blog home Truck Accidents How Legal Liability Is Changing with Electric Trucks in 2025

How Legal Liability Is Changing with Electric Trucks in 2025

By Jason Bottlinger on April 18, 2025

The trucking industry is on the brink of a major transformation. In 2025, electric semi-trucks will hit the roads in greater numbers than ever before.

These vehicles offer several benefits, such as reduced emissions, but society will have to grapple with new legal issues as electric semi-trucks gain popularity. Potential issues include electric battery fires, software glitches, and inadequate maintenance.

The Rise of Electric Semi-Trucks

Increased demand for sustainable transportation solutions is driving the growth of electric semi-trucks. As more businesses commit to green initiatives, the number of electric trucks on our roads and highways will continue to grow in the coming years.

Common Causes of Electric Truck Accidents

When it comes to causes of accidents, electric semi-trucks are prone to the same issues that traditional trucks experience. For example, driver fatigue is a significant problem, as tired drivers suffer from slower reaction times and impaired judgment. This is why trucking companies must make sure their drivers are adhering to federal hours of service (HOS) laws to reduce the risk of fatigued driving.

Additionally, driver errors, such as misjudging road conditions or failing to adhere to traffic laws, can also lead to collisions.

Moreover, like all vehicles, electric trucks require regular upkeep to run safely and smoothly, and inadequate maintenance can cause accidents.

Software Glitches

In addition to the issues that plague diesel-powered trucks, electric trucks present additional challenges. For example, electric trucks rely heavily on software for operation, making them especially prone to software glitches. This can be a hidden danger, as critical systems like steering, braking, or speed control can be affected. Of course, when such failures occur, they can lead to accidents.

Battery Safety and the Risk of Fire

Battery safety is another major concern with electric semi-trucks. Battery-related issues can lead to fires. For example, these fires may occur if the battery overheats or if there’s a short circuit caused by a collision.

What’s more, electric vehicle battery fires burn at an incredibly high heat, up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt asphalt.

Due to a dangerous phenomenon called thermal runaway, electric battery fires may continue to burn after being doused with several thousands of gallons of water, and they can even reignite hours or days later. Once an electric vehicle battery starts burning, it’s extremely difficult to extinguish using conventional methods.

Semi-Truck Design Flaws

Often, electric semi-trucks contain a lot of new technology and may, therefore, be subject to design flaws. This can affect a truck’s stability, visibility, or braking system.

Inadequate Maintenance

Inadequate maintenance can lead to equipment failure and accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to keep electric trucks safe. Sadly, some trucking companies try to cut corners, leading to unsafe vehicles on the road.

If your electric truck accident lawyer suspects an accident was caused by poor maintenance, they can take the following measures to demonstrate liability:

1. Document maintenance records: Collect records to prove negligence.
2. Identify maintenance gaps: Determine where maintenance was lacking.
3. Consult experts: Work with experts to assess maintenance failures.

Who Is Liable for Electric Truck Fires?

Determining liability after an electric truck accident can be complicated. In fact, more than one party could bear liability.

1. Truck drivers: If the trucker was negligent, such as speeding or driving under the influence or speeding, they might be liable.
2. Other drivers: A driver who triggers a collision by making an illegal lane change or performing some other type of dangerous maneuver could be liable.
3. Manufacturers of defective vehicles: Manufacturing and designers of faulty vehicles or components could bear liability.
4. Maintenance companies: Improper or inadequate maintenance can lead to failures, making the maintenance company liable.

What Is Fleet Liability?

Fleet liability addresses the legal responsibilities companies have when operating a fleet of vehicles. Businesses must ensure their electric trucks are compliant with all regulations. This includes maintaining proper documentation and ensuring vehicles are in good working condition.

Trucking companies can be liable for accidents caused by inadequate training or negligent hiring of drivers with unsafe records. They must perform the following actions to avoid liability:

• Regular maintenance: Ensure electric trucks are regularly maintained and inspected.
• Driver training: Provide comprehensive training for drivers operating electric trucks.
• Legal compliance: Stay informed about changing regulations and ensure compliance.

How Your Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Determining liability after a truck accident can be difficult because trucking companies, electric truck manufacturers, and other liable parties could all be pointing their fingers at somebody else.

Your Omaha electric truck accident lawyer can untangle this mess. They can start by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the damages you have suffered. They can also take steps to identify whether a design flaw contributed to the accident by examining the truck’s design and comparing it to industry standards.

As soon as their investigation is complete, your attorney can file a claim with the insurance companies representing all liable parties. These damages may include medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses caused by the accident.

They can also negotiate settlement offers. If the other side refuses to make a serious settlement offer, a good electric truck accident attorney is always prepared to take your case to trial.

Talk to an Omaha Electric Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., our experienced Omaha truck accident lawyer can provide you with the personalized support you need. We can file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

Jason Bottlinger is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and he has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. He’s also been named One of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Omaha by Expertise.com.

Call (402) 505-8234 to learn more today. Remember: You won’t owe us anything unless we win.