More and more people are purchasing electric cars to use less energy, reduce carbon emissions, and enjoy cutting-edge technology. Although more electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in 2021 than ever before, they are still only 1% of all cars, SUVs, and light trucks in the United States. With that percentage in mind, there are many car accidents caused by unfamiliarity with these vehicles. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving an EV then an electric car accidents lawyer from Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Caused By Lack of Sound
One appealing aspect of EVs is how quiet they can be. Electric motors produce a slight hum or whine, compared to the loud growl of internal combustion engines. Drivers and passengers can enjoy the quiet ride offered by EVs.
However, the lack of sound can lead to bicycle accidents and pedestrians accidents. People walking or riding bikes may not hear electric cars approaching as quickly as they’d hear gasoline cars.
While EVs are only 1% of the US market, that’s still 2.5-million vehicles people can interact with. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles and some car companies have been proactive with adding warning sounds to EVs, the majority of electric cars in the US do not make warning sounds.
The NHTSA claims that minimum sound requirements in EVs would eliminate 2,400 accident injuries every year and save up to $320-million in damages. The final ruling for EV minimum sound requirements went into effect on August 12, 2022. Until all EVs meet that requirement, which could take years, electric car accidents that injure bicyclists and pedestrians will still be an issue.
What About Accidents Caused by Coal Rolling?
Instances of truck drivers rolling coal are becoming more and more common. For those unfamiliar with the practice, coal rolling is performed by diesel trucks modified to emit large amounts of exhaust. The driver targets EVs and hits them with a cloud of exhaust. The exhaust can be extremely dark, which can obstruct the target’s vision, leading to an accident.
Coal rolling was initially popular when the Toyota Prius hybrid car first became popular in the United States. In recent years, Tesla drivers have been the most common target of rolling coal. For dubious reasons, some truck drivers resent Tesla owners and use coal rolling as a prank. However, this “prank” can be deadly considering that it involves heavy vehicles traveling at high speeds.
Coal rolling is currently illegal in six states. In states where it isn’t banned outright, it can still be considered reckless behavior when it leads to an injury. If you or a driver in your family have been a victim of a coal-rolling truck accident then contact Lerner and Rowe immediately.
Contact an Electric Car Accidents Lawyer
Electric vehicles are a relatively new product that can lead to new types of accidents. Things like pedestrians getting hit by a car because they couldn’t hear it or a driver getting into a crash caused by coal rolling were uncommon 10 years ago. These days, thousands of people are injured in accidents caused by these things.
Getting the compensation you deserve from “new” types of accidents can be difficult. This is why you need an electric car accidents lawyer from Lerner and Rowe. Our highly experienced and skilled attorneys understand how to deal with insurance companies so that our clients receive the highest compensation possible. Contact us today and take the first step towards your rightful settlement.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at 844-977-1900, reach out to us online via LiveChat, or submit your information using this secure contact form.
Lerner and Rowe has helped tens of thousands of injury victims receive outstanding settlements. Additionally, our team takes great pride in helping clients carry the burden of their injuries so that they can focus on recovery and not worry about getting cheated by insurance companies. Our commitment to customer service and superior results are why Lerner and Rowe is one of the most trusted personal injury firms in the United States. Give us a call today and you’ll quickly learn how we’ve earned that reputation.