Electric car accidents can differ from other car accidents in several ways. One of the most important distinctions is the weight of electric vehicles, which are substantially heavier than similarly sized gas-powered vehicles. This greater weight can mean higher-impact accidents.
Other considerations in electric vehicle (EV) accidents are a heightened risk of fire and liability issues related to self-driving modes. A car accident lawyer in Florida understands the differences between electric and gas-powered vehicles and how those differences might apply to victims’ cases for fair compensation.
EV Accident vs. Traditional Car Accident: Do I Need to Do Anything Different Afterward?
Some auto accident victims assume that if they merely follow their insurance claims process after an accident, everything will work out. However, that is not always the case, so it’s in your interest to be proactive in the aftermath of an EV-related accident.
Get Medical Care for Physical Injuries and Other Health Problems
Car accidents can cause severe lacerations, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head and facial injuries, and other serious health ailments. In addition, you might face a heightened risk of burn injury when an electric car is involved in a collision.
You can protect your health and promote the success of your case by seeking:
- Medical care, including emergency care
- Mental health services for accident-related trauma (e.g., anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression)
Many attorneys, including ours, help their clients find the care they need after car accidents.
Working With a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer can be another priority after your accident. There are several reasons why accident victims prioritize their lawyer selection process, including ensuring you don’t let the statute of limitations for car accident cases in Florida expire.
Electric Car Accident Differences Include Several Risk Factors
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes how newer EVs weigh over 6,000 pounds. This added weight can affect what happens in crashes because:
- Their tires wear out more quickly, increasing the possibility of blowouts
- They hit other cars with more force
- Other vehicle components experience excess wear and tear
- EVs become more difficult to maneuver
Some of the other EV-specific hazards and realities that may contribute to collisions, possibly worsen the severity of those collisions, and complicate the process of seeking compensation for an EV accident include:
- Quicker acceleration: Several EV models can reach 60 mph in less than three seconds. The temptation for drivers to take advantage of this acceleration—perhaps by trying to scoot through a tight gap between other vehicles—may lead to collisions.
- Engine-related fires: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) notes that fires originating in EVs’ lithium-ion batteries pose burn hazards and expose first responders (and possibly accident victims) to electric shock.
- Complex technology: Many electric vehicles are essentially large computers connected to an engine on wheels. While this tech reliance makes electric vehicles cutting-edge in many ways, it also introduces more variables—including the challenges of self-driving technology—that may lead to an accident.
These potential EV-related hazards don’t just endanger other motorists. Suppose an EV hit you as you were in a crosswalk. A Florida pedestrian accident attorney could help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Your Electric Car Accident Lawyer Will Advocate for You
A car accident lawyer is an advocate who will handle every detail of your case. That’s why victims who hire an attorney typically have much more time to rest, recover, and keep their minds on matters other than their case.
Most electric car accident lawyers analyze each client’s unique circumstances. This individualized analysis allows the lawyer to personalize their legal approach. However, they’ll still handle these tasks on a client’s behalf.
Communicating with Insurers
Your lawyer will protect you from unwanted contact, badgering, and other communications from insurance representatives. This protection will not only preserve your case but should also benefit your mental health.
Proving Fault for the Electric Car Accident
Your attorney may prove fault for the electric car accident with:
- Data from the electric vehicle’s black box
- Witness testimony
- Video footage and photographs
- Police officer’s accident report
Your attorney will want to secure such evidence immediately, which may be a reason to hire your lawyer as soon as possible.
Leading Settlement Talks
Your attorney will secure your medical records, invoices for property damage, and other documentation of your accident-related losses. They will likely cite this documentation as they seek a settlement from liable parties.
Our firm has an extensive record of taking car accident cases to trial. We will be prepared if filing a lawsuit or going to trial proves the right strategy for you.
You Deserve Fair Compensation for Your EV Accident Damages
Your Florida car accident lawyer will account for every loss from your traffic collision, which could include the following:
- Medical bills
- Property costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health treatment
- Lost income
If you have lost a loved one and want to work with a Florida wrongful death lawyer, our firm’s compassionate attorneys are experienced in this case type.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for Your Free Consultation About a Florida Car Accident Attorney
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has obtained more than $200 million in personal injury settlements. Our firm brings more than 75 years of experience to your case. We handle EV-specific cases because of our familiarity with electric vehicle accident statistics and understand electric car crash safety risks.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today for your free consultation about hiring a Florida car accident attorney. Your consultation is pressure-free and can provide immense value, so don’t wait to speak with us.
