Electric vehicles (EVs) are not too different from conventional gasoline or diesel-powered cars regarding build quality and design. The key difference is that they’re not powered by combustion engines prone to catching fire following a collision. However, this begs the question, “Are electric vehicles safe in an accident?”
Tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggest that EVs are safer than their traditional counterparts. However, they’re not free of potential safety defects or threats that can result in catastrophic injuries or deaths to drivers and passengers following a crash.
Therefore, in this post, we’ll discuss the main electric car accident risks every Nevada driver should know about. This information can help drivers when they contact an experienced car accident attorney for help with potential claims.
Nevada Electric Car Accident Risks You Should Know About
1. Autopilot Abuse
Autopilot is undoubtedly one of the key features of an EV. However, most drivers know this feature isn’t 100% hands-off or foot-free.
Yet, some still abuse the autopilot feature, with hundreds of viral videos of people sleeping, using their phones, eating, and doing other things behind the wheel, putting them at high risk of getting in an accident. These drivers also put passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in danger.
2. Pedestrian Accidents
As you know, EVs make significantly less noise than combustion engine vehicles. As a result, pedestrians, blind people, and even people wearing headphones can’t hear if an out-of-control EV is approaching, giving them little or no chance to react and prevent a collision.
3. Battery Fires
EVs may not require fuel to run. However, they contain lithium-ion batteries that aren’t immune to fire caused by shorts or collisions. These fires can do more than damage the battery housing. They can leach chemicals onto the surrounding internal environment and cause the fire to grow.
Moreover, these fires (Class B fires) are incredibly difficult to put out since they require dry chemicals or an ABC extinguisher.
4. Manufacturing Defects
Finally, many EVs, including Teslas, have faced quality control issues and released vehicles into the market with major defects. For instance, Tesla recalled Model 3 and Model S cars in the fall of 2021 due to defective rearview cameras, touchscreen failures, and auto trunk opening. Other common defects in electric vehicles include poor electrical wiring, navigation system failure, failing temperature sensors, etc.
Contact a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer Right Away!
Getting legal representation following an electric vehicle accident in Nevada is one of the most important steps you should take to hold the responsible party accountable for any injuries or damages. Electric vehicles may be safer in an accident compared to conventional vehicles. However, this doesn’t mean you should prepare for the aftermath of an EV accident to ensure you’re covered.
Our team of capable Nevada car accident lawyers can handle every aspect of an EV accident investigation and claim procedure, from gathering the necessary evidence to court representation. So, call us at (800)870-8910 for a free consultation to learn about our legal services, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
1-800-870-8910