Do Electric Cars Pose Additional Hazards during a Crash?
It wasn’t very many years ago that the idea of fully electric cars was pretty remote. Electric cars, however, have made their mark, and many people wonder if there are additional crash-related hazards involved. Because electric cars haven’t been around for decades, the data is pretty thin, but there are some important points to consider. And if you’ve suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence – regardless of what kind of car they drive – it’s time to consult with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney.
EV’s Fires Burn Hotter
A news outlet in Maryland reports that, while electric vehicles (EVs) are not more likely to burst into flames – the way many predicted – they are far more dangerous when they do. Car safety experts shared with the channel that, when an EV’s lithium-ion battery ignites, things break down quickly, and an immense amount of heat and fire are generated – leading to an explosion hazard.
If the fire breaks free of the cell in which it starts, it can spark a serious chain reaction called thermal runaway. This means that when fire is an issue, getting to the battery and cooling it down as quickly as possible is key – to prevent it from reigniting itself. While EV fires are more dangerous than those caused by gas-powered engines, they are also less common.
EVs are Exceptionally Heavy
A bigger issue when it comes to EV accidents – according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – is just how heavy electric vehicles are. The batteries in electric vehicles are so heavy that they make the cars themselves far heavier than other similarly sized vehicles. The heavier the vehicle the more damage it causes in the event of an accident – especially when the other vehicle is much lighter by comparison.
While the occupants of the EV are afforded greater protection by the weight of the vehicle that contains them in the event of an accident, the occupants of the other, similarly sized vehicle involved face considerably more risk.
The Driver
In the end, driver negligence is at the root of most car accidents, and the driver behind the wheel of that EV is no exception. The most common forms of driver negligence include all the following:
- Excess speed – it should be noted that EVs can reach very high speeds very quickly
- Distraction
- Exhaustion
- Impairment
- Aggression
- Failure to yield the right of way and follow other traffic laws
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
The formidable South Carolina car accident attorneys at John Price Law Firm have seen the devastation that accidents caused by negligent EV drivers can cause, and we’re committed to leaving no stone unturned in our focused efforts to obtain favorable claim resolutions for our valued clients like you. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us online or calling 843-552-6011 today.