing Allentown e-scooter accidents, they may be liable for damages.

Employees who drive hybrid or electric commercial vehicles may also have claims against their employers if workplace negligence leads to accidents. If an employer provides a faulty vehicle or forces workers to use defective lithium-ion battery-powered equipment, resulting in severe injury, they may face an Allentown wrongful death lawsuit or a personal injury claim.

Ridesharing companies could be liable if a passenger is injured due to a Philadelphia or an Allentown hybrid car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver. If an electric rideshare vehicle’s faulty components cause a sudden loss of power on a highway, leading to a collision, victims may sue both the rideshare driver and the company. Additionally, if a rented e-scooter malfunctions and results in a crash, the rental company could be held accountable for failing to provide safe equipment.

Recent Lawsuits Against Tesla and Other Hybrid/Electric Car Manufacturers

Tesla and other hybrid/electric vehicle manufacturers have faced numerous lawsuits recently, often involving Philadelphia product liability lawsuits and wrongful death claims. Many cases revolve around faulty components, including defective Autopilot systems leading to fatal crashes, Lehigh Valley hybrid car accidents caused by battery fires, and hybrid car combustion incidents resulting in severe burns. Other lawsuits involve breaching the duty of care, such as failing to warn consumers about safety risks associated with high-voltage batteries.

Expected Lawsuits in the Hybrid and Electric Car Industry

As Philadelphia hybrid car accidents and electric car accidents become more common, we anticipate a rise in lawsuits concerning lithium-ion battery fires, defective software, and charging station hazards. Future cases may increasingly focus on design flaws leading to overheating, manufacturing flaws causing battery malfunctions, and faulty components resulting in catastrophic failures. Lawsuits against rideshare companies offering electric vehicle rides and scooter rentals are also expected to increase as more people suffer injuries from malfunctioning e-scooters and poorly maintained hybrid rideshare vehicles.

Our Legal Advice Regarding Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and Rideshare Services

As our Philadelphia personal injury lawyer and our Lehigh Valley wrongful death lawyer have seen, accidents involving hybrid and electric vehicles can be complex, often involving multiple parties sharing accountability. If you are involved in a Philadelphia hybrid car accident, electric car accident, or ridesharing accident, it is crucial to gather evidence and seek legal counsel.

We strongly advise paying attention to recalls and safety notices related to hybrid and electric vehicles. If you or a loved one suffers an injury or wrongful death due to Philadelphia hybrid car combustion, Allentown e-scooter accidents, or Lehigh Valley hybrid car accidents, consulting a lawyer is essential. You may have a claim even if you are partially at fault, as damages can still be awarded based on shared liability.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. We offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk in discussing your case. Additionally, due to attorney-client privilege, all discussions remain confidential.

Lawsuits involving hybrid and electric vehicles are subject to a statute of limitations and the discovery rule, meaning time-sensitive deadlines apply. If you believe you have a case related to a Philadelphia hybrid car accident, Allentown wrongful death lawsuit, or Philadelphia product liability lawsuit, do not wait—contact us today.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been affected by a Philadelphia hybrid car accident, Lehigh Valley hybrid cars accident, or Allentown electric car accident, do not navigate the legal process alone. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyer and our Lehigh Valley wrongful death lawyer are here to help you secure justice and compensation. 

Call us today at (610) 351-2330 to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your legal options. Your future and well-being deserve protection—let us fight for you. 

 

Last Updated on March 27, 2025