By Dan Noll on March 27th, 2024 in Car Accident
Springfield Car Accident Lawyers Explain How Electric Car Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents in Illinois
Hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular on the roads, particularly as government programs help make purchasing these vehicles and chargers more affordable. Vehicle manufacturers are also shifting their focus away from traditional gas vehicles and introducing more hybrid and electric options to satisfy buyers too. As a result of this combination, sales of hybrid and electric vehicles have tripled over the last two years with electric vehicles accounting for over 8.5% of all new vehicles that were sold or leased in the United States. However, despite being branded as better for the environment and cheaper in the long run for drivers, some evaluations of electric vehicles believe that they may lead to more fatal crashes due to their strong power and heavier weight. Indeed, the Springfield car accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office have seen an increase in hybrid and electric vehicle crashes in Illinois. It is important for victims and their families of these crashes to understand why and how electric car accidents differ from other car accidents in order to protect their rights to compensation.
That’s why you should call the Noll Law Office if you or a loved one were seriously injured in any type of motor vehicle crash. This is particularly true if you were injured in an electric vehicle crash, as some of the unique attributes of these vehicles may be fully understood by less-experienced lawyers. That’s because electric vehicles carry different risks than other vehicles, as well as having unique liability issues related to their design, manufacturing, and maintenance. Their experienced Springfield car accident lawyers offer free consultations to victims and their families, and you can schedule your free appointment by calling them today by dialing (217) 414-8889.
Physical Attributes Affecting How Electric Car Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents
There are some surprising physical attributes of electric cars that actually make them more dangerous than other vehicles on the roads. These attributes create risk for everyone in a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury or wrongful death.
Heavier Weight
For example, although engine blocks and fuel storage are heavy, what most people do not realize is that electric vehicles are often much heavier than their gas counterparts. In fact, many electric vehicles are actually 25-33% heavier than their gas equivalent. This heavier weight generates more momentum at a lower speed, which increases the force of an impact. Thus, an electric car going 25mph will hit much harder than a gas car going the same speed, resulting in more damage and the potential for injuries.
Battery Packs
Part of this weight is due to the heavy battery packs, which also create a unique risk in a motor vehicle accident. These risks include explosions and fires, which can be deadly to occupants of the vehicle or others involved in the crash. But even where the electric car accident does not result in an explosion or fire, battery leaks can also result in serious chemical burns, inhalation injuries, or related injuries.
Speed and Power
Moreover, electric vehicles also have a lot of power. That means speed and it encourages drivers to drive faster, according to one source. This faster speed means decreased reaction time but increased stopping distance. It also means that the heavier weight of the electric vehicle will generate even more momentum and force in an impact, thus being more likely to cause serious injury or death.
Overreliance on Technology
Another inherent risk of electric vehicles is that many of them use technology as a selling point that drivers overly depend on without otherwise driving safely. That includes driver assistance systems like blind spot indicators, pilot assist, lane assist, and even full driving modes. However, some drivers will not look back to check their blind spot and only rely on a sensor that could be dirty, blocked, inaccurate, or not properly gauge another driver coming up the lane.
Further, self-driving has also proven to not be as safe as it was touted to be. Part of that is due to drivers fully neglecting their duty to still supervise, monitor, and be ready to intervene when their vehicle is in self-drive mode. This includes drivers being intoxicated, distracted, drugged, or even sleeping – all which could be deemed negligent in a motor vehicle accident in Illinois.
Other Factors Why and How Electric Car Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents in Illinois
Besides the physical attributes, there are some other factors that make electric car accidents different from other vehicles. One of those is actually something that is often touted as a benefit or advantage of electric vehicles, but is a significant risk for victims and their families.
That risk is the silence of electric vehicles. Indeed, electric vehicles are much quieter than their gas counterparts. That is a huge selling point and advantage for manufacturers who have to do less sound-proving of the cabin area. However, it creates a significant risk for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and even other drivers who may not hear an electric car coming down the road. In fact, a statistical study shows that hybrid and electric vehicles actually present a 25-27% greater risk to pedestrians and bicyclists than other vehicles. Another research study revealed that even adding 1,000 pounds to a vehicle – which even the lightest of electric vehicles add 900 extra pounds as compared to their gas counterparts – can increase the risk of a pedestrian being killed in an accident by 47%.
Another risk is the horsepower ratings of electric vehicles, which create an issue for other vehicles and pedestrians. This increased risk is their ability to judge acceleration, specifically the time and distance that it takes for an electric vehicle to travel towards them. Thus, the same research study above noted that electric vehicles pose a greater risk in urban and populated areas because other people have trouble gauging the speed of electric vehicles when turning, crossing, or performing other maneuvers. This specifically relates to acceleration at a light or stop sign.
Injured by an Electric Vehicle in Illinois? Call the Noll Law Office to Speak With Their Springfield Car Accident Lawyers
Understanding how electric car accidents differ from other car accidents is important to know what risks of injury a victim may have. That’s because not all injuries are immediately apparent, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or organ damage. Thus, having an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer like one of those at the Noll Law Office can help advise you of your rights, explain how electric car accidents differ from other car accidents, and watch out for your potential injuries due to the greater force in a collision.
If you or a loved one suffered any serious personal injuries in any type of motor vehicle accident, especially if a loved one was wrongfully killed, contact the Noll Law Office to schedule your free case evaluation today. Their compassionate legal team is standing by and ready to help you and your family.