Should Electric Vehicle Quality Concern You?
The use of electric vehicles has become a hot topic. There has been a substantial push towards utilizing ecologically friendly vehicles. Many of the technologies in electric vehicles are being touted as not only reliable but safe.
Unfortunately, there are some concerns you should be aware of if you are in a collision with an electric vehicle. You might have the right to compensation for your damages if defective or malfunctioning electric vehicle parts cause your collision.
The Future of the Road: Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have grown in popularity over the last ten years. Many organizations, government agencies, and environmentalists alike are hoping to put more electric vehicles on the roadways in the coming years.
This is partly because electric vehicles do not require gasoline or oil, which should make them safer and more efficient. Electric vehicles are also typically quieter than other types of motor vehicles.
However, that does not mean electric vehicles do not come without risk. And in some cases, they may be more dangerous than you have previously been led to believe.
Risks of Electric Vehicles
Motor vehicles carry a significant risk of defects known for causing car accidents. Electric vehicles are also known for certain vehicle defects.
Some risks of electric vehicles could include:
- Battery fires
- Acceleration issues
- Steering issues
- Bad charges
- Air conditioning issues
- Braking problems
- Speedometer inaccuracies
Can Electric Vehicles Be Considered Defective?
Because electric vehicles are not like traditional vehicles, when there are issues with certain types of vehicle parts, it can make the vehicle even more dangerous. Many types of vehicle defects are known for causing collisions.
Examples of such defects include:
- Body hardware issues
- Braking problems
- Climate system issues
- Defective navigation systems
- Drive system issues
- Door locks that don’t function properly
- Electrical issues
- Engine issues
- Fuel gauge issues
- In-car electronics issues
- Noises
- Paint issues
- Poor acceleration
- Power equipment issues
- Steering issues
- Transmission issues
What Kind of Compensation Comes from Defective Car Cases?
You have the right to be compensated for all your damages when defective electric car parts injure you. To ensure every loss is considered, your damages will be separated into economic/special damages or non-economic/general damages.
Special damages, also known as economic damages, consist of all your financial losses. Some examples may include the costs of repairs to your electric vehicle, the cost of replacing your electric vehicle, out-of-pocket rental car fees, medical expenses, costs of future medical care, property damage expenses, loss of income, and more.
General damages, also known as non-economic damages, account for how your life may have been affected by your electric vehicle accident. This might include your diminished quality of life, disfigurement, skin scarring, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Additionally, if the court system finds the defendant’s actions in your case to be intolerable, shocking, or reprehensible, they may find it necessary and appropriate to award punitive damages. However, it is crucial to remember that these damages are not a loss you are entitled to recover as part of your electric vehicle accident claim.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove a Defective Electric Vehicle?
If you hope to maximize the compensation you are awarded in your defective electric vehicle claim, your attorney will need to introduce valuable supporting evidence. Examples of such evidence could include:
- User experience testimonials
- Maintenance logs
- Safety inspection reports
- Reports of maintenance or parts issues
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the damage to your vehicle
- Pictures of the property damage
- Video of the collision
- The liable party’s blood alcohol test results
- The liable party’s cell phone records
- Expert testimony
- Statements from eyewitnesses and bystanders
- Accident reconstructionist reports
- Police and accident reports
- Copies of your medical records
Who Could Be Liable for A Defective EV?
Figuring out who is responsible for causing your electric vehicle accident can be challenging. With defective products, nearly anyone involved in the distribution of the product could share liability.
However, certain parties are found liable for defective electric vehicle accidents more frequently than others. Examples of these parties could include:
- Owners of electric cars who failed to perform necessary and routine maintenance
- Electric vehicle retailers
- Electric vehicle mechanics and technicians
- Manufacturers of electric vehicle parts
- Distributors of electric vehicle parts
- Electric vehicle dealerships
These are just a few parties who could be found liable for your injuries following a collision with a defective electric vehicle. Your car accident lawyer will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine who is at fault and how to bring them to justice.
Get Your Defective Electric Vehicle Questions Answered
Atlee Hall is the go-to Pennsylvania law firm when you need a legal advocate who will take your concerns to heart and work diligently to help you recover the compensation you need to cover your expenses and begin to rebuild your life.
Whether you have questions about the risks of defective electric vehicle parts or have been involved in a collision with an electric vehicle, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers are here to help you through these difficult times. Fill out our online contact form or call our office at 717-393-9596 to schedule your free consultation today.