Electric vehicles are no longer rare sights on Dallas–Fort Worth roads. They offer exciting technology, but they also raise new questions after a crash.
I’m Fort Worth personal injury attorney Paul Previte, and my team and I have handled serious wrecks involving everything from compact sedans to heavy electric SUVs. We understand the confusion that follows these high‑tech collisions, and we treat every client with compassion, clear answers, and hard‑nosed advocacy.
Whether your accident happened on I‑35W, the Downtown Mixmaster, or a neighborhood street, we know the local terrain and the insurance tactics you’ll face.
This guide explains the real risks of electric‑vehicle crashes and how our Dallas–Fort Worth car accident attorneys at the Law Office of Paul Previte can protect your rights.
Previte has personally tried over 200 cases to judges and juries across Texas, and he remains hands‑on with every file his office accepts to ensure clients receive seasoned, individualized representation from start to finish.
Injured in a high-tech EV crash? Put a seasoned trial lawyer in your driver’s seat today. Call the Law Office of Paul Previte at (817) 335-4357 for a free, no-risk case review and learn how our battery-savvy team turns complex electric-vehicle evidence into maximum compensation.
Understanding the Risks
Electric cars are not inherently more dangerous than gasoline cars. Crash‑test data shows many models earn top safety awards, and injury rates for EV drivers are often lower than for comparable gas vehicles.
Concerns still arise because EVs are heavier, quieter, and powered by high‑voltage batteries. Those differences can shift the way a collision unfolds, so it’s important to know what really happens when an electric car crashes.
Do Electric Cars Catch Fire or Explode More Often? (Myth vs. Fact)
Most fires after crashes still involve gasoline vehicles, not EVs. Lithium‑ion batteries ignite less often, yet when they do burn they generate intense heat and can reignite hours later.
Manufacturers now build multiple safeguards, automatic disconnects, reinforced battery shells, and coolant systems, to cut fire risk.
Local fire departments receive specialized training, but any battery blaze remains a rare event, not an everyday threat.
Does an EV’s Battery Make a Crash More Dangerous? (Weight & Impact)
Large battery packs add hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Physics says that extra mass increases the force delivered to whatever an EV strikes.
That weight can actually protect the people inside the electric car while placing lighter vehicles and pedestrians at greater risk. Engineers and roadway agencies are studying guardrails, bridges, and parking structures to ensure they keep pace with ever‑heavier electric trucks and SUVs.
Are Quiet Electric Cars a Hidden Danger to Pedestrians?
Below 20 mph, electric motors produce little engine noise. NHTSA studies show low‑speed pedestrian collisions are roughly one‑fifth more common with EVs for this reason.
Since 2020, every new electric car must emit an artificial sound at neighborhood speeds. Drivers still have the legal duty to watch for walkers and cyclists and silence is no excuse for inattention.
Common Electric‑Vehicle Accident Scenarios in Dallas–Fort Worth
Electric cars can be involved in any crash, but several patterns appear often on North Texas roads:
- Two‑Vehicle Collisions – A Tesla rear‑ends a sedan on I‑30; the weight difference magnifies injuries in the lighter car.
- Rear‑End Accidents – Instant torque plus extra mass can lengthen stopping distance and surprise drivers in stop‑and‑go traffic on Loop 820.
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Impacts – A quiet Nissan Leaf strikes a jogger near the Katy Trail; visibility and audible warnings become key evidence.
- Single‑Vehicle Loss of Control – Rapid acceleration in a performance EV leads to a spin‑out on a wet offramp.
- Multi‑Car Pileups – In chain‑reaction crashes on the I‑35W/I‑30 interchange, a battery fire or disabled Autopilot system can complicate emergency response.
Our Fort Worth EV accident lawyers investigate each of these scenarios with the help of reconstruction specialists and battery engineers.
Uncommon Dangers in EV Accidents – What Else Should You Know?
- High‑Voltage Shock – Modern EVs cut power automatically, but a crushed cable could still expose rescuers or bystanders to electricity in extreme crashes.
- Delayed Thermal Runaway – A damaged battery may ignite hours after a wreck, hurting tow‑truck operators or property owners.
- Charging‑Station Accidents – Faulty chargers can spark fires or electrocutions; these claims combine premises and product liability law.
- Autopilot Misuse or Malfunction – Partial self‑driving features shift blame debates between drivers and manufacturers; log‑data downloads often decide the issue.
Our Dallas–Fort Worth personal injury attorneys stay current on each emerging hazard so clients are never blindsided.
What Should You Do After an Electric Car Accident in DFW?
- Move to Safety and watch for smoke, sparks, or a sweet chemical odor that signals battery damage.
- Call 911 and mention an electric vehicle is involved so responders bring proper gear.
- Render Aid Carefully but avoid touching exposed orange high‑voltage lines or leaking coolant.
- Document the Scene with photos of damage, VIN plates, and any “electric” badges that help trace potential recalls.
- Speak with an Attorney Before Insurers so recorded statements don’t overlook technical defects or software issues.
These steps protect both your health and your legal claim.
Who Is Liable for an Electric Vehicle Accident in Texas?
Texas negligence rules apply whether a car runs on gas or kilowatts. The driver whose careless act caused the crash must pay for the harm.
Electric cases may add product‑liability targets if a battery, braking system, or Autopilot feature malfunctioned. Road managers or construction contractors can share blame if infrastructure failed under an EV’s weight.
Texas’ 51‑percent comparative fault bar still controls: victims can recover damages so long as they are not mostly at fault. Our Fort Worth accident attorney team untangles every contributing factor to maximize your compensation.
Are Electric Car Accident Claims Different from Regular Accident Claims?
The core damages, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, remain the same. Differences arise in the cost and complexity of repairs, the need to download onboard data, and the challenge of finding comparable rental vehicles.
Battery replacements can top $20,000, and insurers sometimes undervalue them. Our Dallas–Fort Worth EV accident lawyers push carriers to cover full OEM repairs, specialized diagnostics, and appropriate transportation while your car is in the shop.
Why Choose Paul Previte for Your Electric Vehicle Accident Case?
- Tech‑Focused Strategy – I collaborate with engineers who decode battery telemetry and Autopilot logs.
- Local Insight – Having tried cases across Tarrant and Dallas Counties, I know every defense tactic regional insurers deploy.
- Personal Service – Clients speak directly with Fort Worth personal injury lawyer Paul Previte, not a call‑center staffer.
- No Fee Unless We Win – You owe nothing upfront; we advance all costs.
“The police stopped me for making an unsafe lane change in Grapevine, Texas. Paul Previte convinced the judge that I was driving safely and the case was dismissed before trial.” – L.M.
Injured in an Electric Car Accident in DFW? Get a Free Consultation Today.
You deserve answers and fair compensation after a high‑tech collision. Call (817) 335-4357 or contact us online 24/7 for a free, no‑obligation case review.
Our Fort Worth EV accident attorneys stand ready to investigate, negotiate, and, if needed, try your case before a Texas jury. Put the Dallas–Fort Worth car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Paul Previte on your side, and let us fight while you focus on healing.