Navigating Electric Vehicle Accidents in California
As leading personal injury attorneys in Southern California, we’ve helped countless accident victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else, you may be eligible to pursue a lawsuit. Contact us to learn more.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, California leads the nation in electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations. As a result, EV accidents in California
are commonplace. While these accidents are similar to those involving traditional vehicles, they come with some special considerations.
If you were injured in an electric vehicle accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. However, your ability to secure a settlement will depend on your choice of legal representation. You’ll need a car accident attorney with experience in EV accidents to maximize your claim. Luckily, you don’t have to look too far.
The car accident lawyers at Case Barnett Law have the knowledge, resources, and experience you need to build a rock-solid case for your compensation. This article will explain everything you need to know about navigating electric vehicle accidents in California, including special legal considerations in EV cases and how an attorney can help you pursue compensation.
Are you drowning in medical debt after your accident? You shouldn't be footing the bill if you didn’t cause injuries. Schedule a consultation with our law firm to get started.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Accidents
Electric vehicles have advanced technology and unique mechanics that separate them from gasoline-powered vehicles. With high-voltage battery packs, electric motors, and advanced safety technologies, EVs have distinct attributes that impact the dynamics of an accident. These differences influence the cause and resulting damage of a crash and the legal proceedings that follow a serious accident.
California has specific laws and regulations governing electric vehicles, including safety standards and liability rules. Familiarizing yourself with California’s EV regulations can provide important insights into your case—especially if an electric vehicle defect or a driver’s non-compliance with safety standards contributed to your accident.
Common Causes of EV Accidents
Electric vehicle accidents happen for many of the same reasons as traditional accidents. However, some electric vehicle accidents occur due to their unique components and mechanisms. Here are some of the most common causes of electric car accidents:
- Battery issues. Some EV accidents are caused by thermal runaway, where the EV’s battery temperature and pressure escalate rapidly and may lead to fires or explosions. Battery-related issues can result from defects, damage, and improper maintenance.
- Software and electrical malfunctions. Modern electric vehicles rely on sensitive software for battery management, propulsion, and more functions. Software glitches or failures can cause critical issues, including loss of control.
- Driver inexperience. Drivers new to electric vehicles may be unfamiliar with their regenerative braking systems and acceleration patterns, potentially leading to driver errors and loss of control.
- Silent operation. At low speeds, many EVs are silent. This increases the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists who may not hear the vehicle approaching.
- Mechanical failures. The weight of an EV’s battery pack and its instant torque can lead to faster tire wear, increasing the risk of accidents if not properly maintained. The additional weight can also strain suspension components and lead to premature failure.
- Semi-autonomous features. Many electric vehicles include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or semi-autonomous features. Over-reliance on these features can lead to driver distraction, especially if an ADAS fails to recognize certain obstacles or traffic signals.
When pursuing EV accident claims, working with an attorney who understands the distinct features of modern electric vehicles is helpful. The Costa Mesa car accident attorney team at Case Barnett Law can provide the expertise you need to approach your case with confidence and efficiency.
Pursuing Compensation for an Electric Car Accident
If you suffered serious injuries in an electric vehicle accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through an electric vehicle lawsuit. If you decide to move forward with legal action, your attorney will walk you through the following steps:
- Gathering evidence. Any information you can gather about your accident may prove useful in your legal case. This includes your accident report, medical records, doctor’s notes about your injuries, injury-related bills, vehicle repairs—any documents that pertain to your accident.
- Calculating damages. Your attorney can help you calculate a settlement amount based on your losses. This includes economic damages—quickly calculable financial losses—and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
- Negotiating settlements. The majority of personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company and at-fault party on your behalf to reach a fair settlement.
- Litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial. However, remember that not all accident attorneys are proficient litigators. The best attorney for you will be able to present technical evidence, expert testimony, and other evidence to prove liability and damages.
Remember that the at-fault party in electric vehicle accident cases isn’t always another driver; it may also be a vehicle manufacturer or another party in the supply chain. In these cases, an experienced attorney can help you explore the possibility of a product liability lawsuit.
Case Barnett Law: Top Electric Vehicle Accident Attorneys in California
Navigating the complexities of any type of car accident case is difficult without legal representation. Electric vehicle accident cases present an extra layer of consideration, so working with a knowledgeable lawyer is necessary. Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far: The experienced personal injury attorney team at Case Barnett Law are here to help. Schedule a free case evaluation to get started.
