When we consider whether electric cars are more dangerous in an accident than other cars, we must look at their overall performance. Some characteristics make them more dangerous, while others might make them seem safer.
Regardless of how your car performed, if you’ve been injured in an electric vehicle accident, a Greenville car accident lawyer at Smith Jordan Law is here to help you figure out your next steps.
How safe are electric cars compared to gas-powered vehicles?
According to Plug in America, some reports indicate that electric vehicles often perform better than gas-powered vehicles. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has several electric vehicles on its top safety picks for the most recent year.
These reports suggest they could be less prone to fires, and a lower center of gravity makes even the SUVs more stable and less likely to roll over than other vehicles of comparable size.
What unique risks are associated with electric vehicle accidents?
While they may be less prone to fires overall, the lithium-ion battery in most of these vehicles makes them significantly more dangerous if they do ignite. This high-voltage system and battery-associated risk also includes concerns about delayed reignition and thermal runaway, which may trigger an explosion.
Are electric vehicle fires more dangerous than gasoline fires?
Electric vehicle fires and gasoline fires differ, but it is difficult to say for certain which is more dangerous. A recent study from the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) states that, though different, both fires emit dangerous contaminants into the air, requiring full protective equipment for firefighters.
Gasoline fires can be more sudden, but lithium-ion battery fires often burn far hotter, reaching in excess of 2,000 degrees F. This increased heat can require more water to suppress the fire, which may be necessary, but the runoff carries a higher risk of contamination to the surrounding areas. Oftentimes, the most effective fire suppression strategy is through chemical suppressants.
How does the weight of electric vehicles affect crash outcomes?
The amount of force your body and vehicle endure in an accident is directly related to the weight of the vehicle and the rate of travel. The increased weight of an electric vehicle may provide a degree of safety to its passengers, but may also cause more injury to occupants of the other vehicle.
Do electric cars reduce the risk of certain injuries?
Electric vehicles reduce the risk of certain injuries in several ways:
- The heavy battery pack is typically on the floor, making the vehicle more stable and less likely to roll
- The location of the EV battery provides space for a larger crumple zone than standard engines allow. This means the body of the vehicle can absorb more of the impact than your body
- The lower risk of a fire means occupants are less likely to suffer from burn injuries
While these features are not inherently meant to improve safety, they can dramatically reduce the rate of internal injury, soft tissue injuries, brain injury, and other injuries caused by the impact of a rollover or increased force through the body on impact.
How is liability handled in an electric vehicle accident?
An attorney or the insurance company is likely to address liability in an electric vehicle accident similarly to any other accident. Some recent research has shown that EV drivers tend to assume liability at an increased rate of 6.7%. However, liability is determined based on negligent behavior. This is often based on traffic law violations or manufacturing defects.
Some accidents may be the result of negligence from more than one party, in which case we will investigate how much liability each party should assume, and compensation is apportioned in accordance with South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence statute.
Why does local driving in Greenville matter in EV accidents?
The local infrastructure can have a significant impact on your accident risk when driving an electric vehicle. Often, the stop-and-go nature of downtown traffic can make regenerative braking feel surprising or jarring to those driving bumper-to-bumper behind you. Rapid acceleration when merging may catch people off guard, especially since electric motors don’t make the sounds that a gasoline engine may provide.
Downtown Greenville is a hub for pedestrians and cyclists. The combination of low-visibility infrastructure and the near-silence of electric vehicles can be dangerous. An electric vehicle accident lawyer who knows the quirks of driving in downtown Greenville can give a different perspective that may lead them to pursue other avenues of liability while protecting you and maximizing the compensation you can recover.
Get guidance after a car accident in Greenville
The aftermath of a car accident is often stressful, painful, and exhausting. When you seek guidance from a Greenville car accident lawyer, you gain someone in your corner. The team at Smith Jordan Law will review your situation and help you understand what to expect moving forward, so you can focus on recovery. Contact or call us today at (864) 343-2222 to schedule your free case consultation and learn more.