Electric vehicles (EVs) have been widely accepted and are frequently seen on our Fort Myers streets and highways. With their increase in popularity, we have also seen an increase in accidents involving them. What few people realize, though, is the unique legal and technical challenges that an accident with an EV may have.
If you have been in an accident with an EV, our electric vehicle accident lawyers in Fort Myers understand the issues you are facing. From the physical pain, mounting medical bills, lost income, and the uncertainty of an insurance claim, these are challenging enough to deal with without the added complexity that an EV car accident can bring. Help is available. Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (844) 643-7200. We can provide you with a free case consultation and explain how aFort Myers car accident lawyer can seek maximum compensation for you and your family.
Why Electric Vehicle Accidents Are Different From Other Car Crashes
As the name implies, an electric vehicle derives its power from electricity rather than gas in a traditional internal combustion engine. It is a marvel of modern technology. However, that electricity and the other components behind the vehicle’s operation bring certainrisks and dangers that few are aware of:
- Battery Fires: If the lithium-ion batteries in an EV are damaged in an accident, there is the potential of thermal runaway, creating an intense fire and explosion.
- Higher Vehicle Weight: Also, the EV’s batteries increase the weight of the vehicle substantially, which in turn creates higher forces upon impact
- Regenerative Braking: Malfunctions with the regenerative braking system can cause problems with slowing and stopping the vehicle, affecting the driver’s reaction.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): From drivers over-relying on the system to malfunctions detecting hazards, accidents often result from delayed reaction to overcorrections.
Due to these issues, liability in your case may include the at-fault driver and possibly the manufacturers, software designers, or parts suppliers. An EV crash attorney in Fort Myers can investigate and identify all liable parties.
Common Causes of Electric Vehicle Accidents in Fort Myers
Many times, the cause of the car accident is driver negligence, but with an EV, there could be additional causes:
- Drivers distracted by in-vehicle screens
- Drivers inexperienced with EV handling
- Sudden acceleration or braking malfunctions
- Battery defects or electrical failures
- Software or autonomous feature errors
- Charging station defects or improper installation
An electric car accident lawyer near you can assist with determining the cause of your car accident.
Serious Injuries Seen in Electric Vehicle Crashes
Frequently, EV accident victims suffer from such injuries as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Victims face long-term medical costs and a disruption of their lives following such catastrophic injuries, but ourFort Myers personal injury lawyers can help pursue fair compensation through a Florida electric vehicle accident claim.
Who May Be Liable in an Electric Vehicle Crash Case
In most car accidents, liability first falls on the at-fault EV driver. However, liability could also include the following parties:
- Another negligent motorist
- Electric vehicle manufacturer
- Battery manufacturer or supplier
- Software developer or autonomous system provider
- Charging station owner or maintenance company
- Government entity for roadway hazards
Determining fault can be complex, but our EV injury lawyer in Fort Myers has the resources to identify all liable parties. Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (844) 643-7200 for a free case consultation.
What Compensation May Be Available to EV Accident Victims
If your injuries meet theserious injury threshold, you could step outside yourpersonal injury protection (PIP) policy. An EV lawsuit could help you collect compensation for your damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
An electric car crash compensation attorney from our law firm can explainhow PIP insurance coverage works and compile your full range of damages.
How Our Electric Vehicle Injury Attorney in Fort Myers Can Help
When you decide to work with us, you can count on our law firm to do the following for you:
- Investigate the crash and preserve electronic vehicle data
- Work with accident reconstruction and EV experts
- Identify all liable parties
- Handle the insurance companies and manufacturers
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
In addition to a free consultation, we also work on contingency. Under this agreement, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Florida Deadlines That Affect EV Accident Claims
UnderFlorida Statutes § 95.11, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the accident date. We must begin your case before that deadline expires. If it does, you may lose your opportunity to receive fair compensation.
With early notice, our EV crash lawsuit attorneys can protect your rights and secure evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
What to Do After an Electric Vehicle Accident in Fort Myers
Immediately following your accident, we advise you to do the following:
- Seek medical attention at Lee Morial Hospital or a similar facility
- Call law enforcement and obtain a police report
- Document the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Avoid speaking to insurers or manufacturers alone
- Contact an electric vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible
Speak With a Fort Myers Electric Vehicle Crash Lawyer Today
Reach out to one of the top EV accident law firms in Fort Myers by calling (844) 643-7200. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has been helping injury victims for over two decades, securing over $200 million in personal injury settlements. You pay nothing up front, and we only get paid when you win.
Learn more about your right to fair compensation during your free case consultation today. Call now.