Electric vehicles have become a significant technological advancement, but they come with potential risks of severe injury during accidents, despite their environmental benefits. If there has been an accident involving you or your loved one and an electric vehicle, our electric vehicle accident lawyer is available to offer assistance.
If you were in an electric vehicle accident, a lawyer specializing in EV accidents can assist you. They can help by pursuing damages which come in various forms. These types of damages will be discussed later in this article.
Mezrano Law Firm works on a contingency. A contingency fee basis means the law firm will not charge you anything unless you win a settlement or in court. A contingency fee ensures the victim pays nothing out of pocket and that the law firm works hard for your case. We also offer contingency for other areas of practice, such as:
It is important for emergency responders, vehicle owners, and the public to be aware of the unique safety risks that electric vehicles (EVs) pose during collisions. If you have experienced an injury in or near an EV, seek guidance from a car accident attorney located in Alabama.
Electric vehicles have specific crash hazards that may lead to harm or even fatalities for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other involved parties.
Electric SUVs and truck models can be dangerous due to their heavy weight. The Ford F-150 Lightning is about 6,500 pounds, while its gas-powered version is lighter. The Hummer EV weighs over 9,000 pounds, with its battery heavier than a Honda Civic. This increased weight results in more force during collisions, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers in smaller vehicles at greater risk.
During her keynote speech at the Transportation Research Board in January 2023, Jennifer Homendy - who is the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board - expressed her concern about the rise in curb weight and size, power, and performance of vehicles on roads, including electric vehicles. She also mentioned that this increase poses a higher risk of severe injuries and fatalities for all road users.
Information on traffic fatalities for 2022 is not yet obtainable, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted a significant rise in road deaths during the first nine months of 2021.
The weight of electric vehicles is a significant concern for the safety of other drivers.
While the weight of EVs is a severe concern, other risks are associated with electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles have been known to pose a higher risk as they can gain speed rapidly. The Chevy Blazer EV SUV can achieve 0-60 mph in under four seconds, thanks to its "Wide Open Watts Mode," which is comparable to numerous muscle cars. The Tesla Model X Plaid is currently the fastest SUV available, with an acceleration rate of 0 to 60 in two and a half seconds.
The acceleration of electric vehicles, which car enthusiasts admire, presents a safety risk for obstacles in its path. Individuals traveling on foot, children engaging in play, bicycle riders, and even animals are now given a limited duration of two and a half seconds to react to approaching electric vehicles. The limited amount of time can result in severe harm or fatality.
The increase in electric and hybrid vehicles has brought forth a potential safety concern - the quietness of their engines. Pedestrians may be susceptible to not hearing vehicles approaching without an audible warning.
The NHTSA has implemented a regulation mandating hybrid and electric vehicles to emit artificial noise at speeds below 18.6 mph, aiming to reduce roughly 2,400 injuries per year. Various car models have adopted this requirement in recent times.
Electric vehicle fires are caused by the lithium-ion batteries that power them. These batteries contain a liquid electrolyte filled with positively charged ions located between two electrodes - the anode and cathode. When electrons move between them, a chemical reaction occurs and generates power.
Batteries, including LI batteries, have the potential to overheat which can lead to short circuits known as thermal runaway. This raises temperatures within the battery and can potentially ignite explosive materials. Electrical car fires can also be caused by mechanical damage or defects that pose a risk to a car's battery system.
The liable party depends on an electric car accident or injury circumstances. Commonly, potential parties responsible could include:
Yes, there are legal remedies available for electric car accidents. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, people may be able to recover the maximum compensation from the:
The amount you could receive for an electric vehicle accident case is difficult to determine without knowing all the details. Your potential damage claim will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your injuries, who is liable for your damages, and any applicable insurance policies that may cover your losses. It is best to consult with an experienced accident attorney who can properly evaluate your case and provide guidance.
Yes, contacting a personal injury lawyer for assistance when filing an electric car accident claim is always best. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you understand the process and your legal rights and ensure your claim is handled efficiently and effectively.
Economic damages are losses that arise from an injury or harm to another’s property, business, or finances. Economic damages include:
Non-economic damages are damages in personal injury cases that cannot be quantified or measured. These include:
Punitive damages are a type of legal damages that a court will award in order to punish the wrongdoer for egregious misconduct or to set an example for other potential violators. They are generally in addition to any other compensatory damages that were awarded.
Special damages, also known as consequential damages, do not occur directly from a breach but are considered a consequence of that breach. They include economic losses such as lost profits or the cost of repair or replacement. They may also have other losses, such as emotional distress due to the breach.
A Wrongful Death Lawsuit is a civil action brought to compensate someone for the loss of life of another due to another person’s negligence or intentional act. Surviving family members can bring wrongful death lawsuits to seek financial compensation.
No, we do not recommend you talk to the other driver's insurance company. Insurance companies are known to get you to admit liability (even if you aren't liable) so they don't have to pay you anything. Let the car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of John M. McCabe work with the insurance company instead. We will advocate and look out for your best interest.