Experienced Portland Electric Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Portland Electric Vehicle Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Portland electric vehicle accident attorneys
Have You Been Involved in an Electric Vehicle Accident in Portland, Oregon?
Goldberg & Loren are here to help you navigate the legal complexities of your case.
If you want to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages, contacting Goldberg & Loren is the first step to take. Our dedicated team will fight for your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Call Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation and start your journey toward justice.
Benefits of Hiring an Electric Vehicle Accidents Lawyer
Our specialized attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in handling cases related to electric vehicle accidents and can help you navigate the complex legal processes associated with such incidents.
We can navigate these complexities by collecting evidence, investigating the accident scene, and determining the negligent driver’s liability.
Our dedicated attorneys will understand the importance of obtaining thorough medical documentation and will work to ensure that all your medical expenses are reimbursed.
We calculate both the economic and non-economic losses you have suffered, including medical expenses, emotional distress, and lost wages.
One of the most significant benefits of hiring an electric vehicle accident lawyer is their expertise in navigating the complexities of insurance coverage specific to electric vehicles. Understanding the insurance policies and coverage related to electric vehicles can be challenging for the average person.
Our lawyers will review your auto insurance policy, assess the applicable coverage, and guide you through the process of filing a claim to ensure you receive adequate compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Identifying the Fault Party or Parties Responsible for the Crash
When it comes to motor vehicle accidents involving electric vehicles, one of the unique challenges is the quiet operation of these vehicles, which increases the risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Our personal injury lawyers in Portland will review the accident scene, analyze witness statements, obtain surveillance footage if available, and consult with accident reconstruction experts if needed.
Multiple parties could be at fault in electric vehicle accidents. If an electric car collides with a cyclist in a bike lane, the driver, as well as the car manufacturer, may share responsibility for the accident.
Collecting Evidence to Support Your Electric Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in an electric vehicle accident, one step you should take is to document the scene of the accident and collect evidence to support your personal injury claim. This evidence will be vital in determining liability and proving your case in court.
Take pictures of the accident scene, including any skid marks, vehicle positions, and visible damage. Capture images of any traffic signs or signals that may have contributed to the accident. Photographs of your injuries, as well as the injuries sustained by others involved, can also be valuable evidence.
If you have a smartphone, consider taking videos of the accident scene. This can provide a more comprehensive view of the situation and help recreate the events leading up to the collision. Record any statements made by the negligent party admitting fault or apologizing for their actions.
Collect the contact information of any witnesses present at the scene. Their testimonies can serve as evidence to support your claim. If possible, obtain written statements from them detailing their account of the auto accident.
Make sure to gather all relevant documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and insurance information.
Types of Electric Vehicle Accidents
Collisions with Other Vehicles
One common type of electric vehicle accident involves collisions with other vehicles. Just like conventional vehicles, electric cars can be involved in rear-end accidents, side-impact collisions, or even head-on collisions. These accidents can result from a range of factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield.
Collision with Pedestrians or Bicyclists
Another type of electric vehicle accident involves collisions with pedestrians or bicyclists. With the growing popularity of electric scooters and e-bikes, the number of accidents involving these modes of transportation has also increased. Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable road users, and a collision with an electric vehicle can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
The fact is that EVs and hybrid vehicles produce much less noise than vehicles with an internal combustion engine. This difference may not seem like a significant issue, but when traveling at low speeds, EVs are nearly silent, and this poses a threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists since they do not emit audible warnings to people in their surroundings. [1]
Unique Features
Electric vehicles have unique features, such as regenerative braking systems, which can pose a risk if drivers are not familiar with how to properly operate these vehicles. In some cases, drivers may experience sudden acceleration or loss of control, leading to accidents.
Common Causes of an Electric Vehicle Accident
Distracted Drivers
One common cause of electric vehicle accidents is distracted driving. Just like conventional vehicles, electric car drivers may become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions while behind the wheel. Taking one’s eyes off the road for even a split second can have devastating consequences.
Speeding
Another common cause of electric vehicle accidents is speeding. Some drivers may underestimate the power and acceleration capabilities of electric cars, leading them to push the speed limits.
Speeding not only increases the risk of accidents but also reduces the driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations on the road.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield is also a significant cause of electric vehicle accidents. Electric car drivers, just like any other driver, must follow traffic laws and yield the right of way when necessary.
Failing to yield can result in dangerous collisions, especially in intersections or when merging lanes.
Accidents involving electric vehicles can also occur due to inexperience or unfamiliarity with the unique features of these cars.
Infrastructure and Vehicle Design
Inadequate charging stations or faulty electrical systems can pose hazards on the road, potentially causing fires or other incidents. Manufacturers and infrastructure providers must ensure that their products meet safety standards to prevent accidents.
Common Injuries from an Electric Vehicle Accident
Whiplash
One of the most common types of injuries in electric vehicle accidents is whiplash. When a sudden impact occurs, the force can cause the neck to jerk forward and backward abruptly, resulting in neck strains or sprains.
Whiplash can cause significant pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck, affecting the victim’s daily life and ability to work.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of the impact can cause the head to hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or window, leading to brain damage.
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, impacting memory, cognitive function, and quality of life. Victims of TBI may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Spinal Cord Injury
The sudden impact or crushing force can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often result in lifelong medical complications, requiring specialized care, mobility aids, and adaptations to the victim’s living environment.
Broken Bones
The force of the impact can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. Fractures can be painful, and debilitating; and may require surgery, physical therapy, and prolonged periods of recovery.
Internal Organ Damage
The impact can cause organs to be bruised, lacerated, or punctured, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery and intensive medical care.
Recovering from these injuries can be a long and challenging process, often requiring costly medical treatments, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Victims may experience emotional distress, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life.
Types Of Damages Recoverable After an Electric Vehicle Collision
From physical injuries to emotional trauma, the impact can be profound.
- Medical Expenses:
Following an electric vehicle collision, you may require immediate medical attention, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation. These expenses can quickly add up and create a financial burden. Compensation for medical expenses can cover hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other necessary medical costs. - Lost Wages:
If your injuries from the electric vehicle collision prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both current and future wages that you would have earned if not for the accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may have to take time off work for weeks, months, or even permanently. - Pain and Suffering:
Electric vehicle collisions can result in physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial relief for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life. It takes into account factors such as the intensity of pain, the duration of suffering, and any emotional trauma resulting from the collision. - Property Damage:
In addition to personal injuries, an electric vehicle collision may have caused damage to your vehicle or other property. Compensation can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other damaged property. - Loss of Consortium:
If your loved one was injured or killed in the electric vehicle collision, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional support, or intimacy resulting from their injuries or death. - Punitive Damages:
In cases where the at-fault party's behavior was particularly reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
The International Energy Agency has predicted there could be more than 100 million electric cars on the roads in 2030. [2]
Have you been involved in an electric vehicle accident? Unsure of what to do next?
Look no further than the team of expert Portland Oregon, electric vehicle accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren.
We understand the unique challenges that come with electric vehicle accidents, and we are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced team of Portland, Oregon, electric vehicle accident lawyers help you navigate your case.
Sources:
[1] Could Electric Cars Be Dangerous To Pedestrians? (2023, February 16). Traffic Safety Resource Center. https://www.trafficsafetystore.com/blog/could-electric-cars-be-dangerous-to-pedestrians/
[2] Growth of electric cars: New risks and claims scenarios | AGCS. (n.d.). AGCS Global. https://www.agcs.allianz.com/news-and-insights/news/electric-vehicles.html
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you were injured in an electric vehicle we want to hear from you. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
We Represent Those Injured in an Electric Vehicle in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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