Truck Accident Attorneys

Battery Explosion

Every vehicle has a battery that assists it in starting and then running once it is started. The battery is responsible for a number of items and is recharged by the vehicle when it is running. The vast majority of car batteries are powered by a lead-acid combination.

When this lead-acid system is overcharged, it will produce hydrogen gas. This is through a chemical reaction that, when the battery is heated by charging, replaces the hydrogen in the acid with the lead. This releases hydrogen gas. If the rate of overcharge is small, the vents on either side of the cell allow the gas to dissipate.

When the overcharge is severe, ventilation is inadequate, or in the event of a faulty battery, a flammable concentration of hydrogen can build up within the cell or in the battery enclosure. Once this happen, any spark can cause a hydrogen and oxygen explosion. This damages the battery and its surroundings. In addition, once the battery is opened, the acid will be able to disperse into the area surrounding the battery. Anyone who is close to the battery at the time of the explosion can be severely injured.

In many cases, the ends of the battery will be severely swollen. When this is accompanied by the case of the battery being too hot to touch, there is a good chance that there is a malfunction in the charging system of the car. When the battery is severely overcharged and the lead-acid battery gases are at a high level and the venting system cannot handle it, pressure builds inside the battery which causes the ends to swell. This can be due to an unregulated alternator.

An unregulated alternator can produce a high level of charge which can easily and quickly ruin a battery. Any battery that is swollen and hot is very dangerous. It should not be handled until it has been given sufficient time to cool and any hydrogen gas has been given an opportunity to dissipate.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, there may be legal options available. Contact the truck accident lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to discuss your case and to schedule an initial consultation.