Raleigh Electric Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Technology has offered many advances, and electric vehicles are one of them. However, no matter how great they are for the environment, they pose a significant risk of severe injury when in an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured by an electric vehicle, our electric vehicle accident lawyer can help.

How Can an Electric Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, Help Me?

An EV accident lawyer at The Law Offices of John M. can help you in various ways if you've been involved in an electric vehicle accident. The most significant way we can help is by pursuing damages.

How Much Does an Electric Vehicle Accident Attorney Cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury claims such as electric vehicle accidents. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

• Personal Injury lawyer
• Car Accident Lawyer
• Fatal car accident lawyer
• and more

The Unique Dangers of Electric Vehicles In Accidents

Electric vehicles (EVs) present specific risks during collisions that emergency responders, vehicle owners, and members of the public need to be aware of. Electric vehicle accidents can result in injury or death for pedestrians, drivers, passengers, and other parties involved in the crash.

In a recent (Jan 2023) Keynote to Transportation Research Board, the honorable Jennifer Homendy, Chair, Nation Transportation Safety Board, stated, "I'm concerned about the increased risk of severe injury and death for all road users from heavier curb weights and increasing size, power, and performance of vehicles on our roads, including electric vehicles."

Contact a Raleigh electric vehicle accident lawyer if you have been injured while in or around an EV.

EVs Are Significantly Heavier Than Internal Combustion Vehicles (ICE)

SUVs and truck models with electric batteries pose a high risk. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning is around 6,500 pounds, while its gas-powered form is lighter. On the other hand, the Hummer EV boasts an over 9,000-pound weight; its battery alone is heavier than a Honda Civic. This extra mass causes heightened force in a collision, making pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers of lesser vehicles more vulnerable.

Are EVs More Dangerous Because of Their Weight?

Data regarding traffic fatalities in 2022 is not yet available. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a substantial increase in road fatalities during the first nine months of 2021.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the projected number of fatalities for the first nine months of 2020 is higher than any other year since 2006 and also represents the highest percentage increase in deaths over the same period in the NHTSA's reporting history.
• In 2021, there was a 10.5 percent increase in traffic fatalities, resulting in 42,915 deaths – the highest amount since 2005.
• The Environmental Protection Agency states that the average weight of a vehicle has increased and is predicted to keep growing in the future. This average weight rose from 3,200 lbs in 1975 to 4,200 lbs currently, despite a steep decline observed during the 1980s.
• The National Bureau of Economic Research reported in 2011 that an average 1,000-pound uptick in weight was linked to a 1,000 percent higher rate of accident fatalities.

Suffice it to say the weight of EVs is a severe concern for others on the road.

Additional Safety Concerns of Electric Vehicles

While the weight of EVs is a severe concern, other risks are associated with electric vehicles.

Gain of Speed

Electric vehicles can also be more dangerous due to their ability to gain speed rapidly. For example, the Chevy Blazer EV SUV, equipped with its "Wide Open Watts Mode," can reach 60 mph in less than four seconds - comparable to many muscle cars. Likewise, a Tesla Model X Plaid is the fastest SUV on the market, accelerating from 0 to 60 in two and a half seconds.

While car enthusiasts love EVs gain of speed, this gain of speed is a real safety risk for anyone or anything in the EVs path. Pedestrians, kids playing, cyclists, and even animals now only have two and a half seconds to respond to oncoming traffic with an EV. That's not enough time and can cause significant injury or even death.

No Pedestrian Warning

With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, a new potential danger arises – the silence of their engines. Without any warning sound, pedestrians, in particular, are at risk of being unable to hear approaching vehicles.

The U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established a rule for all hybrid and electric cars to generate an artificial sound when driving at speeds lower than 18.6 mph. These safety measures are anticipated to reduce approximately 2,400 injuries annually and have been integrated into several models of cars in recent years.

Electric Car Fire Risk

The cause of electric vehicle fires lies in its battery. The technology that powers these vehicles are lithium-ion batteries which contain a liquid electrolyte with positively charged ions housed between two electrodes—the anode and cathode—, and they generate power through a chemical reaction when electrons move between them.
As powerful as they are, all batteries — including LI batteries — can overheat, causing short circuits known as thermal runaway, which raises temperatures within the battery, igniting potentially explosive materials like the plastic encasing other components near the battery cells. Additional causes for electrical car fires include mechanical damage or defects that pose a risk to a car's battery system.

Electric Car Accident FAQs

Who May be Held Liable for an Electric Car Accident or Injury?

The liable party depends on an electric car accident or injury circumstances. Commonly, potential parties responsible could include:

• any vehicle driver involved in the accident
• a manufacturer of auto parts related to the incident
• another motorist negligent of safe driving practices
• or a municipality if hazardous conditions exist due to road work or other infrastructure maintenance.

Are There any Legal Remedies Available for an Electric Car Accident?

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 following:

• at-fault driver
• electric vehicle manufacturers
• or auto mechanic shop where it was recently serviced

How Much is My Electric Vehicle Accident Case Worth?

The amount you could receive for an electric vehicle accident case is easier to determine by knowing all the details. Your potential damage claim will depend on various 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.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Assistance with an Electric Car Accident Claim?

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.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Personal Injury Claim?

Economic Damages

Economic damages are losses that arise from an injury or harm to another's property, business, or finances. Economic damages include:

• Past medical expenses (related to the accident)
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Repair costs for damaged property

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are personal injury cases that cannot be quantified or measured. These include:

• pain and suffering
• emotional distress
• inconvenience
• destruction of one's quality of life
• scarring or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are legal damages that a court will award 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

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.

Wrongful Death

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.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?

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.

What Injuries are Common with an Electric Vehicle Accident?

- Whiplash
- Head and neck injuries
- Electrical burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
-Broken bones
-and even death