When you purchase or use an electric vehicle, you place your trust in its ability to operate safely and protect you from harm. However, as electric vehicles become increasingly common on New York roads, there has been a corresponding rise in serious injuries linked to defective batteries, charging systems, autonomous driving features, and other technologies unique to EVs.
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If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to an electric vehicle defect or malfunction in New York, the experienced attorneys at the Porter Law Group are here to guide you through these complex cases and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Electric vehicle injury cases present unique legal challenges that traditional auto accident attorneys may not fully understand. Our skilled legal team at the Porter Law Group has the specialized knowledge necessary to handle these emerging technology cases across New York State. We thoroughly investigate battery failures, software malfunctions, charging system defects, and autonomous driving errors while building compelling cases against major manufacturers like Tesla, General Motors, and Ford.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Our attorneys understand both traditional product liability law and the cutting-edge technology issues specific to electric vehicles. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to learn how we can help you hold manufacturers accountable for defective EV technology.
New York's legal framework for electric vehicle injury cases combines established personal injury principles with emerging legal standards for newer technologies. As EVs become more prevalent, courts are beginning to establish legal precedents involving battery fires, charging system failures, autonomous driving errors, and other EV-specific hazards.
Electric vehicle injury cases often involve multiple legal theories including product liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. Under New York’s strict liability laws, victims are not required to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused injury. This legal framework applies whether your case involves a Tesla catching fire, a Chevrolet Bolt battery explosion, or a charging station electrocution.
New York’s no-fault insurance system applies to many EV accidents, requiring injured parties to first seek compensation through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. However, to file a lawsuit against a manufacturer or other responsible entity, you must meet the state’s "serious injury" threshold. This includes injuries such as death, dismemberment, fractures, permanent loss of bodily functions, or significant limitations lasting at least 90 days.
Electric vehicle injuries can result from various technological failures and design defects unique to these advanced vehicles. Understanding the different categories helps determine whether you may be eligible for compensation through a product liability claim.
Battery-Related Injuries: Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode due to defects in design or manufacturing, or from faulty charging systems. These incidents may lead to severe burns, toxic smoke inhalation, or fatalities. The Chevrolet Bolt recall affecting over 140,000 vehicles due to battery fire risks demonstrates the seriousness of these defects. Victims may suffer second and third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
Charging System Defects: Malfunctions in electric vehicle charging systems can result in electrocution, fires, or explosions. This includes defects in charging cables, software errors, and improperly grounded stations. Home charging systems may also pose risks if incorrectly installed or if the vehicle's charging port has design defects.
Autonomous Driving System Failures: Many electric vehicles feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that may fail to detect obstacles or respond appropriately. Tesla’s Autopilot has been linked to multiple serious accidents. These cases often focus on whether manufacturers provided sufficient warnings and whether the system design was safe and reliable.
Software and Computer System Malfunctions: EVs rely heavily on computer systems for critical functions like acceleration, braking, and steering. Software glitches can cause sudden unintended acceleration, loss of power steering, or brake failure—particularly dangerous at highway speeds or in dense traffic.
High-profile settlements and litigation illustrate both the common risks associated with EVs and the level of compensation available for victims:
Tesla Litigation: Tesla has faced multiple lawsuits over defects in Autopilot and other systems. In January 2024, the company reached a confidential settlement over an airbag failure in a Model 3 that caused brain trauma. In April 2024, Tesla settled a wrongful death suit involving an Apple engineer whose Model X crashed in Autopilot mode. Other cases in New York have involved Tesla vehicles in fatal accidents, including a 2021 case where a pedestrian was killed by a Tesla Model Y.
Chevrolet Bolt Battery Settlement: In early 2025, General Motors reached a $150 million class-action settlement for 2017–2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV owners affected by fire-prone batteries. Claimants received $700–$1,400 depending on the type of remedy provided, demonstrating the manufacturer’s responsibility for widespread battery defects.
Battery Fire Injury Settlements: Individual injury cases involving battery fires have resulted in substantial compensation for burn victims. One case resulted in a $250,000 settlement for a victim who suffered second- and third-degree burns when a lithium-ion battery exploded. These cases often involve extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Charging Infrastructure Cases: With increasing EV adoption, more claims are being filed involving unsafe charging stations.These include injuries from electrocution and fires at public or private charging points. Some communities have raised safety concerns over faulty or poorly maintained infrastructure.
Electric vehicle injury cases often involve multiple parties in the design, manufacturing, and distribution chain, creating opportunities for comprehensive compensation from various sources.
Vehicle Manufacturers: Companies like Tesla, General Motors, Ford, and other EV manufacturers are responsible for safe design and proper warnings. Manufacturers may be held liable for defects in structure, electrical systems, autonomous features, or failure to warn consumers about known hazards.
Battery Manufacturers: Many EV manufacturers source batteries from specialized companies like LG Chem, Panasonic, or CATL. These battery manufacturers can be independently liable for defects in battery design, manufacturing processes, or failure to warn about fire and explosion risks.
Software Developers: As EVs rely heavily on software, software companies that develop ADAS, charging interfaces, and vehicle control systems can be liable for flawed programming or inadequate testing. This is particularly relevant in cases involving Tesla's Autopilot, GM's Super Cruise, or other advanced driver assistance systems.
Charging System Companies: Companies that manufacture or install home or commercial EV chargers may be liable for electrical injuries, fires, or other charging-related incidents. This includes manufacturers of charging cables, charging stations, and the software systems that control charging processes.
Component Suppliers: The complex nature of EVs involves numerous component suppliers who can be liable for defects in their specific parts. If a faulty part—such as a chip, sensor, or module—causes injury, the supplier can be named in a product liability lawsuit.
Due to the severity and complexity of EV-related injuries, victims may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
Medical Expenses: EV injuries often require extensive medical treatment due to the severity of burns, electrical injuries, and trauma from high-speed crashes involving system failures. Compensation covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and future medical needs. Battery fire victims may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term burn treatment that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Severe EV injuries can prevent victims from returning to work or significantly limit their earning capacity. Compensation includes lost wages during recovery, reduced future earning capacity due to permanent disabilities, and the need for vocational rehabilitation if career changes become necessary due to injuries.
Pain and Suffering: EV injury victims often experience significant physical pain and emotional trauma. Battery fires can cause excruciating burn injuries requiring multiple painful procedures. Victims of autonomous driving system failures may develop PTSD or anxiety about driving. New York allows substantial compensation for these non-economic damages based on injury severity and impact on quality of life.
Property Damage: EV incidents often involve significant property damage beyond just the vehicle. Battery fires can destroy homes, garages, and other property. Charging system failures can damage electrical systems in homes or commercial buildings. This compensation covers repair or replacement of all damaged property.
Punitive Damages: In cases involving particularly egregious manufacturer conduct, such as knowingly selling vehicles with dangerous defects or failing to warn about known risks, New York courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the manufacturer and deter similar conduct.
New York imposes strict deadlines for filing electric vehicle injury lawsuits that vary depending on the type of claim and parties involved. Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent loss of your right to seek compensation.
Personal Injury Claims: Most EV injury cases must be filed within three years of the accident date. This applies to cases against vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and other private parties involved in designing, manufacturing, or selling the defective vehicle or components.
Product Liability Claims: Defective product cases, including EV defects, generally must be filed within three years of the injury date. However, New York courts have established that this timeline typically begins when the injury occurred, not when you discovered the defect caused your injury.
Wrongful Death Cases: If an EV defect or malfunction caused a death, surviving family members have two years from the date of death to file wrongful death lawsuits. These cases can recover compensation for the deceased's lost future earnings, funeral expenses, and the family's loss of companionship and support.
Claims Against Government Entities: If your case involves government-owned charging infrastructure or government vehicles, much shorter notice periods apply—often 90 days or less. These cases require prompt action to preserve your legal rights.
Given the complexity of these cases, early legal consultation is critical to preserving evidence and identifying all responsible parties.
Electric vehicle manufacturers have vast resources and employ teams of technical experts and experienced attorneys to defend against injury claims. Without skilled legal representation, victims may not receive fair compensation or may have valid claims dismissed due to the technical complexity involved.
Manufacturers often argue that injuries resulted from user error, improper maintenance, or unforeseeable circumstances rather than product defects. They may claim that their warnings were adequate or that the technology performed as designed. Overcoming these defenses requires attorneys who understand both the legal standards and the technical aspects of EV systems.
Our team at the Porter Law Group handles all aspects of complex EV litigation including technical evidence preservation, expert witness coordination, and aggressive advocacy against manufacturer defense teams. We're prepared to take on major automotive corporations to secure fair compensation and hold them accountable for defective technology that causes serious injuries.
Q: How do I know if my EV injury was caused by a defect rather than an accident?
EV defects often involve specific patterns like sudden battery fires, unexpected acceleration or braking, charging system failures, or autonomous driving system malfunctions. Our attorneys can investigate your case to determine whether technical failures contributed to your injuries and identify all potentially responsible parties.
Q: What if the manufacturer claims I didn't follow proper procedures?
You may still have a claim. Even with user error, manufacturers must ensure their products are not unreasonably dangerous and provide clear warnings. We'll investigate whether the manufacturer's design or warnings were adequate.
Q: Can I sue if my EV caught fire but I wasn't seriously injured?
Yes. Even without physical injuries, you may have claims for property damage, lost vehicle value, and other economic losses. If the fire caused emotional trauma or you had to evacuate your home, additional damages may be available.
Q: What if my case involves a leased vehicle?
Leasing doesn't prevent product liability claims against manufacturers. You may have claims against the manufacturer for defects, the leasing company for failing to maintain the vehicle properly, or other parties depending on the specific circumstances.
Q: How long do EV injury cases typically take?
Timeline varies significantly based on case complexity and the number of parties involved. Simple cases may resolve within 1-2 years, while complex cases involving multiple defendants and technical issues can take several years. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring maximum compensation.
Q: What if the EV was involved in a recall after my injury?
A recall may help your case by showing the manufacturer was aware of the defect, whether the recall occurred before or after your injury. It does not prevent you from filing a claim.
Q: Can I file a claim if the injury occurred during charging?
Yes. Charging-related injuries can involve liability for the vehicle manufacturer, charging equipment manufacturer, charging network operator, or property owner depending on what caused the malfunction. We'll investigate all potential sources of liability.
Suffering from an EV Injury in New York?
Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation.
The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.
Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers about emerging technologies and complex product liability issues. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex EV injury cases against major automotive corporations that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.
You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results.
When you or a loved one's life has been devastated by a serious electric vehicle injury in New York, don't hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.
At the Porter Law Group, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that an electric vehicle injury can take on you and your family. Let us handle the complex technical and legal issues while you focus on your recovery.
Don't let automotive manufacturers shortchange you with inadequate settlements that don't cover your long-term needs. Electric vehicle injury cases require immediate action to preserve crucial electronic evidence and investigate complex technical systems before evidence is lost or destroyed. Take advantage of a free case evaluation with our experienced New York electric vehicle injury lawyers by calling 833-PORTER9 or emailing info@porterlawteam.com. We proudly serve clients throughout New York State and are ready to help you pursue the justice you deserve against major automotive corporations.
*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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