Call Now 202-960-4596
Electric trucks are becoming increasingly common on the road. Hopefully, you’ll never be harmed in an accident involving one. However, even if you’re a cautious motorist, collisions can occur due to the negligence of other parties. You should understand how dangerous a collision with an electric truck can be.
Many factors can influence how harmful an electric truck accident is. If you’ve already been harmed in such an accident, and you have questions about your legal rights, contact our truck accident team at Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation. We’ll gladly discuss how you may take legal action in these circumstances.
Several major manufacturers have entered the electric semi-truck market, transforming the commercial transportation industry. Tesla made headlines with its Semi truck, which began deliveries to companies like PepsiCo in late 2022. Volvo Trucks has established itself as a leader with its VNR Electric model, already operating in commercial fleets across North America. The Freightliner eCascadia, from Daimler Trucks, has gained traction with major carriers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Nikola Corporation has developed both battery-electric and hydrogen-electric trucks, though they’ve faced some challenges in their rollout. Additional players include BYD, which has been expanding its electric truck presence, particularly in Asia and Europe, and traditional manufacturers like Peterbilt and Kenworth, who have also introduced electric versions of their popular models.
Battery-powered electric trucks tend to be heavier than gas-powered trucks. Generally, research indicates that the batteries in electric vehicles are an average of 30% heavier than their gas-powered counterparts.
Because of this, electric power trucks may pose risks that traditional trucks don’t. For example, because electric semi trucks are often significantly heavier than others, truck drivers may have to brake earlier than they normally would to ensure their vehicles stop without causing accidents. Additionally, a heavy electric truck may be more difficult to handle than a lighter vehicle. Even truckers accustomed to hauling heavy loads may struggle to adapt to handling an electric commercial truck.
Heavier batteries in electric cars and trucks may also necessitate structural modifications. Similarly, they can cause weight distribution issues that may influence handling, particularly around tight curves.
Finally, damage and injuries caused by heavier trucks are often more catastrophic than those caused by lighter vehicles.
Contact Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation if you’ve been involved in an accident with an electric truck. You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills and related losses.
It’s important to address the fact that electric vehicles (including trucks) offer certain benefits that deserve to be highlighted. Naturally, they reduce tailpipe emissions, protecting everyone’s health. By reducing the carbon footprint of the trucking industry, these vehicles may also be good for the planet.
It’s also not uncommon for electric semi trucks and similar vehicles to come equipped with safety features that conventional trucks may not offer. Examples include:
Fleet operators (like shipping companies) should also consider how the increased efficiency that EV trucks offer can lower operating costs. A company could save money by switching to electric vehicles for its shipping and transportation needs. If a company uses electric trucks to reduce operating costs in this capacity, it may pass along these savings to consumers, reducing costs for them as well.
Electric batteries in these types of trucks may also result in a lower center of gravity and improved torque.
Just remember that innovative safety features and improved air quality don’t mean that accidents involving electric commercial vehicles can never happen.
When someone is injured in a truck accident due to negligence, they may be eligible to receive financial compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injuries. They can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
A victim must identify the liability parties before doing so. They need to determine who caused the crash to know who should be the target of their claim or lawsuit. Determining liability in an electric vehicle crash can be more challenging than in other crashes. Liable parties may include:
In addition, proving negligence sometimes involves demonstrating that a liable party violated a safety law. Because safety laws for electric vehicles are still developing, the state where an accident occurred could also affect liability.
Speak with our experienced attorneys about your electric truck accident case. We can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the liable party on your behalf.
Electric trucks are still relatively new. Laws are changing accordingly. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends establishing new standards and regulations to prevent battery fires when electric trucks are in operation.
Infrastructure improvements may also be necessary to ensure electric truck safety. For example, expanded access to charging infrastructure can prevent truckers from running out of battery charge on the road. With the fear of depleting battery reserves, sometimes referred to as “range anxiety,” removed, truckers may be less inclined to drive too slowly in an effort to reserve battery power.
Historically, automotive companies and other such parties within the industry have also collaborated to develop safety standards. There’s reason to believe they’ll do the same for electric trucks.
Of course, because laws and regulations surrounding electric trucks are still developing, drivers may not thoroughly understand their rights when accidents happen. Stay informed about your rights regarding electric vehicle accidents – contact our legal team today.
Gasoline-powered trucks have already earned a reputation for causing severe injuries in accidents. The larger and heavier a vehicle is, the greater its capacity to harm crash victims.
Electric semi trucks tend to be heavier than other trucks. That means victims may be at even greater risk of injury or death when electric truck accidents occur.
Be aware that electric truck operators may also require special training. Someone qualified to drive conventional trucks may need extra training before they can operate electric semi trucks with the same degree of skill.
An electric truck accident can be particularly complex. As stated earlier, the cause of such an accident could be anything from driver error to a software issue. Investigators may have to look into an accident more thoroughly to determine how it occurred.
You don’t have to handle tasks like identifying the liable party and filing a claim alone if you’ve been injured in an accident with an electric truck. At Regan Zambri Long, our truck accident attorneys will handle your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Get started today by contacting us for a free consultation.
