Honestly, many of the cases I've read of a fire have actually started with the car telling you via the display to leave before the batteries caught on fire. If the fire is instant after the crash, the crash may very well have been so severe that you would not have survived anyway. Because these cars have no engine in the front, there is more room for a crumple zone and you also don't have that huge engine to pin you in.The 787s were grounded for the battery issue. It just sux that all the Li-Ion and Li-Hydride batteries keep catching fire and explode.
Doesn't happen as often with petrol.
Guys, electricity is just not there yet.
Overall, from what I've read, you are much safer in an electric car than a gasoline one.